Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 97/2006, 8-9 November, 2006
Editorial
A NEW CHANCE FOR PRESIDENT JAMMEH
To lead a nation for 12 years and get re-elected for another five years
provides an opportunity to any thoughtful leader to sit down and reflect on how
to improve on one’s record of governance so as to promote liberty and
prosperity in a country. A leader who intends to give a fresh start to his/her method
of running the affairs of a country would read the newspapers everyday to
identify the points of major concern. He/she must be a good listener of the
complaints of the people. There is no doubt that liberty is of major concern. In
short, the Central Prison at Mile 2 is a maximum security prison. How can
such a place be transformed into a detention centre for people who have not
been tried by the courts. This is one practice that should have been put to a
stop immediately after the president’s election. Foroyaa strongly recommends
that the President orders an enquiry on regarding the state of detainees in all
prisons and order the release of all those who have been detained for more
than 72 hours without trial. The Chief Justice should also make an enquiry
concerning those who have been detained without speedy prosecution of their
cases. He should order the speedy trial of such cases.
Section 82 of the constitution establishes a committee on the exercise of
prerogative of mercy. This committee should be constituted with immediacy so
that all those who have been in prison for over 12 years and those who have
served the better part of their sentences can be released to reduce prison
congestion?
Furthermore, people should stop giving appreciation for any form of
impunity. Even if one has an axe to grind with someone no one should appreciate
his/her arrest and detention for more than 72 hours. The President should order
such practices to stop with immediacy. If the President wants credibility, he
should meet with religious leaders, heads of all services in the country,
heads of NGOs, heads of political parties, editors of newspapers and other groups
to spread a message of good governance and tolerance. He should ask for
their criticisms on how to improve on governance and take their recommendations
seriously. Rambo or Councillor Ousman Jatta is still in detention. He is a
representative of the people. If such a person is not immune to such harsh
treatment what about the people he represents. There should be decency in
political conduct. One of the norms of political decency is to give respect to those
elected by the people like members of parliament, mayors and councilors.
Should we look forward to a new start as the expiry of the President’s term of
office draw near? The future will tell!!! History will be the Judge posterity
will reveal the verdict.
KANIFING ESTATE FIRE INCIDENT
By Fabakary B. Ceesay and Bubacarr K. Sowe
The death toll on the fire accident at the Kanifing Estate continues to
rise. Five out of the fourteen people who are hospitalized at the Royal Victoria
Teaching Hospital have died. The quintet sustained injuries following the
blast that racked the residents of Kanifing Estate. Two of the victims, Mustapha
Kanteh, aged 22 and Ousman Bidwell passed away on Saturday, 14th November
2006. Mustapha Kanteh was an employee of The Gambia Ports Authority and Ousman
Bidwell, a student at the Trust Communications Institute and also a newly
enlisted student at The University of The Gambia. The duo, who were said to be
intimate friends, were all laid to rest at the Kanifing South cemetery on
Sunday 5th November at around 11:45 am. The funeral services were conducted at the
Kanifing Estate Mosque and prayers were led by Imam Sheikh Hydara. Imam Baba
Leigh described the two as true Muslims, who die while trying to save the
lives of their neighbours. Imam Tafsir Gaye, said it is the will of Allah that
the two should die in that circumstance, but called on relatives and
neighbours to accept it in good faith and to continue to give them prayers. Mr. Abdou
Bah, Deputy Director of Ports Authority and Francis Gomez, Acting Mayor of
KMC attended the funeral.
In addition to the two who died, three more victims of the gas explosion
died recently. The trios are; Pa Amat Jagne a 42 year old who until his death
was a Red Cross Volunteer. He was survived by two wives and three children.
Demba Ndow a 48 year old was a senior accountant at GPTC and a lecturer at MDI.
Mr. Ndow is also survived by a wife and children. Momodou Lamin Touray, alias
Benjamin was aged 32. They were laid to rest at 5 pm at the Kanifing South
Cemetery on Monday the 6th of November 2006.
AZIZ TAMBA SEEN AT NIA
By Mr. Aziz Tamba, the APRC Assistant Youth Mobiliser was on Monday seen by
this reporter at the entrance of the offices of the NIA as he was being
escorted out of those offices. Upon investigation this reporter learnt that Mr.
Tamba was in fact arrested at the NYSS headquarters near the Independence
Stadium on Tuesday 31st October 2006 and taken to Mile II Prison for detention.
This means that Mr. Aziz Tamba has been detained for more than 72 hours
contrary to the requirement of the constitution that he should be released if he is
not taken to court within this period. This reporter was also informed that
Mr. Tamba was being escorted back to Mile II Prison.
According to sources, Mr. Tamba’s arrest came in the wake of a recent party
organized by the so-called “Green Boys” to celebrate President Jammeh’s
election victory. A youth who was present when Mr. Tamba was being arrested said
Mr. Tamba was taken by four security personnel after the youths reported
their dissatisfaction over the way and manner the party was conducted.
BUNJA DARBOE AND CO
Trial Within Trial Continues
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The trial within a trial at the court martial continued on Saturday 4th
November with the cross examinations of the independent witnesses, Tijan Bojang
and Babou Loum. During cross examinations, defence counsel Jobarteh, asked
Tijan Bojang, where the armed officer was sitting and how many of them were in
the room when Wassa was making his statement. Bojang replied that the armed
officer was sitting outside the room with his gun in his hand and that they
were four (4) in number in the room. Jobarteh put it to him that the armed
officer was standing with his gun and that the previous day he (Bojang) said they
were three in the room. Bojang maintained that the armed officer was sitting
and that they were three in the room including Lamin Cham. Defence counsel
Jobarteh asked the witness to read the top part of the cautionary statement
that is obtained on the 22nd March. He replied that he cannot read. Mr. Jobarteh
said that on the last page of TWT one (1), (the exhibit) the independent
witness did not sign the document and that there were alterations and scratches
on page five of TWT one (1). Jobarteh asked him who could have done those
scratches and alterations apart from Abdoulie Sowe, he replied that there are
alterations and scratches but could not tell he did that. Jobarteh asked the
witness to tell the court which words were altered, Bojang replied that he
couldn’t read. Jobarteh asked the witness to tell the court which school he
attended, Bojang said, “I cannot answer that question.” At this juncture, counsel
Jobarteh asked Justice Agim to warn the witness to answer his questions in a
respectful and polite way but not in rude manner. Justice Agim then warned
the witness to answer the question of the defence. “If you don’t answer the
questions it means, you don’t respect the court, and also that it means you are
not telling the truth,” said Agim. The witness then replied that he attended
Sukuta Secondary School up to form four (4) and graduated with good marks
but that he did not pass English language. Mr. Bojang admitted that, all the
exams he sat to are all in English. “Then if you said, you cannot read, it
means you are not telling the truth” said Jobarteh. “Am saying nothing but the
truth,” replied Bojang.
Babou Loum Testifies
One Babou Loum, a native of Barra in North Bank Division cum video club
operator, said that he was called by Sergeant Ndure on the early hours of the
28th March to come and served as an independent witness to the case of Wassa
Camara. He said that Sergeant Ndure asked him to meet him at the NIA office. He
said upon his arrival at the NIA, Ndure introduced him to Abdoulie Sowe and
told him that he is the person to serve as an independent witness to Wassa
Camara. He said that Sowe then introduced him to Wassa Camara as an independent
witness and Wassa responded, “No problem.” He said that Sowe then told Wassa
that anything he write will be taken as an evidence. “I also asked Wassa to
write carefully because he was not forced,” Loum said. He added, Wassa wrote
his own statement. He said he and Sowe later asked Wassa whether he is ready.
He added that, Wassa told them that he had finished writing his statement
and they all signed and he (Babou) left the office.
DPP Emmanuel Fagbenle asked the witness the names of the people who were
present when Wassa was making his statement. Loum said that himself, Wassa
Camara, Abdoulie Sowe and Lamin Cham were present. Fagbenle also asked him whether
he would be able to recognise the statement; he replied that he will
recognise his signature. He pointed to his signature and that of the accused person
(Wassa) on the exhibit.
Cross Examination By Lamin Jobarteh
During cross examination, Babou Loum told the court that he attended Essau
Primary School and later proceeded to a secondary school. He said that, he
spent four years at secondary school and sat to the secondary fourth
examinations and passed only one (1) subject that is English language. Mr. Jobarteh
asked the witness to look at exhibit TWT 3 on page one (1) at line five (5), six
(6) and seven (7) and tell the court who wrote those words. Mr. Loum replied
that it was written by the accused person (Wassa). Jobarteh asked him to look
at the same place where it was written, “Babou Loum, of Barra,” whether it
is written by the same person, he replied, no. Mr. Jobarteh asked him who
could have written “Babou Loum of Barra and 1580 A. Sowe. Loum replied that it
was written by Sowe. Mr. Jobarteh asked him to compare the words, Babou Loum
of Barra and Detective Sowe, whether they are written by the same person, he
replied in the positive. Jobarteh asked him how many of them were in the room
when Wassa was writing his statement and what was the position of the armed
officer. He said that they were four in number in the room and that the armed
officer was sitting outside. Counsel Jobarteh asked him to tell the court the
type of dress Wassa wore on that day and the others. Loum said, he cannot
remember the type of dress Wassa put on that day, but that the armed officer
was in full uniform, Abdoulie Sowe in civil dress, Sergeant Ndure and himself
were dressed in civil clothes. “You cannot remember what was Wassa dressed in
but can remember others. Am putting it to you that Wassa was putting on a
short trouser,” Jobarteh said. Mr. Loum told the court that he was not
concentrating on Wassa like he was to others, but that the little glimpse he had on
Wassa he can identify something on him. Jobarteh asked him whether he had seen
any mark on Wassa’s head, forehead and face on that date. Loum said he had
not observed any mark on Captain Wassa Camara on that date. “Am putting it to
you that Wassa was severely tortured and that resulted to the marks on him,”
Jobarteh noted. Loum replied that he is not aware of it.
Jobarteh concluded by telling the witness that the only truth he told the
court is his name and surname, the witness replied that he was telling the
truth. Sitting will continue on Thursday, 9th November. The defence are expected
to call their witnesses.
CORPORAL SAMBA BAH STILL INCARCERATED
By Abdou Yanka
Corporal Samba Bah of The Gambia Armed Forces is still detained at the Mile
Two Central Prison. Corporal Bah was arrested and detained shortly after the
alleged coup plot led by Chief of Defence Staff, Ndure Cham, was foiled by
the Armed Forces.
The family members and friends of Corporal Bah said their loved one was
arrested in March shortly after the foiled coup plot. They said that the arrest
and detention of Corporal Bah has not been reported in any of the newspapers.
They further indicated that Corporal Bah is neither charge nor arraign in
court by the authorities.
This reporter made efforts to speak to the Army Spokesperson, Captain Lamin
Gano, but he was told that the latter went out. A Senior Army Officer said he
did not know why Samba it not release.
Corporal Bah enlisted in The Gambia National Army in 1990 as part of the GNA’
s intake fourteen. He has served in different braches of the military and
had served as a bodyguard to Retired Captain Yankuba Touray.
LAMIN VILLAGE ASSAULT CASE CONTINUES
By Modou Jonga
On Thursday 2nd November 2006, Lamin Badjie, a resident of Lamin village and
a Police Officer attached to the Yundum Police Station gave his testimony on
the Lamin village assault case at the Brikama Magistrates Court presided
over by Magistrate EF Mbai.
The assault case involves Ousman Jammeh (the accused) and Amadou Saho (the
complainant) all residents of Lamin Village, Kombo North. The assault
allegedly happened on the 18th June 2006 at Lamin village and involved the use of a
cutlass.
In giving his testimony, 1713 Badjie said while on duty on 18th June 2006
between 12.00 1.00 am a vehicle arrived at the Police State with Amadou Saho
(the complainant) and his friend. He said Amadou’s body was covered in blood.
It is reported that he (the complainant was assaulted by one Ousman Jammeh
(the accused).
The second witness further informed the court that he was assigned to escort
the complainant to the Banjuluinding Health Centre for medical attention but
was later referred to RVTH. Upon arrival at RVTH, stated the witness, the
complainant was admitted.
On the following day, said the witness, the complainant was at the said
Police Station saying Amadou Saho had been released. The second witness, he
together with one Immigration Officer, went to arrest the accused to be brought to
the Yundum Police Station. At the Police Station, the second witness said,
the accused admitted assaulting the complainant with a cutlass, which he (the
accused) had hidden in his home. The said cutlass was retrieved by the
accused, accompanied by the second witness and another Police Officer, the second
witness said.
The said cutlass which was identified by the second witness was therein
tendered in court and marked as an exhibit. After some weeks, stated the second
witness, he went with the complainant to RVTH where the latter was issued with
a medical certificate. The said medical certificate and the blood stained
shirt worn by the complainant at the time of the assault were tendered in court
and marked as exhibits without objection by the accused. The trial was
adjourned till Thursday 16th November, 2006 for the case of the defence. (Ousman
Jammeh).
MAIMUNA TAAL’S CASE
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The High Court on Monday ordered the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to
produce the documents that are needed as evidence on the criminal trial of
Maimuna Taal, the Ex-Managing Directress of the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority.
Justice Monageng ruled that the NIA should bring two of the remaining items
to court or a senior member of the agency should go to court and explain what
is contained in those documents.
A Human Resource Manager at the GCAA informed the court that they couldn’t
produce all the required documents due to the fact that one of their files is
still with the NIA. He also said that the Minutes of the meeting of a
contract committee could not be obtained from members of the committee.
The defence counsel, Antouman Gaye called on the court to acquit and
discharge the accused since the NIA has fail or is reluctant to produce the
documents in court. He said that it is not about the defence or the prosecution, but
it is the authority of the court that is at test, since a previous court
order (June 21st 2006) was flouted by NIA.
The State Counsel, Marie Saine argued that efforts were made to make the
documents available. She said the act couldn’t be seen as unwillingness or
disobedience of the court. She asked for opportunity to be given to the
prosecution to enable them to know why the items are still not in court. Saine also
said that it would be premature to acquit the accused since 80% of the required
evidence is already in court.
The presiding judge then ruled that the documents should be made available
by the NIA before the next adjourned date or else they come to court and
explain what is in the documents. The trial proceeds on 13th November 2006.
KAFUTA’S ALAKALO SACKED
By Abdoulie G.Dibba
Basoli Bojang has been relieved of his position as the Alkalo of Kafuta, a
source told this paper.
His appointment as the Alkalo of the village is revoked by the authorities.
According to a source one Kata Bojang has been appointed as the Acting Alkalo
of Kafuta. When this reporter visited Kafuta on Monday, he spoke to Basoli
Bojang. According to Basoli, his termination came as a surprise to him,
because he was appointed in August 2006. He noted that he has not been found
wanting as far as he knows. He told this reporter that they (he and his supporters)
would petition the Department of State for Local Government and Land on the
matter. Basoli told this reporter that he received his termination letter on
Thursday 26th October, 2006. Talking to this reporter at his home, the newly
appointed Alkalo of Kafuta Kata Bojang, indicated that he received his
appointment letter on Thursday 26th October 2006 from the Chief of Kombo East, Musa
Jarjue. Kata further showed the appointment letter to this reporter. The
letter is dated 25th October 2006. Kata called on the people of Kafuta to
maintain peace and order in the village as their ancestors used to do.
LAMIN FATTY’S CASE ADJOURNED
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The criminal trial involving journalist Lamin Fatty and the state has
suffered another setback due to the absence of the prosecution witness. The case
was called before principal Magistrate, Kebba Sanyang of the Kanifing
Magistrate Court on Tuesday 7th November 2006, but the prosecution witness was not
present. The defence counsel, Lamin S. Camara, told the court that, the
prosecution witness failed to appear since the last sitting and that the Magistrate
promised earlier that he will discharge and acquit the defendant if the
prosecution witness did not appear in court. Mr. Camara then applied for the case
to be struck out, saying “Justice delayed is justice denied.” Principal
Magistrate Sanyang over ruled his application and adjourned the case to 20th
November 2006.
RAPE CASE IN COURT
By Modou Jonga
Abdoulie Badjie, a 32 year old Gambian was on Monday 6th November 2006
arraigned at the Brikama Magistrates Court. The accused changed his plea of guilty
to not guilty.
The alleged rape was said to have happened at Sintet Village in the Foni
Jarrol District. The accused changed his plea of guilty to not guilty after the
facts of the case were narrated by the Police Prosecutor ASP Badjie. The girl
(name withheld) is said to be a peace corp volunteer. The accused was said
to have carnal knowledge of the girl. The case was adjourned till 24th
November 2006.
To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface
at: http://listserv.icors.org/archives/gambia-l.html
To Search in the Gambia-L archives, go to: http://listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?S1=gambia-l
To contact the List Management, please send an e-mail to:
[log in to unmask]
|