Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 92/2007,   8 – 9  August 2007

Editorial
The Press and Party Politics

The press can enhance democratic discourse. It can also promote mediocrity  
in political discourse. It depends on the topics they raise with political  
figures. Political parties are required by law to perform certain National  
duties if they are to be relevant. The leaders of such political parties should  
perform such duties.
Section 103 A of the Election Decree states that  political parties may be 
established to  
(a)        participate in the shaping of  /or political will of people
(b)         disseminate information of political ideas and on political,  
economic and  social programmes of national character; and  
(c)        sponsor candidates for public  elections
Hence a relevant political party and leader must make relevant  
pronouncements that will help the people to shape their political will.
Such  a party or leader should disseminate information of their political 
ideas and  the social and economic programmes they believe could foster the 
liberty and  prosperity of the people. 
Serious political parties and leaders must prepare  the ground to sponsor 
candidates during public elections, either on their own or  through alliances. 
Section 207 Subsection (3) of the Constitution states  that “The press and 
other information media shall at all times be free to uphold  the principles, 
provisions and objectives of the Constitution and the  responsibility and 
accountability of the government to the people of the  Gambia.”
It is the objective of the Constitution to have mature and  responsible 
political parties and leaders who will concentrate on explaining  their political, 
economic and social programmes and analyse those of their  opponents in order 
to help the people shape their political will.
Media  houses who envisage their media practitioners to jump from one 
political leader  to another to raise trivial comments they make regarding each other 
are  promoters of political mediocrity. Such media practitioners must be seen 
to be  undermining the democratic process. 
The Gambian people should begin to see  such media practitioners to be 
unprofessional in their conduct. Foroyaa wishes  to advise all those who wish to be 
political leaders of this country to  recognize the importance of the office 
of representation and adhere to a code of  conduct in political discourse that 
will not bring the role of political  leadership into disrepute. One has to 
read The Bite of The Point to know the  intention of those who jump from one 
figure in the opposition to another without  contacting any member of the ruling 
party to comment on matters that concerns  them. This should be enough food 
for thought for the wise.

Treason Trial Judgment Tomorrow
By Bubacarr K. Sowe

The treason trial of Tamsir Jasseh, Alieu Jobe, Omar Faal (Keita) and Demba  
Dem, who are accused of taking part in the March 2006 attempted coup d’etat is 
 set for judgment tomorrow, Thursday, August 9.
The day for the judgment was  announced by Justice Avril Anin Yeboah at the 
High Court on Monday, August 6,  following the adoption of the addresses of 
both the prosecution and the  defence.
The four civilians are the remaining accused persons on trial  following the 
conviction of ten military officers for the same offence by a  court martial 
in April this year.
The fifth accused person, Tamsir Jasseh was  former Director of Immigration 
and ex-Deputy Inspector General of Police, the  sixth accused person, Alieu 
Jobe was Director of the Treasury, the seventh  accused, Omar Faal (Keita) is a 
marabout, while the eighth accused person, Demba  Dem was a National Assembly 
Member for Niani  constituency. 

Fatou Jaw Manneh’s Trial in Limbo
As Second  Magistrate Rejects Case
By Fabakary B. Ceesay

The trial of journalist Fatou Jaw Manneh has yet again suffered a serious  
setback as another trial magistrate declines to preside over the case. This is  
the second time at a different magistrate court, which a magistrate has 
declined  to preside over the case.
Magistrate Imelda Mboto, of the Banjul Magistrate  Court on Monday 6 August 
ruled that her court has no jurisdiction to try  journalist Fatou Jaw Manneh, 
who has been standing trial on sedition charges  since April. When the case was 
called, the two counsels, Lamin S. Jobarteh, for  the defence and A.S Umar 
for the state announced their representation for their  respective sides. 
Magistrate Mboto, first told the court that the reason for her  absence on the last 
sitting 2 August was due to the fact that she was suffering  from “Pneumonia.”
 The Magistrate was seen writing without uttering any more  words up to about 
five minutes. She later read out her ruling on the matter.  Magistrate Mboto 
ruled that she had done a careful study of the case file, that  the reason 
given for the case to be transferred before Banjul Magistrates’ Court  is that 
the instrument used in the case was a computer used to download the  information 
from the Internet in Banjul. She said, “the instrument in this case  is not 
just a computer; that the information was from an Internet which had a  global 
use and not only in Banjul”. Continuing, she indicated that the accused  
person was arrested at the airport, which is not under her jurisdiction but  
instead in the jurisdiction of Brikama. She cited a case to back her claims. She  
said that she would transfer the case to Brikama Magistrates’ Court, because as  
she said, the accused person was arrested under the jurisdiction of  Brikama.
Both counsels did not utter a word. The State Counsel A.S. Umar,  picked up 
his file and left with his colleague while the defence counsel, Lamin  
Jobarteh, was left inside the court with the stunned court attendants reflecting  on 
the move made by the Magistrate. There was much noise in the courtroom.  
It could be recalled that Fatou Jaw Manneh, a Gambian Journalist based in  
the United States of America (USA), was arrested on her arrival at the Banjul  
International Airport on the 28 March and detained at the National Intelligence 
 Agency (NIA) for five days. She first appeared before Magistrate Pa Harry 
Jammeh  of the Kanifing Magistrate court on the 3 April, she did not take her 
plea in  the absence of a counsel.
The following day she re-appeared before Magistrate  Buba Jawo of the said 
Magistrates’ Court. Her counsel challenged the entire  jurisdiction of The 
Gambian court to hear the case as the alleged offences were  said to have been done 
while the accused was in USA. Magistrate Jawo upheld that  his court had the 
jurisdiction to hear the case. As the trial was before  Magistrate Jawo, on 
Thursday 3 July, he ruled that his court has no jurisdiction  to hear the case 
all the investigations pertaining to the case were done in  Banjul. He, 
therefore, transferred the case to the Banjul Magistrates’ Court.  The case was 
re-assigned to Magistrate Imelda Mboto on the 17 July but the  accused and the 
defence counsel were not present in court and the matter was  adjourned to 2 
August, which could not also proceed due to the  absence of  the Magistrate.
On the third hearing date, 6 August, Magistrate Mboto also  distanced herself 
from the case by transferring it to Brikama for her courts’  lack of 
jurisdiction to hear the case.
Journalist Fatou Jaw Manneh was  standing trial for allegedly uttering 
seditious words with seditious intentions  to cause fear and alarm in The Gambia.

“National Planning and  Budgeting Process Must be Opened Up,”
Acting Country Director AATG
By  Bubacarr K. Sowe

The national planning and budgeting process must be opened up and an  
opportunity be given to the poor and marginalised people to fully and actively  
engage with the process, said Omar Badjie, acting country Director of ActionAid  
The Gambia.
Mr. Badjie was speaking at the 2008 annual budget interface  forum, recently 
organised by the Pro-Poor Advocacy Group (Pro-PAG) at the  Paradise Suites 
Hotel. Mr. Badjie who doubles as the Programme Development  Manager said the 
involvement of the poor is crucial and fundamental in the fight  against ignorance 
and poverty.
He said: “For effective participation to take  place, the capacities of the 
poor and vulnerable, especially women, children,  youths and the physically 
challenged people will have to be consistently  assessed and built.” Mr. Badjie 
said that it is only when the poor are empowered  and capacitised that they can 
take control of their development process, which  he said should be the 
ultimate objective of any well-meaning development  programme.
He remarked that any genuine empowerment process, which after all  is a 
prerequisite to participation, should be seen to enhance transparency and  
accountability at all levels.
“These values cannot be compromised; they must  be upheld and promoted at all 
costs, if the gains made in improving the lives  and livelihoods of the 
people were to be sustained for the next generations to  benefit from,” Mr. Badjie 
expressed.
He added that the very poor of any  community are the most vulnerable, less 
visible, voiceless, powerless and mostly  marginalised with less opportunity to 
take part in any decision that will affect  their lives. He said: “They 
hardly attend public gatherings including meetings  and even where they attend, 
they remain in the periphery and generally silent.  Yet they are the people who 
need our support most, they are the people whose  views we need to search for 
and get reflected in plans and budgets so that  appropriate support mechanisms 
are designed to get them out of  poverty.” 

KMC Fulfils Promise to Collect Refuse
By Yaya  Dampha

Days after the last monthly cleaning exercise, commonly known as set-setal,  
a lot of uncollected refuse, dumped indiscriminately along the highway and  
behind the Tallinding market, was not collected.
This reporter took  photographs of all these uncollected refuse dumps and 
proceeded to the KMC  cleaning services where he met one Mr. Kemo Conteh, a 
senior supervisor at the  Cleaning Service. When Mr. Conteh was shown the pictures 
he explained that the  lack of vehicles and fuel were responsible for the 
delay in the waste collection  exercise. He said the Cleansing Service is making 
every effort to address the  situation.
Soon after the Foroyaa publication of the story captioned  “Uncollected 
Refuse in KMC” the council proceeded to collect the refuse along  the highway and 
also the ones behind the Talinding Market.
Mr. Conteh called  our reporter and informed him that the refuse was 
collected. He further promised  that they would make sure that such problems do not 
occur again. He said the KMC  is for the people and that they would make all 
efforts to satisfy the people.  Mr. Conteh called on the people not to dump their 
refuse during the cleaning  exercise near public places and business centres.

Training For  Security Officers
By Madiba Singhateh

The Gambia Police Force organised a one-week training course for junior and  
senior Inspectors at the Joint Officer’s Mess in Kotu on 6 August 2007.
Mr.  Famara Jammeh, the police adviser, in his speech said that this training 
is a  manifestation of efforts in making sure that security personnel acquire 
and  perform the necessary training and skills inorder to better serve the 
people of  their beloved nation. He said that the training should be seen as a 
cardinal  component of the development, efficiency and productivity of The 
Gambia police;  that the objective of good policing can be realised through a 
healthy police -  community relationship that will enable them to build safe and 
secure  environment for the citizenry based on the principle of the rule of 
law. He  urged for the existence of cordial relations between the community and 
the  police.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr. Modou Gaye, in his  opening 
statement noted that it is no secret that the law enforcement agencies,  
particularly the police, in recent past, have been and are constantly exercising  
professionalism and technical know how; that they are required to perform their  
duties from the station, motor highways (road traffic) and to the courts. Mr.  
Gaye said policing is becoming more increasingly a challenge which require them  
to acquire the requisite knowledge, skills and attitude as well as appearance 
 which they can adopt inorder to properly confront and combat crime. He said 
the  training is essential in improving the human resource base of any 
institution.  The DIGP, therefore, urged all of them to seize this opportunity to 
learn new  skills and approaches, as it would go a long way in improving their  
performance.
Mr. Gaye added that they have a lot of challenges in delivering  their duties 
and appealed for the support of the public.
After the vote of  thanks was given by Commissioner Burama Dibba, Mr. Gaye 
declared the training  open and concluded calling the officers to obey the rules 
and the law and to  have concern with human rights and preserve and protect  
property.

Councillor Lamin L.S Manneh Clarifies

In issue No. 90/2007, headlined; “D100, 000 TO EACH KMC COUNCILLOR TO  
REHABILITATE ROADS” Foroyaa has published a letter from a concerned resident of  
Bundung Bantaba / Borehole Ward, who felt that what he has witnessed being done  
on the roads where he lives is not satisfactory; that the pot holes on the 
road  which joins the Western end of Bundung Bantaba to Gambi-Bolong Street was 
filled  with refuse mixed with soil from the main dumpsite in the area. He also 
said  similar works were done in the Nboyo field. He claims that this makes 
the roads  stinky  and almost impassable for people walking on foot etc.
The  councillor of the area Mr. Lamin L.S Manneh, came to the Foroyaa to 
clarify  matters. Mr. Manneh denied dumping refuse from the dumpsite on any road. 
He said  he was given only D100,000 to rehabilitate the most seriously damaged 
roads in  his area. He said he rehabilitated Amilcar Cabral Street, between 
Njie Kunda to  Santa Yalla Street; that he has also rehabilitated the road 
between Bundung  Borehole Market, the road adjacent to Gambi Bolong road, and a 
portion between  Milton Margai Street and Bantaba Street.
Mr. Manneh, councillor for Bundung  Bantaba / Borehole Ward indicated that he 
was able to have only 30 trips of  gravel which he used in these roads and it 
was exhausted. He said that he will  not in his capacity as a politician go 
and bring refuse and dump it on people’s  roads as this that would tarnish his 
image in the community he is suppose to  serve.
Mr. Manneh however came with an elderly person by the name Ebrima  Saidy, 
alias Erkil, who said he was an old driver and he was the one who dumped  the six 
trips on the road referred to by our correspondent.
Mr. Erkil Manneh  said the area had stagnant water between Gambi-Bolong 
Mosque and Milton Margai  road and he went to the dumpsite and brought six trips 
and put it on the road  out of good faith. He said he did that voluntarily. He 
also said he believed  that is what is better than the stagnant water because, 
as he claimed, vehicles  and people could not move in the water. He said when 
he dumped this soil, they  made sure that it was pressed so that both vehicles 
and humans can move easily  on it. He claimed to be a patriotic citizen and 
was helping the councillor in  his good work.

Re-Arrangement at the High Court
By Bubacarr K.  Sowe

There has been a reshuffle of judges at the High Court, stated a circular  
signed by the Judicial Secretary, Nguie Mboob Janneh.
According to the  circular, the commercial division will be presided over by 
Justice A.M.A Dordzie  and Justice E.A Ota, while Justice M.M Yamoa will sit 
in the criminal  division.
Meanwhile, the civil and land division will be presided over by  Justice 
Avril Anin Yeboah, the miscellaneous and family division will be heard  by Justice 
H.C Roche, while Justice Sanji M. Monageng will be at the Brikama and  Basse 
division.
The statement from the Judicial Secretary indicated that the  changes will be 
effective from October 1. 
“Cases pending in each division  are hereby transferred to the judges 
assigned in the said divisions,” the  statement reads.
Before this re-arrangement, Justice Dordzie was at the  miscellaneous and 
family division, Justice Ota was at the commercial division,  Justice Yamoa was 
at the civil and land division, Justice Yeboah was at the  Brikama division, 
Justice Roche was at the commercial division while Justice  Monageng was at 
criminal division and Basse  division. 

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
IS MONEY LIFE?
With Amie  Sillah
Part 2

Ellen Visits Chaneh
Ellen visited Chaneh in the  city. She protested against how Chaneh treated 
Lang. “Girl! You are wicked!”  “How?” Chaneh challenged her. “You betrayed 
and mocked at Lang. Chaneh! Lang  gave you his life. Lang is a promising young 
man, entrepreneuring! He could be  anything tomorrow. 
Nothing is static. Lang has his skills. What he needs  only is capital. But 
above all her loves and adores you. You know Lang since  childhood. You were 
consently betrothed to each other. Why the change now? You  do not know Essa. He 
is a total stranger. You married him for prestige and  money. That does not 
last but true love does.” Ellen told her friend. Chaneh  laughed at her face. “
Girlfriend! Are you not happy for me? I have married the  man of my dreams. 
Essa has cash and prestige. That’s what I need now not Lang’s  stupid poverty 
love. Rejoice with me girlfriend don’t discourage me! Enough of  your 
sanctimonious attitude! Can I choose between Honda Bike and Limousine?”  Chaneh mocked 
at Ellen. “Lang came to ask me to quit affluence and marry to  poverty. Let 
him go and marry a village girl not Chaneh. Ellen told her about  Lang’s 
accident. “Oh he died! Am sorry! Allah be praised! I would have been a  widow. “Who 
told you Lang died? I said he was involved in an accident. He is  badly 
injured. When he left your place at night his transport was involved in an  
accident. “Chaneh was disappointed. “Lang is stubborn. I asked him to spend the  
night but he refused”. “Spend the night where? In your husband house!” Ellen  
questioned. “No! Not in my husband’s house but with the gateman until in the  
morning but he flatly refused.” “Whatever! But remember that you have betrayed 
 the love of a genuine friend and Allah is watching”. Helen cautioned.

Lang Is Discharged
Lang was discharged. He returned to his home. Being a  bachelor he was doing 
laundry with one hand. The other hand was in a sling. He  was in great pains.

Ellen Pays A Visit
Ellen is a concerned friend and neighbour. She came  to visit Lang and found 
his condition. She protested. “This is undone. I am a  friend and a neighbour. 
You should ask me to help. What are neighbour’s for if  not to help each 
other in need”. “I don’t want to bother you that’s all”. Lang  told her. “This 
is no bothering. We should be our sister’s and brother’s  keeper”. Ellen took 
the laundry and did it for Lang. He was very grateful. “What  do you want for 
lunch? You can give me the fish money. I’ll cook for you”. “You  can cook 
your tasty pepper soup with ‘chereh’ (coos)”. “Fish or meat?” “Use fish  ‘
Yaboye Moroc’. Lang told Ellen. Ellen went to the market and cooked Lang a  
delicious fish pepper soup with ‘Chereh’ (coos).

Lang Asks About Chaneh
“I understand you visited Chaneh. What did she  say?” Ellen was disappointed 
with Lang. “You still ask about Chaneh? She has  forgotten you. She is now 
happily married. Forget about her. If not you can land  yourself into trouble. 
That’s my honest advise to you”. Lang prayed for Ellen.  “You are a beautiful 
woman with a kind heart. I prayed that Allah give you a  good spirited husband 
who will treat you like an egg”. “Amen!” Ellen laughed  over it.

At The Health Centre
Lang accompanied by Ousman went to the Health  Centre to dress his wounds. 
They met nurse Fatima, a kind spirited nurse. She  attended to them very nicely. 
Ousman got interested in Fatima. They exchanged  cell numbers and promised to 
see each other again. Lang teased his friend. “How  are you eying her like 
that? Do you know her marital status?” “She is single and  available”.  “How 
do you know?” Lang challenged. “I’ve already been  informed by her very self”
. “You are swift and smart”. “Trust me. I go or what I  want. I don’t bit 
about the bush like some guys”. “Which guys?” Lang was  defensive. “Those guys 
know themselves. Who the cap fits!” Ousman teased  Lang.

Lang Reflects
Lang reflected on Ellen. “I like Ellen. She nursed me like  a baby. No 
complaints, always cheerful. I am developing strong feelings for  her”. Lang 
confided in Ousman. “Did you let Ellen know?” “No! Not yet!” “Why?”  “Because 
Ellen would say I went to her because Chaneh jilted me. Can you help me  tell her 
I have fallen for her”. Lang begged Ousman. “Okay! I’ll tell her but  you 
should also tell nurse Fatima that I love her. “Sure! Tit for Tat!” Lang  
teased. “There are no free meals”.

Ousman Tells Ellen
Ousman visited Ellen’s tailoring shop and told her  about Lang’s feelings. 
Ellen rejected outright. “Nonsense! I like Lang but I  don’t love him. 
Moreover Lang wants to use me as a second fiddle because Chaneh  dropped him. What 
about if Chaneh changes her mind; where does that leaves us? I  don’t want 
disappointment. Allah’s time is the best. Let leave sleeping dog lay.  Chaneh is my 
friend. I don’t want her to think that I have betrayed her. Lang  was her 
betrothed. I have spoken a lot to get them back again. If I befriend  Lang, 
Chaneh would say this was my plan. And all my efforts would be seen as  hypocritical
”. Tell Lang I would be shy if I am near him. I don’t want to get  married 
now”. Ousman was still hopeful. “Okay! It is sudden! Think over it. Lang  
loves you. If you reciprocate it will be superb. Chaneh is a past chapter and  
should have nothing to do with your decision”. Ousman reassured Ellen.

Chaneh And Essa
The honey moon is over. Friction started. They are two  strangers. They did 
not court long enough to know each other. It started with  petty quarrels, 
excessive demands, suspicion and lack of trust. They started  accusing each other 
of one thing or another. Essa found his CEO’s complimentary  card in Chaneh’s 
bag. He confronted her. “What is my boss’s card doing in your  bag?” Chaneh 
lied. “Oh! He gave it to me at our reception party. Why? How did  you get it? 
Where you searching my bag?” Chaneh became furious. “I’ll not answer  your 
question. I am warning you. Keep away from my office colleagues. Infact  
everyone from that office”. Chaneh was frustrated. “My ex-boy friend treated me  
with love and respect. He trusted me. He is not a salaried worker but he is  
struggling and is living with dignity”. “I don’t care. My word is final”. He  
snatched Chaneh’s phone from her. He reminded Chaneh of her past. “I got from  
the village gutters and cleaned your filth. You cannot bluff me. I know your  
games. Watch your back”. Essa left in the rage. Chaneh sulked.

Playing Games
Chaneh is now into full time prostitution. Her marriage to  Essa is a front, 
cover up. She became very unfaithful to her husband. Alhajj  Basir will pick 
her up and go to hideout places with her. He lashed money over  her. He enjoyed 
the hide and seek game with Chaneh. Chaneh’s face was swollen.  Alhajj showed 
concerned. “What happened to my angel? Your face is swollen!”  Chaneh 
reported her husband. “Essa hit me”. “Hit you! Why?” “He suspected us”.  “So 
what! What do you want me to do?” I don’t know”. “I’ll terminate his  services 
with my company”. Alhajj threatened. Chaneh protested. “No! Don’t  terminate 
my husband’s services. Just threatened him not to hit me again”.  

Lang Visits Ellen
“if Moses would not come to the mountain the mountain  comes to him. I have 
come for my answer. Look into my eyes and tell me you don’t  love me and then I’
ll never bother you again”. Ellen hesitated. “What would  people say? That I 
exchange with my friend”. Why do you choose me?” “People  would say 
anything. It is their business. I did not leave Chaneh. She is the one  how betrayed 
my love. Should I stay single and mourn over it for the rest of my  life? No 
Ellen! No! my life have to go on! I was blinded y the shine of Chaneh’s  skin 
but now I am awoken! All that glitters is not gold”. “Well! Give me more  time 
Lang. I’ll think about it”. “But for how long? Am I going to wait for  
eternity?” “Wait as long as necessary. I don’t want to rush into a matter I’ll  
regret in a life time”. Ellen cautioned.

Ellen Responds
Ellen responded positively. She could not face Lang to  tell him. She was 
shy. She wrote her response in a letter. She came up to Lang’s  gate, gave it to 
a boy to give to him then ran away. Lang read the letter. He  became elated 
and ran after Ellen. He caught up with her. They embraced each  other and thank 
Allah for the reunion. Their love became sealed. 

The Friends Visited Uncle Victor
Uncle Victor is Ellen’s maternal uncle.  He is a retired diplomat. He has 
accumulated wealth. He have assets in Europe,  U.S and Some African capitals. He 
is a widower and also a philanthropist. He  develop a trust fund to sponsor 
education, pay hospital bills, helps in  micro-credit funds for women’s groups. 
He is generous and pleasant. He is  blessed with two daughters and two sons. 
They are now married and are all  graduates of different disciplines. He is 
Ellen’s godfather. He sponsored her  education and helped her set up her 
tailoring shop and helped her with her  initial capital. Ellen’s father died. Her 
mother relocated to the neighbouring  state and remarried there. She is blessed 
with other children in the second  marriage. Uncle Victor welcomed his niece 
with open arms. Ellen introduced her  fiancé. “This is Lang, my fiancé. I love 
and want to marry him”. Uncle Victor  greeted Lang with warmth. He asked him a 
simple question. “Do you love Ellen as  she loves you”. Lang stooped down to 
show respect to his uncle in law. “Uncle! I  love Ellen with all my heart”. “
Get up! That’s all I want to hear. Marriage  should be based on consent. I 
blessed your reunion”. He prayed for  them.

Uncle Victor Gives A Present
Uncle Victor drew a cheques of D500, 000  dalasis and gave it to Lang. He 
could not believe his eyes. He showed it to  Helen. “What! Oh Uncle! Is it true? 
D500, 000! That’s half a million dalasi for  us! Unbelievable!” The friends 
stooped down before Uncle Victor and paid homage  to him. “Stand up! It is only 
God you pay homage to. I have done what I should  do. I have wealth. I should 
use it to help humankind. My kith and kin are among  the beneficiaries. This 
is my wedding gift for you. Invest it wisely. If you do  it will yield many 
millions for you”. He turned to Lang and asked. “What do you  do for a living?” 
Lang answered. “Uncle I do many things. Petty trading,  masonry, carpentry, 
you name it. Any decent trade to work for money”. “Now! Go  back home. Discuss 
with your fiancée. Her tailoring shop is prospering. You can  put some 
investment there. Check about yourself. Map out what you want to do and  where you 
want to invest part of your money. I understand Honda business work in  the 
villages where most of the roads are unmotorable. Think wisely and invest  well. 
I don’t want my niece to cry or come complaining. I have trust in you just  as 
she also have in you. God bless you and your union”. “Thank you Uncle! Thank 
 you1 what else should we say other than thank you! This is what we need. 
Those  who have to help others who have not in these difficult trying times. We 
will  invest wisely as you have advised. God bless you”. “Amen!” They all 
chorused.  “You have a heart of gold”. Lang emphasized.
To be cont. 

Tabara  Samba’s Trial Adjourned 
Prosecution Absent in Court
By Fabakary B.  Ceesay

The alleged murder trial involving Tabara Samba and the state could not  
proceed at the Kanifing Magistrates Court before Magistrate Pa Harry Jammeh on  
Tuesday 7 August due to the absence of the state prosecutor.
The accused  person and the defence counsel Mrs. Amie Joof Conteh were 
present in court but  the police prosecutor, commissioner Burama Dibba, was said to 
be engaged in  another business with the police. The matter was then adjourned 
to Wednesday 8  August. Mrs. Tabara Samba, is standing trial for allegedly 
killing her husband,  Mr. Ebrima Nyan, by pouring hot oil on him while in bed. 
The said incident  happened sometime in March at Old Jeshwang.

African Decade of Persons with Disabilities Launched
By Yaya  Bajo

The African Decade of persons with Disabilities SADPD was proclaimed by the  
African Union for the period 1999-2009. The overall aims of the Decade were  
stipulated in a plan of Action “Decade of persons with Disabilities”, in 2002. 
 In 2003 the African Regional Consultative Conference agreed to establish a  
Secretariat to facilitate the implementation of the Decade and the Secretariat 
 was launched in Cape Town, South Africa. 
According to Madam Aida Sarr, SADPD  representative who is based in Dakar 
Senegal, in a brief session with NUDY  officials on Friday, the mission of the 
Secretariat was to empower governments,  DSCS, DPOs and development 
Organisations to work in partnership to include  disability and persons with disabilities 
into decision making policies and  programmes in all sectors of society in 
Africa.
She added that this will be  done through, amongst other things, capacity 
building, advocacy and lobbying,  coordination, monitoring and reporting. Madam 
Sarr also expressed her office’s  readiness to train disabled journalists in 
Africa, including The Gambia, in  order to equip them with knowledge and 
expertise in covering issues related to  disability.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Ebrima Dibbasey, President of the  National 
Union of Disabled Youths (NUDY), commended SADPD, through Madam Sarr,  for the 
laudable initiative. The NUDY President also used the occasion to  commend 
Foroyaa Newspaper for offering a special disability column where matters  affecting 
disabled persons are highlighted. He added that other Local Newspapers  were 
approached for a similar thing but they declined, citing sponsorship before  
such contract could be done. He urged other media houses to emulate Foroyaa’s  
worthwhile offer, describing it as very laudable. The briefing was attended by  
various disabled journalists from other media outlets.

Foundation  for the Disabled Seeks Empowerment and Promotion
By Ebrima Dibbasey and  Jainaba Sonko

Mr. George Trawally, a Burkinabe National and Volunteer on handicraft work  
has now spent one year and two months in The Gambia.

Foroyaa: Can you introduce yourself and your background? 
Mr. George: My  name is Mr. George Trawally, a Burkinabe national. I came to 
The Gambia some  fourteen months ago. I am a Herbalist (local traditional 
Medicine) and a healer,  but as I am a new person in this country, I decided to 
shift to handicraft work  so that I can sell them and make a living. When I met 
with the founder of  Foundation of the Disabled The Gambia and the executive 
officer (CEO) a Nigerian  national Mr. Gabriel Ospence who is doing his quota 
in promoting and empowering  the disabled, he asked me to volunteer and join 
him in his Foundation so that I  can be able to train my fellow disables in 
handicraft skills.
Foroyaa: What  kind of handicraft work do you perform?
Mr. George: I make baskets with  different varieties of shapes, style and 
quality. I sold them at one hundred and  fifty dalasi Back at home, I do engage 
in gardening, etc, in order to ensure  that I live an independent life.
Foroyaa: How do you acquire this  skills?
Mr. George: Back at home in Burkina-Faso, the government opened a big  skill 
centre where different categories of people with different disabilities  are 
trained in different works. Some people are trained in carpentry, welding  and 
so on. At the end of their training, the government provides them with some  
amount of capital to start up their individual projects on self-help ventures.  
In Burkina-Faso about seventeen percent of the people are independent with 
their  living skills. I think the government of The Gambia should also undertake 
  the same type of programme for their disabled people.
Foroyaa: Are you  married?
Mr. George: Yes, am married with three children.
Foroyaa: What  word of advice do you have for the disabled community in the 
Gambia?
George:  Disabled people should involve themselves in any activity in their 
respective  communities. They need to pressure their leaders to serve their 
needs and they  should develop their skills to the fullest, because in the near 
future, they  would get old and can’t keep up moving themselves all about 
begging. Therefore,  they need to rely on their own strength and abilities. 

NHRJ  Statement on Journalist Chief Manneh

The Network of Human Rights Journalists (NHRJ)- The Gambia is once again  
renewing calls for the immediate release of journaiist Chief Ebrima B. Manneh,  
reporter and columnist with the Daily Observer Newspaper who was missing since  
July 7, 2006 after leaving his home for work and never returning home.
Mr.  Manneh’s whereabouts have not been publicly known for one year one month 
 now  despite vigorous search by his family members and his colleagues in  
the media. Throughout the search for this missing reporter. no positive results  
has emerged from his employers, the state security units or any other 
concerned  party responsible for his detention or for his release.
NHRJ - The Gambia is  seriously concerned with the plight of our colleague, 
Chief Ebrima B. Manneh and  is, therefore, renewing calls for the Gambian 
Police, the National Intelligence  Agency (NIA) and the Department of State for the 
Interior to collaborate and  thoroughly investigate the circumstances surroun
ding Chief Manneh’s  disappearance.
The Gambia Government is duly bound by the country’s law to  protect and 
ensure the security of the people across the country. Therefore we  expect the 
Government to play such roles in the case of Mr. Manneh and ensure  his immediate 
release and deal with those responsible according to law.
NHRJ-  The Gambia is furthermore calling on the general public to come up 
with  explanation or information on the whereabouts of journalist chief Manneh. 
It  could be recalled that on July 7, 2007, exactly one year since Chief 
Ebrima B.  Manneh was missing, NHRJ- The Gambia issued a press release calling for 
the  immediate release of Mr. Manneh. On July I 7, 2007 the same Network of 
Human  Rights Journalists organized a symposium to advocate for the release of 
Mr.  Manneh but up to now no positive reaction has been taken.
This is a serious  concern and we call on all stakeholders to play an active 
role to secure the  release of Mr. Manneh. We wish to thank all those who in 
one way or the other do  or are doing efforts to secure the release of Chief 
Ehrima B.  Manneh

For the Executive Committee
& The Entire NHRJ  Members

David Colley’s Criminal Trial
Prison Officers Cross  Examined
By Abdou Jeli Keita

The criminal trial involving David Colley, the former Director of Prisons  
and the state continued at the Banjul Magistrates’ Court. Chief Inspector Haruna 
 Jobe and couple Famara Sanneh third and fourth prosecution witnesses,  
respectively, were on Tuesday 7 August cross-examined by defence counsel  Antouman 
Gaye.
Chief Inspector Haruna Jobe under cross-examination, said he  was involved in 
the collection of the generator. When asked by defence counsel  Antouman Gaye 
whether he was aware that the accused, David Colley, obtained the  consent of 
the then Deputy Director (Rose Klyn) before sending them to collect  the 
generator, the witness answered in the affirmative.
At this juncture,  prosecutor Touray asked the witness the same question, but 
defence counsel Gaye  argued that he is pleased with the answer of the 
witness adding that the answer  is not ambiguous. He further said, the prosecutor 
should stop impeaching his own  witness, adding that, evidence law, forbids one 
from impeaching one’s own  witness.
Corporal Famara Sanneh, said, on 22 September 2004, he was  instructed to go 
to the juvenile wing and collect a generator that was in a box,  from Jainaba 
Touray and officer Sanneh, and took it to David Colley’s compound  in Yundum.
When asked by prosecutor Touray whether he knows what type of  generator it 
is, he said he does not know because the generator was in a box and  he didn’t 
open it. Prosecutor Touray further asked him as to how he knew the  content of 
the box since he didn’t open it and he answered that he knew it  because he 
was sent to collect a generator. He said from the day he took the  generator to 
the accused person’s compound in Yundum up to now, he knows nothing  
concerning the generator.
While under cross examination by defence counsel  Antouman Gaye, Corporal 
Famara Sanneh said he was sent to collect a generator  and that this was why he 
thought that the box contained a generator. Defence  counsel Gaye, asked him “
if for instance Mr. Jobe and others were trying to  facilitate the escape of a 
prisoner in that box” he would not know, he said  “yes,” he would not know 
about it.
Prosecutor Touray at this juncture applied  for an adjournment to enable him 
to call five more witnesses.
The trial is  adjourned to the 16 of August 2007 for  continuation.   

Omar Ndow’s Trial Again Receives a  Setback
By Abdou Jeli Keita

The ongoing criminal trial of Omar Ndow, the then Managing Director of the  
Gambia Telecommunication Company (GAMTEL), could not proceed on Tuesday 7 
August  before Magistrate B.Y Camara of the Banjul Magistrates’ Court, due to the 
fact  that the defence counsel, Sheriff Tambedou, is out of the  jurisdiction.
Magistrate B.Y Camara informed the court that  he received  a letter from 
defence counsel Sheriff Tambedu asking the court for an  adjournment to a later 
date in September when he shall be back and be within the  jurisdiction. 
Magistrate B.Y Camara added that, since the case in question is a  Criminal Case and 
a Criminal Case cannot be adjourned for more than two weeks,  he will 
therefore continue with the matter on every fortnight until the return  of defence 
counsel Tambedou.
At this stage, the police prosecutor (ASP  Bojang) argued that he should also 
be served with the said letter because he is  part and parcel of the case. 
The accused Omar Ndow is standing trial for the  alleged abuse of his official 
duties in his capacity as the then Managing  Director of Gamtel.
The trial is adjourned to the 21 August,  2007.

Pirang Land Dispute Trial Suffers Setback
By Modou  Jonga

The two counts criminal trial involving fourteen residents of Pirang in the  
Kombo East and the state, did not proceed at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court on 
 Monday 6 August, 2007, due to the absence of the prosecutor ASP Camara.
All  the accused persons were present when the case was called before 
Magistrate  M’bai. At this juncture, prosecutor Corporal 413 Sanyang who held brief 
for the  prosecutor, ASP Camara, told the court that the latter has gone to the 
police  headquarters in Banjul.
The accused persons who pleaded not guilty were  dragged to court by the 
state on 30 July on two count criminal charges preferred  against them. The 
accused persons are alleged to have unlawfully entered the  farm of M.G Fielder, 
which is situated at Pirang, and committed wilful damage to  the property which 
had animal feed planted on it by the complainant.
The  accused persons were arrested on Saturday 28 July at Pirang by officials 
of the  criminal investigation unit of the Brikama Police Station and put on 
board a  police vehicle and whisked to the said station where they were held 
for hours  before being released on bail. The fourteen were later taken to 
court when they  reported at the said station. 
Following the granting of the application for  adjournment, the presiding 
Magistrate noted that arraigning accused persons in  court without continuing 
with proceedings thereafter is typical of prosecutors  who appear before his 
court; that if this matter continues like that, he would  discharge the accused 
persons. He said the prosecutors could view such  discharging of accused persons 
as personal and could further react by  re-arresting the discharged persons. 
Magistrate M’bai said such acts manifest  disrespect to the court and 
disregard to the ethics of  prosecution.
Magistrate M’bai further told the prosecution to be resolved to  proceed on 
the next adjourned date, August, 15 2007, otherwise, he could  discharge the 
accused persons.
Our reader could recall that the presiding  Magistrate, while having granted 
bail to the accused persons, has ruled that the  accused persons and their 
agents refrain themselves from interfering with the  said land pending the final 
determination of the case. 

Dudu  Kassa Jaata And Co. Trial 
Gets a New Magistrate
By Modou Jonga

The trial involving the state and Dudu Kassa Jaata and others will be heard  
by Magistrate Ayub Johnny Njie, at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court on 13 
August,  2007.
The accused persons who denied the allegation of assault causing the  
complainant (Hawa Jatta) actual bodily harm, were charged shortly after the  National 
Assembly by - election in Kombo East.
The alleged assault is said to  have been committed on 15 may last year at 
Pirang, in the Kombo East district in  Western Region.
The trial has been dragging for more than one year presided  over by 
Magistrate Tabally (now transferred) and Magistrate Martins (now  sacked).
Readers may recall that the principal accused, Dudu Kassa Jaata was  sometime 
this year arraigned with seven others at the Kanifing Magistrates’  Court 
before Magistrate Abdoulie Mbackeh, on charges of arming themselves in  public 
and obstructing police officers while executing their  duties.

SK East Nawettan: Zurich Register First Win
By Isatou  Bittaye

Zurich FC defeated Bantaba FC by a lone goal to open their 2007 Nawettan  
season with a win.
Abdoulie Sarr put his side through in the 73rd minute of  the second half 
following a defensive lapse in a match in which Bantaba FC  missed a lot of 
chances. The first of the game was even as both sides struggled  to overcome the 
other, squandering numerous chances in the process. 
But when  the sides returned from the break Zurich was the better and Sarr’s 
effort was  enough for the Tallinding out fit to go home with all three 
points. And Bantaba  was just unlucky not to have levelled terms as they put up a 
strong fight to  force an equalizer. Zurich responded with marshalling their 
defence line with  more men to protect their lead.





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