Maafanta.com

Prudent Trust Launches The Gambia’s First Escrow Service  - NiaNia Touray  Gambia.............more

Prudent Trust Company Limited is a
PrivateInvestment Management firm specializing.................more

Maafanta Interview With NDT

We caught up with Prudent Trust Co-founder Niania Dabo Touray on vacation in DC. And again , it 's all about Prudent! - She spoke to Fatou Jaw Manneh a little bit about herself and her company.......................more 

I read Pharmacy for one year at Uppsala University and later proceeded to read Bio-medicine and Public Health.......more

BREAKING OMERTÀ:

In Response to Modou Sarho’s (Dumo) Last Balang Baa Article (Part III)

Jainaba Bah (Sweden)

This article is dedicated to Abdoulaye Wopa Krubally. Wopa, the abandoned one! May your soul rest in perfect peace! Aameen!........................more

BREAKING OMERTÀ -  PART IV: In response to Modou Sarho’s (Dumo) Last Balang Baa Article.   By Jainaba Bah (Sweden)..............more

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY – 2013

By Jainaba Bah, Sweden

...........more

OMERTA SERIES

by Lamin J Darboe

In Response to Alfa Jallow on the Jainaba Bah “Breaking Omerta” series...........more

Hello, my name is Sirra Ndow and I am a business support professional.  I own and operate Baanabaana Business Agency. Baanabaana means a businessperson, an entrepreneur and that is what my company is all about: supporting and serving entrepreneurs. We serve small business owners, specializing in solopreneurs , momprenuers and start-up business owners with less than 10 employees.......................................more

From Sirra Ndow

Joint Initiative Launched to Help Gambian Entrepreneurs Build Web Presence

The Gambia – February 15, 2013 – Nweb Plus, an IT solutions company, Sengam Ltd,  company specializing in voice, data and mobile technology and Baanabaana Business Agency, a company committed to helping online entrepreneurs succeed, has announced the launch of a joint initiative call Getting Gambian Business Online, GGBO which has been endorsed by the Ministry of Information and Communication Infrastructure (MOICI) and the Gambia Chamber of Commerce, GCCI to help small business owners take advantage of the great..............more

Fatou Sagnia Proudly displays banner, New York demonstrations

Never be afraid of the qualities that set you apart. Don't consider shrinking to fit in with others...Don't court other's acceptance, rise up to your full height. Swell out and take up your due space...Beware of the 'imposter syndrome',this is incredibly common and is utterly disastrous for your moral and ability to perform at your best. Whoever you are don't ever short-change yourself in your own self-appraisal. Don't ever fall short, hike up the extra inches...Success doesn't thrive on self-doubt, whether you are running the show or planning to , what's required is confidence, courage and the ability not to give a damn about what people thinks of you...Just be you and stand tall. !!! --

Rohey Yata Smith, Manchester, UK

WHEN WILL HE......
by Aisha Saidy
When will he............more

Sigga Jagne of STGDPInterview  with Pa Nderry Mbaye
Click here

Chris Sukuna, Secetary, Save The Gambia Democracy Project (STGDP)

Carrie Janneh , Maafanta.com

Operation Girls Catch Yaya

by Fatou Jaw Manneh

 (maafanta archives - 2010).................more

Halipha can't you see?
by Fatou Jaw Manneh...........more

Fatou Jaw Manneh, Publisher ,maafanta.com

I am Gambian
by Fatou Jaw Manneh.......more 

Senegal You Make Us Proud
by Fatou Jaw Manneh.........more

Happy Birthday Mr. President
by Fatou Jaw Manneh....more

Exclusive interview
with Journalist
Fatou Jaw Manneh editor and
publisher of Maafanta.com......more

Thank you all  for signing the
petitionIt has and is reaching all
targets. Thank you all so much
Please sign
Stop Gambian
President Yaya
Jammeh Now
ADD YOUR NAME signon.org......more

The Circle of Life 

By Momodou Ndow, California
.............more

UNLAWFUL PRISONER KILLINGS 100 percent unlawful: the killings that angered the world and stained a nation  -   by Lamin J. Darbo, UK

In a confounding display of reckless and secretive statecraft, even some who still consider themselves officially connected and in the know swore on their lives that prisoner killings did not happen in The Gambia notwithstanding BBC and other reports quoting credible Amnesty International, and Civil Society Associations Gambia (CSAG) sources. No surprise these fellow citizens live in The Gambia! Under circumstances less contentious and disgraceful, and with.....................................more

A Blueprint for a Post-Jammeh Gambia   -  by Dr.Abdoulaye  Saine

IntroductionYahya Jammeh's decision to carry out nine death sentences of forty-seven death-row  inmates on August 26, 2012, is outrageous! It is simply senseless! But Jammeh's rule and decisions have hardly made sense to most right-thinking individuals........more

THE JAMMEH REGIME: BLIND PATRIOTISM AND THE WILLFULLY IGNORANT - by Ousainu Mbenga, Wash, D.C....more

Alioune Tine , Secretary General, RADDHO

Baba Aidara, Publisher hellogambia.com

Gunjur Diaspora Alkao Michael Scales

Culture and Customs   of Gambia by  Dr. Abdoulaye Saine

African Princess Rohey Yata Smith

Ndey Jobarteh Business Development Manager, Africa i Genkey AS, fra Gambia ........................more

The story of an African dictator that was once a hero (The Mugabes and the Gaddafis')  

by Fatoumatta Sanyang (YoungAfrica) 

Dictatorship is not a foreign concept in Africa. That being said, there are a lot of ...........more

More can be done to get justice for Deyda Hydara -  By Elisabeth Witchel/CPJ Impunity Campaign Consultant............more

The New Gambia – Nothing but the truth so help me God!

By Momodou Ndow

Just to clarify, I don’t have any affiliation with a Gambian political party nor do I have a political hat to throw into the political ring, but what I do have is my Gambian birth certificate, and I can supply an army of witnesses to corroborate these claims. Furthermore, my Gambian pride is in my values, the way I carry myself, my smile and how I interact and treat others..........more

DUGA ATLANTA AND THE SENEGAMBIAN COMMUNITY ORGANIZING A PRAYER VIGIL/CONFERENCE/DEMONSTRATION FOR ALH. IMAM BABA LEIGH AND ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS!! ......................more

Greetings to all Banjul community members and friends 

The Sweden Banjul ...............more

The Cost of Africa’s Inferiority Complex (1) 

By Honourable Saka

According to one estimate, African girls of today spend more money on fashion than what they spend on books and food combined.......more

Dictator, Tyranny and Murderer Jammeh’s unlawful mighty lands in Gambia

By Sankung Jatta, UK

Dictator Jammeh has own land in every part of the Gambia. Where and how did Dictator get all these lands/ properties legally or lawfully? To name few of his mighty lands in the Gambia; Wadner, Kanilai farm 8 kilometres, ............................more

The Gambia: Imam Baba Leigh, faith and the rape of religion in The Gambia.By Mathew K Jallow

NEW YEAR MESSAGE

SWEDEN-BANJUL NETWORK

Provisional Chairman , Alhadgi Pappa Ousman Alieu Jeng

Having regard to the non political,non ethnic,non caste and non religious dimension of the organisation, the attitudinal changes of banjulians (at home and in the diaspora) should now be of pramount importance to all.

.............................more

Alaada FiX

Your communication gateway to families, friends and love ones.

Happy New Year Everyone!

True African Beauty. Senegal First lady Marieme Fye Sall

THE LEGACY OF SATANG  JOBARTEH

_________________________________________
A person may be measured by his or her talents while he or she lives and by his or her friends when he or she dies. ...............more

A New Book on The Gambia to be released this month

A new book on The Gambia, State and Society in The Gambia Since Independence: 1965-2012 will be released shortly. Published by the USA based Africa World Press, this massive volume (686 pages) is edited by Professor Abdoulaye Saine, Drs Ebrima Ceesay and Ebrima Sall.........................more

(Friends~of~Basse-Global) Thank You 

All!!!  -  editorialboard@mybasse.org

Hello All, .....................more

GrandMa Sirreh hosting the Maafanta Impressive People of 2012 awards.  

The Maafanta Impressive People Of The Year Awards. And the winners   Areeeeeeeee........

.................more

The names are in alphabetical order: 

Bayo, Sheikh Sidia – head of CNTG

Bojang-Sissoho, Amie – Programme officer ...............................................more

by D.A.Jawo

President Yaya Jammeh of Gambia:

Maafanta's worst person of the year. He makes gambian citizens cry everyday.

Business Dreamers

 - Ansu Saho, Indonesia..................more

Black is beautiful. Binzy, Gambia. In support of 

Nuul Kuuk.com.....more

“Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.” — Eleanor Roosevelt 

Hillary Clinton Steps Down From State Department, Ending Three Decades of Public Service ..............................more

PART ONE: Black History Month 2013 Celebrates Crossroads of Freedom,............more

Falling on Fertile Grounds: the rise of drug-trafficking and the role of CSOs in West Africa

Afia Asare Kyei is the Law, Justice and Human Rights Programme Manager at the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) .....................more

The Gambian Movement for Democracy Activists (DUGA), Tijaniyyah Association, Imams, Clergy and several other community based organizations in and around NYC will hold a massive demonstration at the United Nations on Wednesday, January 23, 2013, from 12pm-4pm, Leigh, Mamburay Njie and other political prisoners, adoption of the EU 17 points and the end of dictatorship in Gambia. -  Ebrahim Dawud Ndure

Press Advisory

by Ebrahim Ndure ..............more

Africa: Where black is not really beautiful

By Pumza Fihlani

BBC News, Johannesburg .............more

Pa Malick Faye and international protection

by Lamin J Darbo ,UK

Since his sudden and unceremonious dismissal as Managing Director, Pa Malick Faye (Pa Malick) must have been dealing with the acute conundrum of the lie he lived all these years as a staffer of the pro-government Daily Observer (DO) newspaper.......................more

CULTIVATING 

SENE - GAMBIA : 

A NATION OF THINKERS      

By: Ousainou Mbenga

The process to cultivate such an honorable nation must not be confined to the isolated and narrow nationalist notion of the untenable “54 Africas” that plague and undermine the struggle to liberate and unite Africa..................more

PROOF! SOURSOP FRUIT KILLS CANCER.

Raymond Kirlew, Yvonne Kirlew of Discovery Bay, St Ann, and Florida radio host Dr Dennis Grant, hold leaves and a soursop from the soursop tree behind them....................................more

What Happened to Banjul? - My Story - Part II

By Momodou Ndow

A city is a relatively dense and permanent settlement. They were initially formed as central places of trade for the benefit of citizens living in close proximity to each other. Such form of living facilitates all sorts of interactions. ...............more

How to Defeat a Dictator -  Ayitteh..................more 

freeafrica.org

Regina Mariama Manneh

Yahya Jammeh’s Charnel House

By MATTHEW OMOLESKY from the FEBRUARY 2013 issue

The Gambia: An overview of Yahya Jammeh military regime’s horrible legacy

By Mathew K Jallow

The story I wanted to write this week was going to be extremely flattering, yet not superfluous. It was going to be a glowing tribute to a great president, without being a canting expose of his still untold story.................more

1. Reginald Carroll
2. Karamo Barrow
3. Lamin Bojang
4. Ousman Sabally
5. Sainey Nyabally
6. Ousman Sembene
7. Bakary Njie
8. Claesco Pierra
9. Momodou Lamin Njie
10. Ebrima Barry
11. Wuyea Foday Mansareh
12. Bamba Jobarteh
13. Momodou Lamin Chune
14. Abdoulie Sanyang
15. Babucarr Badjie
16. Omar Barrow (journalist & Red Cross volunteer).

..........................................................more

You Are Not Forgotten

Gambian Chronicles

D. A. Jawo Crystallizes a Nation in Transit

By Cherno Baba Jallow

In the fading days of the Jawara presidency, it seemed as if things weren't moving - or moving fast enough. Within the confines of presidential power and far, far away, the national soul was living listlessly. The custodians of power and authority were napping at the wheel.....................more

Flowers for you! 

Thank you Maafanta and Hellogambia

This is to say a big thank you to ‘Maafanta’ and ‘Hello Gambia’ for publishing my article on Autism. I also thank your readers who contributed through their comments. The response was overwhelming.....................more

Open letter on Women’s Political Participation

by Ms Satang Nabaneh, Gambia

Miss West Africa International 2013 - 

MARIA SAWANEH (MWA Germany)........more

Musical Chair at the Justice Department

Working for Jammeh is a Career Choice Similar to Working for Al Qaeda. Sooner or Later you will be Requested to Plant Bombs  - 

 -  By Papa Kumba Loum

A Slap on Unity’s Face

By Yero Jallow

The old man stood there lonely and helpless

Supported by his walking stick

And his prayer beads he had for ages

He looked to the skies in utter disgust

His heart sounded and gave up over his legacy As his only sons slapped unity hard on her face  And you could see the swells and marks on her face

She was hurt, wounded and humiliated.

................................more

AU Golden Jubilee – Is there anything to celebrate?

WHY PDOIS WAS NOT IN RALEIGH

Below is the press release issued by PDOIS on why it was not at the Raleigh meeting of 17-19 May, 2013.

22 May 2013

The PDOIS received a letter from the organisers of the Raleigh  Conference inviting the Secretary General of PDOIS  to a Conference to be held in Raleigh North Carolina from the 18th to 20th May aimed ..........................................more

Sohna Sallah , of DUGA, DC

Jainaba Phall of DUGA DC

Sohna Sallah and Jainaba Phall, Gambian heroes from DC. Sohna and Jainaba are DUGA activists from DC. They compiled and pulled out a report of the meetings in Raleigh North Carolina saturday night, awake till 2 a.m , that lead to the deliberations for Sunday.  We are already proud of you ladies!!!

Gambia Musolu Ali Wulli!!!

Annual Report 2013The state of the world's human rights 

Human rights know no borders. But Amnesty International's 2013 report shows governments are using the excuse of 'internal affairs' in shameful attempts to block concerted international action to resolve human rights emergencies..........................more

Yaya Jammeh under no obligation?

According to Sarjo Bayang

Any person prepared to defend so many wrongs of Yaya Jammeh, the heavy handed self-imposed Gambian dictator needs lot of tongue muscles to win right thinking people. There is yet one situation where Jammeh stays within his rights.................................more

THE UNIQUENESS OF GAMBIA KAL OR SANAWUYA RELATIONSHIPS. HERE ARE RECENT HILARIOUSLY FUNNY BUT TRUE GIBES BETWEEN KIANKAS AND BADIBUKAS.

By Lamin Sabally, Minneapolis, Minnesota...........................more

Book Review: Standing Up Against Injustice – Dr. Amadou Scattred Janneh

By D. A. Jawo

Gambians have long been subjected to all sorts of rumours and allegations about the maltreatment of detainees in the hands of our security forces, with stories of both physical and mental torture being frequently administered on detainees, mostly to elicit information as well as humiliate them........................more

Rejoinder: Halifa  On Hamat’s Comments

Dear Editors

Putting the Record Straight

Last week it made headline news in a number of papers that Hamat Bah has accepted my invitation to a debate. In fact, it is reported that he has even said that I am fond of inviting other politicians to a debate who often decline the invitation but that he, .......................................more

In every natural perspective, there is an allure and in place for the chosen ones. Please my people of a kind in patience, ignore  these gifts from the so called  leader in Banjul’s Statehouse!!!  -  

by Unbiased Prince

God Bless Ben Jammeh

By Dida Halake

I read in the Daily Observer the other day that there is an “arrest warrant” for my old friend Ben Jammeh, the former IGP and NDEA boss in The Gambia. I hope and pray that he is alive and well wherever he may be.

..................................................more

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR. PRESIDENT

by Salieu B M Njie

HAPPY 89TH BIRTHDAY TODAY YOUR EXCELLENCY

AND HAPPY 89TH BIRTHDAY ON BEHALF OF THE ENTIRE GAMBIAN NATION...............................more

Below is a compartive analysis of why President Jammeh can be considered as the best and worst Head of State for the Gambia.

-   by Pa Koumba Loum

. REJOINDER: "Kukoi Samba Sanyang was a 'Senegalese' national...After all"

Ode to Joy (Jai that is!)

Hey,

Jai (Bah that is!)

I like it!

What you say (that is!)

And if I may –

I too would like (with you)

For the Venerable Imam:

Pray.

And to the Veritable Lawyer,

Lamin J Darboe:

I like your most recent salvo!

Short, sharp and sweet:

Res ipsa loquitur!

Dida Halake

Alieu Mboge: The picture of heartlessness and cruelty. 

LOOKING FORWARD TO HAMAT BAH AND HALIFA SALLAH “THE WAY FORWARD” DEBATE: WILL THIS BE THE QUINTESSENTIAL POLITICAL DEBATE OF THE CENTENARY POTRAYING THE CLASH OF TWO POLITCAL HEAVYWEIGHTS?

Lamin Sabally, Minneapolis, MN

The highly-publicized proposed debate between Gambia’s renowned US -educated sociologist, politician and social commentator, Halifa Sallah of the PDOIS, and Hamat Bah, leader of NRP and an incontestable Gambia political celebrity for now has all the .....more

DEMEAN, DEGRADE, DISCARD

by Sidi Sanneh

Imam Baba Leigh's involuntary imprisonment served as a rallying cry for dissidents and political opponents of Yaya Jammeh, inside and outside Gambia. The glue that held together the coalition of diaspora and the family and friends of the Imam, I am afraid to say, is threatening to become unstuck. Thanks to Yaya Jammeh and his band of Banjul Mullahs who morph into the Islamic Council and/or Banjul Muslim Elders when circumstances warrant it and mothballed when they are not needed. ................more

ARMS EXPORTSIran's Aghajani convicted over illegal arms in Nigeria

An Iranian, along with his Nigerian co-accused, have each been sentenced to five years jail for illegally shipping arms to Nigeria...............................more

FAIR AND BALANCE: THE CONERSTONES OF SUCCESS

by Sulayman Jeng

Shifting through the Gambian diaspora media houses particularly the electronic newspapers in pursuit of the struggle’s strengths and weaknesses, reveals hair-splitting intolerance, dishonesty, subjectivity and rose tinted perception of the realities which engulfed us................more

"We regret the decline of Senegal in humanism and respect for human dignity," detailed Me Dioma Ndiaye. 

The Senegalese League for Human Rights (LSDH), Amnesty International Senegal and the African Assembly for the Defense of Human Rights (RADDHO) were deeply concerned about the arrest of journalist and blogger Chad makaila Nguebla who lives in Senegal since 2005......................more

The Gambia: Yahya Jammeh and state of our nation -  By Mathew K Jallow

To many people at home, it looked like another propaganda coup, one similar to many others just over the last year alone; the releases of Dr. Amadou S Janneh, Tamsir Jassey, Lawyer Moses Richard, Lawyer Lamin Mboge, the hiring of Nana Grey-Johnson and now the recycling of Fatou Camara, who was recently hire and unceremoniously fired....................more

MFDC-12 deminers hostage: Macky pays its alliance with Salif Sadio at the expense of Caesar Attout Badiatte - Dakarois.net

GrandMa Sirreh Says:

Welcome back to The Gambia  the crying coast of Africa Our Dear Imam Baba leigh.

A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Allow me to extend my unreserved congratulation to you for taking the bold step in unconditionally releasing Imam Baba Mutarr Leigh. This noble gesture has not only uplifted the unimaginable horror, pain, sense of lost and endless sleepless nightmares for the imam’s family but also a step in the right direction. In my last letter to you captioned “IS YOUR CONSCIENCE STILL ALIVE? I opined:..............................more

Nigerian Billionaire Aliko Dangote Raises $4.5 Billion To Build Refinery ................................more

The Village Girl

By Yero Jallow

This one is really funny. Yeteh Bah again I was told. Baldeh Bolong "Tahyor" and Bah Pullo "Gainako". As can be clearly seen, Baldeh Bolong was the village tailor and Bah Pullo was the shepherd. They were both in love with their professions..................more

GrandMa Sirreh says:

Am appealing to linguists and Buhabas Essa Sey, Suntou Touray and Sarjo Bayang to help  transcribe/translate Manding Morri Songs. A demand from Maafanta readers. Need your help brothers.

Books For Africa Annual Fundraising Luncheon

As you know, I volunteer with Books For Africa (BFA), as the Project Manager of a five-year-Million Books To The Gambia Project (MBTGP); - collaboration of......more

RE: NEW PROMISING SIGNS OF POSTIVE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE GAMBIA GOVERNMENT AND THE INDEPENDENT MEDIA COMMUNITY

by D. A. Jawo

NEW PROMISING SIGNS OF POSTIVE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE GAMBIA GOVERNMENT AND THE INDEPENDENT MEDIA COMMUNITY:

Lamin Sabally- Minneapolis, Minnesota

Leaning heavily on recent local newspaper reports on the Gambia’s celebrations of the international media or press freedom day, hopes appear to be increasingly illuminating with the expressed initiation of a concrete 

..........................................more

GrandMa Sirreh says: Demba Njie Isabarry. Where is Papa Jeng in all this??? 

Can those "not nice folks" apologize to President Yam and you all move on?? Don't steal the Girls job and title now folks.

Sabarry Demba. We do not want issues from Sweden now. Thought you all are the cool ones?

Happy One Year Anniversary Kibaaro News.!! 

We love the team , the contributors, the stories and  all the traditional music and oral historians and history. Kibaaro news is enlightening , engaging and a beautiful site.  Maafanta is wishing you all many more progressive years to come. To the whole team: Site Manager: Bamba Mass, Editor in Chief: Musa Saidykhan, Yaya Dampha, Suntou Touray, Yanks Darboe, Muhammed Lamin Sillah, Sarata Jabbi Dibba, Imam Ceesay, Tijan Massaneh Ceesay, Landing Nyassi, Baye Sankareh, Saul Saidykhan, Lamin Sabally.

And Sarata keep the boys in check!!

from Fatou Jaw Manneh@maafanta.com

Another inequitable national honours list

IS YOUR CONSCIENCE STILL ALIVE?

by Sulayman Jeng

Sitting in the park teeming with people enjoying a sunny day of the volatile British weather, I gazed afar curbing in nature’s beauty punctuated by oases of people doing one thing or another whilst my mind wandered nomadically. As my train of thoughts gathered momentum,...............more 

The Gambia: Blinded by dishonesty or wrapped in selective ignorance

What Will Happen After The Fall of President Yahya Jammeh?

UNESCO Acts to Ensure Journalists' Safety - voanews.com

WASHINGTON,DC — The UN cultural agency, UNESCO, is calling for greater protections for the world’s journalists. It’s been joined by a number of international press freedom organizations..............more

LETTER TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

On the pending cases regarding false information to the president

ON THE PENDING CASES REGARDING FALSE INFORMATION TO THE PRESIDENT

Your noble profession emerged from the realisation that the unalloyed justice must be derived from careful weighing and balancing of law and fact  to separate  the grain of truth from the chaff..............................more

Dislodging Yaya Mad Jammeh from office   -  by Unbiased Prince

Dilation on Press Freedom

By Ebou Gaye

As media practitioners and their sympathizers observe World Press Freedom Day, I would like to expatiate on press freedom with a view to contributing my quota to the promotion and defence of the fourth estate- the press. Journalists suffer miserably in many parts of the world, Africa in particular.

...........................................more 

In Commemoration of World Press Freedom Day

Beacon of Hope for exiled Gambian Journalists (Maasalaah) Offering Hope for Gambia’s Future

By Alagi Yorro Jallow

Journalism in The Gambia is in the throes of its most severe crisis in decades. A combination of censorship, unbridled partisanship and ineptitude are steadily eroding the gains that the local media realized over the past decades....................more

LISTERNER OBSERVATIONS OF JOURNALIST PA NDERRY’S STRING OF COVERT INTERVIEWS OF THREE GAMBIA STATE MINISTERS.

Lamin Sabally-Minneapolis, Minnesota

With the prank interview of the Gambia’s number two on Freedom Radio fresh in mind, during which Vice President Dr. Ajaratou Isatou Njie Siady generously disclosed what is best termed in the US media fraternity parlance as TMI ( Too Much Information),  

.............................................more

The European Union Endorses GAMCOTRAP’s External Audit Report 2012

The Project Director of SOFRECO, Mr. Vladimir Rojanski and Accounting Expert of the European Union Non State Actors Programme, Mr. Amadou Danso Finance commended GAMCOTRAP for a successful completion of the EU-NSA project in 2012 after the European Union has endorsed the project A....................................more

Square Pegs v. Round Holes, Apples v. Oranges   Part Two 

(from maafanta archives)

By: Saul Saidy-khan  (saulskhan@yahoo.com)

f.) Yaya and his cohorts told Gambians they were not interested in staying long, yet four months after taking over, they rounded up a group of their colleagues they suspected of being disloyal,...................................more

Gambia Press Union Notice of Procession

As part of events marking World Press Freedom Day, which is commemorated on 3rd May every year around the world, the Gambia Press Union  will on Friday morning embark on a procession starting from Africell Junction to the TANGO Secretariat in Fajara,

The procession which is meant for only media practitioners is permitted by the office of the Inspector General of Police.

Given the significance of the day, media practitioners are urged to attend this programme on time. Media practitioners should converge at the Africell Junction by 9:30am.

Signed

Executive Board

GPU, TANGO and ICFJ

PRESS RELEASE

Introduction

May 3 is World Press Freedom Day.  This day is set aside by the General Assembly of the United Nations in December 1993 following a recommendation adopted at the 26th session of UNESCO’s General Conference in 1991, as an outgrowth of the Seminar on Promoting an Independent and...................................more

 PRINCE SANKANU APPOINTED SARAHULLEH YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AMBASSADOR - From Prince Sankanu

Brave Hamat Bah

by Dida Halake

 HALIFA WRITES TO PRESIDENT JAMMEH

On Constitutional Lapses in the Inauguration of Councils

RE: ON DEVIATIONS FROM THE RULE OF LAW

The setting up of different dates to inaugurate councils after the 4th April 2013 Local Government elections reflects a lack of uniformity in the assumption of office by members of Councils who are elected on the same day and have equal tenure of office.

 ..............................................more

From Pa Ousu Njie

The Gambia: The new mind of a people and the color of betrayal - By Mathew K Jallow

Press  Release,  London       22 April 2013

Invitation to a Congress of UK-resident Gambians.

....Saturday the 11 May 2013 from 16.30 onwards

Venue: ATHLONE HALL, ATHLONE STREET KENTISH TOWN LONDON NW5 4LN (Nearest tube station…Kentish town NORTHERN LINE)

THE following can be contacted for further details:

Mr.Malik Kah…….07984524628

Mr.Bakary Dabo…….07548989047

Mr.Abdulai Jobe……..07712257888

Mr.Abdullah Bojang....07906140637.....more

This Date In African History/ Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Remembered !! - by Sainey Faye

HALIFA WRITES TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

AMENDMENT CRIMINALISING DRESS AND OTHERS NEGATES THE DIVIDING LINE BETWEEN MINOR CRIME (MISDEMEANOR) AND MAJOR CRIME (FELONY) AND VIOLATES SECTION 33 OF THE CONSTITUTION

Having been a parliamentarian, you may understand why I have taken interest in the debate .......................................more

Aroki Taata Cham. May Allah grant her Jannah. Rest in peace wonderful woman.

Gambian Lewis Bojang dead ringer for Black Eyed Peas star

Will.i.ain't: Dispatch controller who is dead ringer for Black Eyed Peas star gets the VIP treatment everywhere he goes...............more

From Ama , London

What Does Kukoie Samba Sanyang Really Stand For? He is NOT the Solution to our Current Problems - Papa Koumba Loum

L'ETAT C'EST MOI

by Sidi Sanneh
I praised Momodou Aki Bayo - a former GHS classmate - yesterday for his encouraging remarks about the government's desire to work with the Independent Mayor of Banjul and his City Council for the mutual benefit of city residents and the country. The statement was worthy of praise because it represented, in my view,..............more

WHEN BEAUTY BECOMES UGLY… 

Dear Mr Koukoi Samba Sanyang,

I have been keenly following your resurgence lately on all the Gambian online media both print and radio. Without mincing words, you are stepping out of yourself to justify your failed 1981 bloody coup. One thing that age and wisdom should have taught you is a missed opportunity ..............................more

THE IDEAL STATE

by Ebrima Conteh , Indianapolis

Aristotle asserted that human beings are political Animals; by this he meant humans live in societies and are interdependent. If Aristotle is correct, we do not have a choice but to live in societies that comprise of different factions..................more

The Gambia: The beckoning of Raleigh and the harrowing calls to Sweet Carolina

By Mathew K Jallow

There is growing resistance; the coalition is fortifying and the unity of purpose is coalescing around a central theme that has dominated Gambian life and politics for more than a decade and half........................more

GrandMa Sirreh says:

Thanks again Demba Njie. GrandMa Sirreh will be 90 yrs old next year, and would love you to take over Maafanta. You will keep the editorials spicy. God , you are an intellectual, a philosopher and i love it when you drag Yaya Jankangding Jammeh into the ditch!! You can get muddy with him at the same time. Love it!

I am down for the after-death- party. If our wishes come true, he will be dead by friday. Hope Goddess Meta sends an alert on thursday. Put me down for Chakrri and NaaMbuuru. And let's paint Banjul Njie RED. Thank you Alpha Jallow. There can be hardliners on this maafanta you know.

Africa Unity's Golden Jubilee: A Reflection  

While committed to the promotion of African leadership and ownership in grappling with its challenges, we are mindful of the fact that success in our endeavors requires a strong partnership between the continent and the other members of the international community......more

The Gambia: Yahya Jammeh, PURA and Internet Café Operators; acts beyond legality

Burning Issues

From Malik kah

Life as Art
by Cherno Baba Jallow

Writing appreciations is always a daunting exercise because it is an attempt to give life to the lifeless and to bequeath to them a token of commemoration lasting – hopefully – well beyond the momentary grief over their departure from earth. It would be a lot easier if the person were a public figure or if he or she had occupied a place in the public imagination.......................more

July 30th, 1981

(by Saul Saidykhan, from maafanta archives, July 30th 2012)

I was in my lower teens, in post-Primary school. Weeks earlier, we had closed school for Summer – rainy season recess. I was to travel to Jarra from Tallinding to see my folks. The fare by public transport then was only ten Dalasi for my age group. The public transport para-statal then was called The Gambia-Libyan Arab Public Transport Corporation (GLAPTC.) Because of the events of that July 30th, 1981 day, it was to be re-named The Gambia Public Transport Corporation (GPTC.) .......................................more

Serial Rapist Accused of Raping, Videotaping Underage Liberian Girls Sent to Court 

WRITTEN BY WADE C. L. WILLIAMS, WADE.WILLIAMS@FRONTPAGEAFRICAONLINE.COM

Monrovia- The Liberia National Police has confirmed the arrest of 43-year-old Lebanese national Jaafar Bashir who FrontPage Africa reported on Friday was facing a cloud of allegations that he has been involved in the raping of young Liberian children within the age range of 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 15................................more 

Yahya is the Best Thing that Ever Happened to Gambia  - by Papa Koumba Loum

Get Off Macky Sall's Back: Senegal is a Democracy, Not a Dictatorship

By Yankuba Jambang, editor,senegambianews.com

Senegal will forever remain Gambia's only immediate neighbor that surrounds it on all sides but the west, where the Atlantic Ocean sits. All Senegalese citizens and Gambians are aware of this, and the natural bond of fraternity that exists between the two states.

...............................................more

Kukoie Sanyang v Senegal

By Dida Halake

At the Royal Courts of Justice,

The Strand, London.

In the matter of Kukoie Samba Sanyang  (Claimant)

vs.

The Republic of Senegal

Before His Honour Hail Haile Halake.................more

Unusual: Karim Wade, shower and bucket

By: Lamine Samb - Senego.com

Poor Karim Wade. The son of the President of the Republic is surely going through the most difficult moments of his life. The former all-powerful minister of state under his father who was accustomed to live in an insolent luxury begins to discover another world. In effect Rimka who spent his second night in the brigade research Colobane begins to suffer martyrdom.

According to the newspaper the Tribune while he was bathing, the son of his father was asked to go for a bucket to wash. Times change Ndeyssane.

Urgent! Koukoy Sagna Samba arrested at the airport in Dakar - Seneweb.com

The former opponent of the regime Daouda Diawara, who attempted a coup in 1981, resulting in the intervention of the Senegalese army, Koukoy Samba Sagna, was arrested at the airport in Dakar, according to our colleagues of the Zik Fm.They add that it will be extradited to The Gambia in the near future.

ABUSED, INSULTED AND TREATED AS FOREIGNER AT KANILAI.  MY HOURS OF HORROW IN PRESIDENT JAMMEH’S NATIVE VILLAGE!

By Prince Bubacarr Aminata Sankanu, currently contributing his quota towards nation building on the ground in The Gambia. Tel/SMS: +2206774620

I would like to start by apologizing for possible errors as I wrote this piece under time pressure with unstable electricity supply..................................more

International Institute for Child Protection ..........more

BOSTON BOMBING: All-Out Effort
To Find Out Who Did It — and Why .............more

Dozens dead in Somali courthouse attack

A PERSPECTIVE ON 1981 COUP DETAT 

* The attempted Gambian coup d'etat of 30 July 1981
A 1991 Paper

By Arnold Hughes

Police in Senegal have arrested the son of former President Abdoulaye Wade on suspicion of corruption.

Karim Wade is suspected of illegally amassing about $1.4bn (£900m) during his father's rule, his lawyers said.

Karim was a senior minister during his father's rule from 2000 to 2012, and was in charge of major infrastructure and energy projects.................................more

The Disappearance of Baba Leigh and Return Him Well and Fit" UK High Commission 

UK urges Gambia to investigate cleric's disappearance

(AFP) –   BANJUL — The United Kingdom urged the Gambia on Monday to investigate the whereabouts of an outspoken religious leader who has not been seen by family or friends since his arrest more than four months ago.........................................more

Dear Grandma Sirreh, I Disagree

By

Foday Samateh

There is no fine way to put it. Grandma Sirreh, the repository of wisdom and dispenser of aphorisms here at Maafanta.com, is wrong to call on Jainaba Bah and Mai Fatty to quit their dispute over the latter’s (alleged) role in the police crackdown on the Organization of Revolutionary Students (ORS) and MOJA-G back in 1983..............................................more

May Their Souls Rest In Perfect Peace

Well Done Musa!

Amnesty International app for protecting activists up for technology award 

A mobile alert app designed by Amnesty International to help protect human rights activists in danger is in the running for the prestigious Global Impact Award.........................more

GDAG Chief Alkali Conteh of Raleigh , North Carolina

Omar Ann of GDAG , Raleigh, North Carolina

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Raleigh Accord.

Raleigh, North Carolina U.S.A. May 19 2013:  The three-day Gambia Conference on Democracy and Good Governance organized by GDAG, STGDP, and DUGA successfully concluded in Raleigh, North Carolina.  The convention brought together Gambians, political leaders, civil society organizations, and non-Gambians alike, far and wide......................................more

Opening Ceremony of the 26th Ordinary Session of the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) ....................................more

The Voices of Gambian Queens In Raleigh 

By Suntou Touray

When Me become too big and Us too small
When a call fell on deaf ears, but scrutiny became prevalent
When the nobleness of silence is raped
When plagues spread like wild fire..............more

Photo: Sigga Jagne and Maimuna Ceesay from New York

Behind every great man , is a great woman. With every good organization as GDAG , are great women. Thank you Madam Alkali Conteh, Sophie Seye Conteh and team , for the wonderful meals throughout the  STGDP/GDAG/DUGA conference in North Carolina. The hospitality is great. We are all very grateful. Thank you Madam Conteh

Sigga Jagne, Vice Chairwoman STGDP in Raleigh North Carolina

Photo: STGDP Chief Banka Manneh

The Raleigh Accord:

That GDAG, STGDP, DUGA convened a conference in Raleigh North Carolina from the 17th to the 19th May 2013 to bring together the key players in the field (heads of political parties, politicians, civil society, and the media to dialogue and consult on the way forward...............more

Fatou Jaw Manneh

Raleigh Presentation

Good Afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen:

When I got the request and invitation to present a paper on Gambian journalism, I sent word to Gambian journalists on the ground for input lest I leave out any important details. The information I got from my colleagues on the state of journalism in the last 19 years.......................more

Epitaph for Ex-Attorney General Lamin Jobarteh?

By Dida Halake

Editor,

I believe, like the UK, EU and US governments, that the Jammeh Regime “crossed the Rubicon” with the executions of the Mile 2 inmates. Those chilling killings were justified by Ex-Attorney General Lamin Jobarteh.

Having written the above title, I now recall that another more apt “Epitaph for Lamin Jobarteh” may have been delivered in a Gambian court of law by a brave Gambian Magistrate (Borry Touray) during the Jammeh Regime’s legal proceedings against Ebrima Ismailla.............more

Justice Minister lamin Jobarteh fired!!!!

THE RALEIGH SUMMIT: A GAMBIAN CALL

By – Pata PJ

I know it is very easy to be worn out on a long walk where the finish-line is not at sight. And I am talking about the psychological more than the physical wearing down. In that case, you could only be driven by DETERMINATION, FAITH, CONVICTION and LOVE.

Nineteen Years of prolonged but persistent combat against Tyranny and Anarchy in Banjul, more than half of my human life.............................more

Israel Forcibly Injected African Immigrants with Birth Control, Report Claims

forbes.com

This weekend, a report revealingthat African women immigrating toIsrael were subjected to mandatory contraceptive injections, effectively amounting to forced (if temporary) sterilization made global headlines.

...........................................more

BANJULIANS TO BURY POLITICAL DIFFERENCES

Forward From Sweden- Banjul Network

Amnesty.org

“Tragically, the story of Imam Baba Leigh is not unusual in the Gambia where the authorities seem to be carrying out a campaign of illegal arrests, harassment, and death threats against anyone who dares to speak up on human rights.”

Poem For Imam Baba Leigh

أنا ب احتفل إطلاقك

أنا ب احتفل حياتك

أنا ب احتفل تحديك

أنت, الذي قد اختار أن يقف فوق للحقيقة

حتّى عندما عنى هو ثابتة بانفراد

صارمة

[إيمم] [موكهترّ] [ببا] [لي]

أنت, ال [فيربرند] [إيمم]

في نغمة [بلّيجرنت]

Silvio Berlusconi bunga-bunga trial: prosecutors demand six years in jail

Prosecutors sum up, saying there was 'no doubt' that then PM paid for sex with underage prostitute and abused his office to cover it up...................more

A “pardon” for Imam Baba Leigh is preposterous nonsense!  - by Lamin J. Darboe

When news of Imam Baba Leigh’s (Imam Leigh) release exploded in Gambian communities at home and abroad, it was greeted with unanimous and justified relief. For watchers of Gambian public space, curiosity nevertheless centred on how the Imam Leigh imbroglio would be explained by his abductor, i.e. the state of The Gambia..............................more

Imam Baba Leigh’s release and the conscience of Gambians

By D. A. Jawo
All people of conscience, both in the Gambia and abroad, are no doubt today celebrating the release of Imam Baba Leigh, more than five months after he was kidnapped and held hostage by the Yahya Jammeh regime. His crime; ...................more

The Brazen Bibliophiles of Timbuktu

How a team of sneaky librarians duped Al Qaeda  BY YOCHI DREAZEN................more

Prominent Newsreader Fatou Camara has bounced back as director of Press and Public Relations of the Gambia government -

Jollof News Online Appeals For Help

Monday, 06 May 2013 13:50

By Yero Jallow

As I stood to gaze over the distant horizon

down my feet with my little shadow

I saw many sky layers seemingly going down

I followed it with energy and hope thinking I can get to where it touches the ground

and anytime that I covered a distance good enough

The sky horizon layer increases by an equal distance.

With hope, determination and my little shadow

never once did I get discouraged with the furthering horizon.......................more

ALINE SITTOE DIATTA (JATTA) - AFRICAN HEROINE, PRIESTESS, & LIBERATION FIGHTER   

By Sainey Faye

The Gambia: Nana Grey and GPU; promising courtship or a blind road to the “promised land?” By Mathew K Jallow

The absolute fallacy of the Gambian media and government partnership in development has a curious reconciliatory ring to it, but in Gambia as in any other country, the media does not exist to partner with any government. The Gambian media’s obligation is to citizens and not to report about a lousy road built in Banjul or anywhere else, because that is the work of government................................more

GAMBIA: PRINCIPAL ACT RAISES SERIOUS HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNS

Halifa writes to Hamat Bah

Dear Mr Bah,

On Your  Press Conference and an Invitation for National Debate or Joint Press Conference on the Way Forward By Opposition Parties

I have been asked by the grassroots supporters of our party to respond to comments you made at your Press Conference which merit clarification. It is my personal opinion that it is not a sign of magnanimity to add insult to injury. Your party has already suffered defeat and you are entitled to make comments to save whatever is left of its integrity and political viability................................more

Out of anger Demba Ngange Njie forms his own OGIS ( Organisation of Gambians In Stockholm)

Hello OGIS, and all concerned members

My name is Ngange Demba Njie, and I’m a very concerned  member of OGIS (Organisation of Gambians In Stockholm). I’m going to form my own OGIS and want to inform the members of the organisation, so that anyone of you can feel free to come and join us at anytime..........................................more

Interview with Gambian music star Jerreh Jizzle Jallow

Well, well. Let's all brace up, for the Jizzle Kingdom has arrived. 18-year-old Gambian music phenom Jerreh Jallow has released an album called Lyrical Kiddo. He commands us to drop on the floor. Jaraama Jamtum, was how it started, Aye Ball Ma Kalakodou Watha, Wanna See Your Body Touch The Floor, Kaanasillah Mbullo Mutta Ayehh Bang Bang, Buldegglu Noonyii, They Just Trying To Fool You!.............................. more

www.soundcloud.com/jizzlebenz 

Gambia World Press Freedom Day............more

What Happened To Banjul? Part IV – The Mosquitoes’ Story (Fiction)

By Momodou Ndow

As more and more gutters became stagnant in Banjul, "The Banjul Mosquitoes" found themselves with more real estate to breed and keep multiplying. Then they decided to take it a step further by organizing and selecting a leader. They have been learning from the "Banjul Ndongos" (street boys) and it was now time for them to put that knowledge into use.....................................more

150 DAYS & 5 months INCOMMUNICADO, THE FATE OF IMAM BABA LEIGH RAISES MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS - 

Salieu B M Njie

Dear Respected Brothers & Sisters,

GPU Statement on WPFD 2013

Gambia Press Union urges government to expand space for media freedom

Today is World Press Freedom Day. This day was set aside by the United Nations General Assembly through decision 48/432 to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom;................more

It Is Inhumane to Recall Gambian Students from India 

by Sidi Sanneh

The very thought of having to be withdrawn from a University degree course for no apparent reason is devastating enough, much less for a young student thousands on miles from home and away from loved ones.   To forfeit a scholarship in the process with no guarantee of it ever being restored is simply an inhumane act; a pain inflicted on reportedly 30 young Gambian students through administrative fiat thousands of miles away from the Indian sub-continent by Sheikh Professor Jammeh without a single student being given the chance to present their case.............................more 

Comment/Gambians and the Environment 

Why Are Many Gambians Dying Young? The Environmental Factor - mybasse.org

In his ongoing series on the health conditions of Gambians, My Basse Associate Editor Bakary M. Jallow makes a persuasive case for a pollution-free environment in The Gambia.............................more

The Riddle of Kukoi

By Cherno Baba Jallow

Until in recent times, Kukoie Samba Sanyang, the architect of the abortive July 31, 1981 mutiny in The Gambia, had barely made any headlines at all. He had gone largely mum, but, without question, still cognizant of his standing, if detestable, in the ongoing tell-tale of Gambian history. Gambians can never forget Kukoie. He and the calamitous events he set off in 1981 remain entrenched in the deep recesses of our national memory.....................more

complete

 THE CONFUSED KANILAI MONSTER WILL BE DEFUSED AND DISPOSED

Letter to Ambassador Jackson McDonald on the State Department's Report 
Dear Ambassador McDonald,

GAMBIA NEEDS GENUINE LIBERATORS

by Sulayman Jeng

Nothing good comes easy. In the same vein, it can be equally asserted that conferred cosmetic recognitions received on a silver platter do not radiate the pride that successes achieved through hard work and personal sacrifices reflect. In a nutshell, one tends to value and cherish things that one has toiled hard for more than those received from the hand of fortune.....................more

Square Pegs v. Round Holes, Apples v. Oranges

Part One

By: Saul Saidy-khan  (saulskhan@yahoo.com) - from maafanta archives

In trying to make sense of the Gambian political conundrum, one needs to begin by being wary of small lies – they have a tendency to grow and produce very undesirable consequences. A big problem with lies is, by dint, they require augmentation with other lies to sustain them. Worse than that, lies are indicative of a dishonest or insincere mindset.....................................more

Re: Jainaba Bah

I applaud Jainaba Bah and Mai Fatty but...........

by Musa Sarr

I applaud Jainaba Bah and Mai Fatty for their contributions and unrelenting efforts to see a better Gambia for all. Education and excelling in academics, is a great gift and requires hard work, and must be encouraged at all times;.............more

AUC Chairperson Urges Women to Play Their Part in African Renaissance

National Bar Association and Constituency for Africa Caucus on Capital Hill to Strengthen Engagement in Africa-  africansuntimes...more

Announcement - BFA Million Books for Gambia- U of W Stout - Walk

This is a reminder that the long awaited Books for Africa / Million Books to the Gambia Project’s – 68 mile-walk is finally here.........................more

The Ideal Presidency

By Baba Galleh Jallow

“Being president is a humbling job,” said Obama as he spoke at the opening of the George W. Bush Library at the Southern Methodist University Campus in Dallas, Texas on Thursday, April 25 2013. Those words sprung involuntary tears into my eyes. Indeed, I find tears involuntarily springing to my eyes on many occasions when I watch and hear the speeches of American leaders. Perhaps it is the extremely stark contrast I see between these great but humble citizens,......more

Singer Jizzle and His Kingdom

Some are born with music talent. Feat in the industry however, comes to others through hard work. Both holds true for Jizzle. Young as he is, in age and in music, Jizzle nonetheless does not take for granted his natural musical ability and quality. He employs both exuberance and brainpower to pull off conscious, appealing songs...................more

www.soundcloud.com/jizzlebenz

African Union: Human and Peoples’ Rights 

We are marking yet another historically significant milestone as we celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the birth of the pan-African Unity in the formation of the OAU. Over the 50 year period since the OAU was established, Africa and indeed the world have witnessed momentous developments, with significant political, economic, social, cultural and technological changes..................more

From Sainey Fye

Mandela honoured by film installation in Times Square 

A film installation celebrating Nelson Mandela is taking over the electronic billboards in New York's Times Square.........................more

HALIFA WRITES TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL 

Attorney General and Minister of Justice

AG Chambers

Ministry of Justice

Marina Parade  

AMENDMENT CRIMINALISING DRESS AND OTHERS NEGATES THE DIVIDING LINE BETWEEN MINOR CRIME (MISDEMEANOR) AND MAJOR CRIME (FELONY) AND VIOLATES SECTION 33 OF THE CONSTITUTION.............more

From Pa Ousu Njie

“A Week of Hell” Launched in Minnesota

By Yero Jallow (Minnesota, USA).

Book author Papa Faal, a nephew of former President Sir Dawda Jawara launched his book titled, “A Week of Hell”  in Roseville (Minnesota).  In his book, Papa recalled how in July 1981 12 Renegades and civilians shocked the nation in an .............................................more

Photo: Papa Faal in white, wife Yasai in lemonn green at the poduim, Guest in black (courtesy of kibaaro.com)

The Dictator

By Baba Galleh Jallow

That dictators are essentially paranoid is a fairly well-known fact. Feeding on public insecurity and fear, the dictator is himself supremely insecure and fearful. There is not a single moment of a dictator’s life when he is not preoccupied with his personal security, when he does not imagine daggers in the lurking in the dark shadows of his mind, waiting for an opportunity to pounce upon him and stab him to death. 

.................................more

Ding Dong the witch Jammeh is dead

By Demba Ngange Njie

The BBC radio broadcasting is deciding whether to play a few seconds of the hit song ding dong the witch is dead at Iron lady Thatcher's memorial day. The former British prime minister Margret Thatcher labelled the ANC South Africa as a terrorist group, and Nelson Madiba Mandela a terrorist during the 80's when she was in office. She went further to support the aparthied regime in South Africa and defending the British interest in the region. .........................more

Boston Marathon bomber manhunt: Police nab suspect alive ............................more

Cease-fire! Jainaba Bah and Mai Fatty are both giants of this struggle

"Breaking Omerta", by ALFA JALLOW

Dear Editor;

LONDON DEMONSTRATION April 18 2013  - by Bamba Mass

The General Gambian Communities in England and Wales, on Thursday 18th April 2013 converged at the Trafalgar Square where minutes of silence was held for the victims of the April 10th and 11th's mass massacre of 14 Gambian children by the regime of President Yahya Jammeh .......................more

Jainaba Bah’s “Breaking Omerta” Series - by Lamin J Darboe

Dear Editor

Re: Jainaba Bah’s “Breaking Omerta” Series

Having given her word against enlarging her difficult conversation with Barrister Mai Fatty of GMC fame, Jainaba Bah’s acclaimed “Breaking Omerta” series are now likely to be severely diminished in overall informational, and, or, educational effectiveness. Integral to the coherence of the narrative were the stories of real people, and if, in typical Gambian style, we cannot behold a mature,......................................more

Re: Jainaba Bah

HAMAT BAH MUST NOT BE A THREAT TO RATIONAL MAJORITY OPPOSITION UNITY. By Badou Samba , New York.

The Raliegh gathering of May 2013 

by Karamba Touray

This Date In African History / April 15, African Freedom Day

UK Government Calls on  Gambia  to Return to Dialogue with EU as British MPs frown on the continued detention without trial and disappearance without trace in the Gambia.

.........................................more

The Joke That is “Françafrique” Independence

by Saul Saidykhan

An abused people – be it a country or nation, have two un-enviable faults in common with an abused woman in that both have a tendency: a) to fall into fatalistic self-helplessness, and b) to look for love in all the wrong places. With the exception of Equatorial Guinea, no African country exemplifies this sad dilemma today better than Yaya Jammeh’s Gambia. For which reason, Gambians now point to many other African countries as examples of what they want us to be........................................more

INDEMNITY? HOW ABOUT YOUR CONSCIENCE?  - By: Pata PJ

On December 15, 2012, a former Bad Boy Rapper G-Dep walked into a Harlem Precinct, turned himself in after confessing to a cold case murder. G-Dep owned up to killing a young man on a botched robbery on October 19, 1993.........................more

DISTORTING HISTORY

MAI AHMAD FATTY

 « Many will call me an adventurer – and that I am, only one of different sort ; one of those who risks his skin to prove his platitudes. » Che Guevara

History is a controversy. Historians often differ in their narrative of a historical event, albeit in doing so, they may all barricade themselves with what each of those historians may term 'historical facts.' That is because 'facts' in themselves may constitute controversies. A historian is not simply one who dabbles in the past in the conventional sense as it is understood............more

Jojo's Mag Issue 3

Dear All,

Here we go with the first draft of Jojo’s Mag issue 3!

Jojo’s Mag working in collaboration with the organisers of Miss West Africa (MWA) International brings you exclusive coverage of the Miss West Africa International ......................more

Margaret Thatcher dead at 87 following stroke

The first woman elected to lead a major western state changed way Britons viewed politics and economics.................................more

• Michael White
• guardian.co.uk, Monday 8 April 2013 10.21 EDT

BREAKING OMERTÀ - PART V:

In response to Modou Sarho’s (Dumo) Last Balang Baa Article.

By Jainaba Bah (Sweden)

Recent dramatic events have made me consider whether it is worth continuing this narrative. The unknown fate of Imam Baba Leigh, the spine chilling revelations of Bai Lowe on Freedom Radio and the gruesome rape ordeal of a sixteen year old teenage ......................................more

Between Scylla and Charybdis

Why Section 114 of the Criminal Code Must be Scrapped

Lamin J Darbo, in consultation/close collaboration with Dr Abou Jeng 

As incredible as it may sound to legal and political observers, The Gambia Government is in the process of expanding the punitive contours of Section 114 of theCriminal Code, Volume III, Laws of The Gambia, 2009 (Section 114). From a misdemeanour attracting a maximum penalty of D500, and, or, six months imprisonment,..........................more

Dr Abou Jeng is a Human Rights Lawyer and Associate Research Fellow at the Centre for Human Rights in Practice, University of Warwick, UK. 

.......................................more

GAMBIA’s DISGRACED VICE CHANCELLOR

The deceptive nature of the so-called Prof. Muhammadou Kah, Vice Chancellor of The Gambia’s only university ( UTG), has finally come to light. Documents reaching us from Banjul did show that  Kah’s Nigeria certification as a Professor is at most questionable rather than being a Professor in real academic terms......................more

Story From Banjul

Something is still rotten in the state of Gambia

By Foday Samateh

maafanta archives

Yahya Jammeh and his diehard supporters can slaughter hundred or thousand cows for a merry feast. They can throw all manners of sumptuous parties in all the seven regions of The Gambia for the fourth presidential election he had been declared the winner...........more

An Essay on Decadence of Morality in The Gambia  -  By Musa Camara

Irreformable and notorious individuals who commit blatant infractions or heinous crimes are generally isolated, publicly shamed, unequivocally condemned, socially sanctioned and even legally punished both in the interest of justice and for the good of society. Not the mercurial dictator who demands to be called His 

..........................................more

musacamara@hotmail.com

How autism has touched my life

by Neneh Sanyang, Dubai

April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day

How has autism touched my life? By the birth of my son, our son the handsome, cheeky and unique in his own way, which just makes us love him more. He is a teenager now but still non verbal but communicates well with pictures for his needs......................more

Photo: Neneh and her son