The trial of Musa Suso, former National Assembly Member for Kombo North, was on Wednesday deferred until 20th August 2008. The case, which was scheduled for a ruling on the defence counsel’s application for the prosecution to provide the defence with all the information they needed to carry on their defence, could not proceed as the Presiding Magistrate, Kayode, was due to proceed on leave, necessitating the transfer of the case.

Musa Suso is standing trial at Banjul Magistrates Court on four counts of giving false information to a public officer, contrary to section 114(a) of the criminal code, cap. 10 volume III, Laws of the Gambia.

It is being alleged that the accused, Musa Suso, in 2007 at police headquarters in Banjul, gave false information to the then IGP, Benedict Jammeh, and the then Crime Management Co-ordinator, that the Director of Prisons, David Colley, had received an unspecified amount of fuel from one Ebou Khan (Musa’s friend) while Musa was incarcerated at Mile II, knowing it to be false or believed it to be untrue at the time.

It is also alleged that Musa Suso in the year 2007 at the police headquarters falsely informed the then IGP and the then Crime Management Co-ordinator, Burama Dibba, that the Director of Prisons, David Colley, had diverted a satellite dish bought by Ndey Conteh for the inmates of Mile II to his personal use, which he knew to be false or believed it to be untrue at the time.

Furthermore Musa Suso is accused of having in the year 2007 at police headquarters in Banjul falsely informed the then IGP, Benedict Jammeh, and the then CMC, Burama Dibba, that the Director of Prisons, David Colley, had fed the carcass of a bull to inmates at Mile II Prisons and that it led to the death of several inmates, which he knew to be false or believed to be untrue at the time.

The offence further stated that in the year 2007 at police headquarters in Banjul the accused, Musa Suso, falsely informed the then IGP and the then CMC that David Colley made his (Musa’s) friend, Sedia Jatta, to paint a prison truck through his influence while he (Musa) was incarcerated at Mile II, which he knew to be false or did not believe it to be true at the time.

According to reports monitored on GRTS last evening, President Jammeh, acting under powers vested in him by the APRC constitution, has decided to rescind the nomination of Oley Sey, nominated member of the National Assembly with effect from yesterday.

It could be recalled that Oley Sey was alongside four others nominated as members of the National Assembly by President Jammeh following the January 2007 National Assembly elections.

The police have preferred fresh charges against Musa Suso, former National Assembly Member for Kombo North.

Muso Suso was yesterday arraigned before Senior Magistrate Kayode of the Banjul Magistrates’ Court charged with four counts of giving false information to a public officer contrary to section 114(a) of the Criminal Procedure Code cap. 10, volume III, Laws of The Gambia 1990.

In count one the particulars of the offence stated that “the accused, Musa Suso, in the year 2007 at the police headquarters in Banjul, gave false information to the then IGP, Ben Jammeh, and the then Crime Management that the Director of Prisons, Mr David Colley, has received an unspecified amount of fuel from your friend Ebou Khan while you were incarcerated at the Mile II prisons knowing it to be false or believed it to be untrue at the time.”

The offence in count two read that the accused, Musa Suso, in 2007 at the police headquarters in Banjul falsely informed the then IGP, Benedict Jammeh, and the then CMC Burama Dibba that Mr David Colley, the Director of Prisons, had diverted a satellite dish bought for the prison’s inmates by Ndey Conteh, inmate Batch Faye’s mother, to his personal use, which information he knew to be false or believed it to be untrue at the time.

In count three the offence stated that in 2007 at the police headquarters in Banjul the accused gave false information to the then IGP, Ben Jammeh, and the then Crime Management Co-ordinator, Burama Dibba, that Director of Prisons David Colley had fed carcass of a bull to inmates at Mile II prisons and that the action led to the death of several inmates. The statement of offence further noted that the accused knew that the information was false or believed it to be untrue at the time.

The particulars of offence for count four indicated that the accused in 2007 at police headquarters gave false information to the then IGP and the then Crime Management Co-ordinator, to the effect that the Director of Prisons made Musa’s friend Sedia Jatta to paint a prison truck through his influence while Musa was incarcerated at the Mile II Prisons which he knew to be false or did not believe to be true at the time.

Meanwhile the defence counsel, Lamin Jobarteh, made an application for the prosecution to make certain documents available to the defence to enable them prepare their defence.

The police prosecutor, ASP Badjie, objected to the defence’s application, arguing that the application seeks to disarm the prosecution because the documents in question are the original documents that the prosecution was going to use against the accused.

The case was adjourned to 13th August for ruling on the defence’s application.

The National Assembly Member for Banjul South Honorable, Baboucarr Nyang alias Papa Leety, on Sunday presented D4,000 and footballs to the four teams from his constituency namely Waff Bi, Ngoyan, Digi Dambi, and Dobson United.

Each team collected a cash donation of D1,000 with  a ball.

Speaking during the presentation, Hon Baboucarr Nyang said that the donation “is to foster unity among the youths of Banjul South and to help them in the preparatory aspects for the Nawettan.”

He said, “we are all one and should look the way forward to help the youths of Banjul South.”

Honourable Nyang pointed out that sports is one of the leading peace makers in the world and the only way to bring unity among the youths is to give them courage and support.

He expressed his readiness to assist and support the youths of Banjul South.

The National Assembly Select Committee on Health recenly received the officials of the African Media and Malaria Research Network (AMMREN) Gambia chapter.

The meeting was held at the National Assembly chambers in Banjul.

The visit was aim at to inform and enlightens the national Assembly speaker and the select committee on heath about the mission and activities of the sub-regional network. AMMREN a set up of journalists and scientists functioning to help in the crusade against the malaria pandemic.

The Honorable Speaker of the National assembly in a more appreciative tone commended AMMREN for the good work they are embarking on both at national and regional level. Hon. Speaker Ceesay emphasized the need to involve the national assembly in such endeavors at all level so that the assembly can take active role that is helpful to the association’s functioning. She assured the network of the assembly’s support. Speaker Ceesay also acknowledged the nomination of Ms.Sambou Susso as AMMREN good will ambassador.

The National Coordinator of AMMREN Pa Modou Faal gave an account of the network’s activities both at national and international level. Mr.Faal highlighted key issues such as reporting on research on Malaria, monitoring and advocating for the implementation of malaria policies in Africa as key functions of the network. Mr.Faal pleaded for a closer collaboration with the national assembly since they are essential in the fight against malaria.

For his part, the Chairperson National Assembly Select Committee on Health, Hon. Adama Cham welcomes AMMREN and applauded them for their achievements. He also called for more partnership in the field of the campaign against malaria.

The meeting was graced by the Manager National Malaria Control Program Mr. Malang Fofana and Director of Health Promotion and Development Organization Mr. Omar Ceesay.

The Hon Speaker of the National Assembly of the Gambia, Hon Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay assured the AMMREN chapter of the Gambia of her personal and that of the National Assembly’s collaboration. She made this statement on Tuesday the 1 of July 2008 when the Chapter paid a courtesy call on her and members of the health select committee.  This is the second of such type of courtesy call in a week. It was first the Vice President’s office.

In a brief statement on the occasion Pa Momodou Faal who is the country coordinator of the AMMREN Gambian chapter told the Speaker that it is the will of the network to solicit the collaboration of the legislature as the third arm of the government. We are out to supplement efforts of the government in the area of sensitization and the fight against malaria. He told the meeting that governments in 2000 met in Abuja Nigeria and under taken to reduce malaria by 2010 by a considerable reduction. Such cannot be achieved solely and wholly by governments alone, hence AMMREN’s intervention.

The head of the National Assembly select committee, Hon Adama Cham told the AMMREN executive that it was a coincidence that the health committee just concluded a meeting in which issues of malaria was high on their agenda. He said the committee has just decided to tour the health facilities through the length and breathe of the country to access and find out from the public they represent what can be done to improve their health conditions.

Cham informed the meeting that, they were not only going to access but as well to sensitize the public on malaria and its spread. At this point he said there are no better partners in sensitization than AMMREN.

Another very important partner in attendance was the head of the National Malaria Control Programme, Malang Fofana. He assured the meeting that they will continue the collaboration with AMMREN who are new but made very remarkable contributions to wards the fight against malaria.

Other partners were also adequately represented, like Department of health and NGOs connected to malaria. Gambia’s good will ambassador artist Mrs. Sambou Susso was also present.

In response to a question by Hon. Seedy Njie, Nominated Member of the National Assembly as to the total budget needed for the forthcoming National Youth Conference and Festival (NAYCONF), Mr. Mass Axi Gai, the Secretary of State for Youth and Sports, on Monday told Members of the National Assembly that the budget for the event is D3, 343, 520.000.

Geared towards creating a platform for young people to have a greater understanding of the issues affecting them, accept each other and explore means through which they can contribute towards national development, the event would also look into key issues on the role of youths in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

According to Secy. Mass Axi Gai, the National Youth Council, in collaboration with its partners, has so far been able to raise some of the money needed to organise NAYCONF 2008.

“UNICEF has committed US$3,000.00 while UNFPA has committed US$9,511.77. The Government of The Gambia through the Department of State for Youths and Sports will also contribute a big chunk of the budget,” he said.

Being a biannual event that brings together over five hundred young people from across the country, this year’s theme is “Invest in Youths for Sustainable Development.”

Slated for December 2008 in Farafenni, NBR, the components of the event will, among others, include the conference, cultural shows, performances and carnival, award ceremony, sporting activities and beauty contest.

The Youths and Sports Secy. went on to state that in line with expectations, the local councils will also contribute to the budget as usual as they take care of some participation costs of their respective regions.

Asked as to his Department’s plans through the National Youth Council and National Youths Service Scheme in engaging and sensitising youths about the menace of illegal migration, Mass Axi Gai said this should not be the responsibility of his Department alone as National Assembly Members also have a big role to play.

We wish the very best to Hon Fatoumatta, speaker of the National Assembly, who, accompanied by four parliamentarians, will leave Banjul today for Zimbabwe as an African Union Observer of the forthcoming run-off election between President Robert Mugabe and Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai. There is no doubt that this is a dangerous task. Tensions are running very high in Zimbabwe at the moment and many fear there will be fresh violence in the run up to or in the immediate aftermath of the next vote. There have long been accusations of vote rigging against Robert Mugabe as well as intimidation and violence being used against opposition supporters. For all these reasons Hon Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay will have to be very vigilant and stick to her task with utmost integrity. Not only is she flying the flag for the African Union, she is flying the flag for The Gambia and democracy.

This is an extraordinary responsibility. The people of Zimbabwe are desperate for change and they must be allowed to make their democratic decision without fear of violence or oppression.

Scheduled for the 27th of June, the second round presidential election comes on the heels of a disputed first round election in which opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai was put ahead of President Mugabe, but not by enough votes to win outright.

Western observers were said to have been banned from the first round by Zimbabwe’s government, which accused them of bias, after they said there had been fraud in previous elections. This will be of deep concern to all those who wish to see free and fair elections and will increase the pressure on Hon Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay and her colleagues on the African Union team. The world will be watching from afar but they have the privilege of being on the ground to serve democracy and Africa as a whole.

Their job will not be an easy one but for the sake of African democracy they must attend to their task with extraordinary dedication. We wish them luck in their mission and pray for the safety of all those who are in the country to serve the cause of democracy and freedom.

“The ballot is stronger than the bullet.”

Abraham Lincoln

The Brikama Magistrates’ Court is expected to start proceedings in the civil case of a former National Assembly Member for Foni Bintang, this paper has reliably learnt.

Musa Gaye of Lamin village is clearly unhappy with ex-Hon. Janko Sanyang for his ‘failure’ in paying him[ Gaye] D5000, being money for goods given the ex-parliamentarian to facilitate his [Sanyang’s] naming ceremony.

The civil suit was reportedly instituted against Sanyang after several demands for the payment of the money could not bear fruits.

The case was first mentioned on 16 May 2002, but was adjourned to yesterday due to the absence of both parties from court.

It is now expected to continue on 16 June 2008.

Hon Fabakary Tombong Jatta, National Assembly Member for Serrekunda East and Majority leader of the National Assembly, has spoken of the need for African citizens to practice noble values that promote peace on the continent.

He said since the pre-colonial era, the continent has been known for practicing noble values that generated peace within its settlements adding that these practices must be brought back as it has been polluted due to factors relating to acculturation and bad behaviour.

The majority leader made these remarks during a debate on peace and security in Africa at the ninth Ordinary session of the Pan- African Parliament currently ongoing in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Addressing about 225 parliamentarians, Tombong Jatta highlighted bad human behaviour as one of the causes of suffering, injustice, crimes and other crises in Africa.

He said, “there is need for all Africans to live in harmony and unite but any time concerted efforts are used to resolve crises in a conflict zone new cases emerge”.

Hon Tombong Jatta described the cases of Sierra Leone and Liberia as successfully resolved and called on Africans to exercise peace and democracy.

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Ninth PAP Ordinary Session Underway in Johannesburg

The 9th ordinary session of the Pan- African Parliament kicked off on Monday in South Africa.

The session, which attracted about 225 parliamentarians across the African continent, will mark the beginning of the 5th year of existence of the Pan African Parliament.

 In her opening address, the president of the Pan African Parliament, Dr Gertrude Mangella, a Tanzanian, said since the last session a number of activities and missions have been carried out by the members of the bureau, parliamentarians and Staff members of the Bureau, this includes election observer missions in Kenya and Zimbabwe.

She said the election observer mission reports will be tabled for the first time for debate during the sitting. Dr Mangella added that PAP budget for 2008 amounts to 12.7 million dollars.

She highlighted that after operating for five years, between now and 2009, PAP must carry out an assessment of Article 25 of the protocol, make recommendations to the process of reviewing the protocol. The protocol made provisions that after five years of existence, the Pan African Parliament will be transform in to a legislative body.

The two-week session will dilate on the peace and security in Africa, reports on election observer missions to Kenya and Zimbabwe, food crises in Africa and reports of the Audit of the organs of the AU by a panel of eminent persons from PAP.

Reports of the permanent committees and celebration of the Ethiopian millennium will also be treated as part of the agenda.

The Pan African Parliament is its at it transformative stage from an advisory and consultative organ into a fully fledged legislative organ of the AU.

The biannual event also witnessed the swearing in of 30 new members from national parliaments.

 In another development, the Cameroonian committee in South Africa is calling for a total rejection of the amendment of the Cameroon constitution. This allows President Paul Biya to continue as president for life after being in power for 45 years.

They made this call during a peaceful demonstration held outside the gate of the Pan African Parliament Conference Hall Monday morning.

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African’s Conflicts could be Lessened- Hon El Hadj Diao Kante

Hon El Hadj Diao Kante, Chairman of the Committee on cooperation, International Peace and resolutions has said that respecting the principles of good governance, resolutions and agreements by governments of Africa will lessen African conflicts.

“African governments should operate in a democratic manner in order to achieve the objectives of the AU and the eradication of conflicts in our territory”, he pointed out.

He made these remarks during a press briefing as part of the second sitting of the ninth ordinary session of the Pan African Parliament.

Addressing Journalists, Mr. Kanteh highlighted the fact that Ethiopia is a major threat to peace in Somalia.

He said the African Union is facing problems to cover 8,000 troops in Somalia. Instead they are able to gather only 2,000 troops who are currently on a peace mission in Somalia. He added that in fact the Union is currently faced with financial problems to sustain these troops.

Commenting on the major crises in Africa, he said conflicts, nutrition and human rights are other emerging problems on the continent.

The Guinean Parliamentarian was quick to add that among the crises in Africa, Cote d’Ivoire is the most favorable situation and is in a position to organise elections.

He said a draft resolution, including the list of the major causes of conflict in Africa, is already being prepared by his committee and the recommendations will be sent by PAP to the next summit of heads of states.

He called on every one to be on board in trying to resolve Africa’s crises.

 Hon. Conteh added that, “PAP is a consultative organ but when the transformation into a legislative body has been done, it can pass laws which will be applicable by member states.

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Major Concerns Raised by Parliamentarians on Crises in Africa

Parliamentarians at the 9th ordinary session of the Pan African Parliament have raised major concerns relating to the issues affecting peace and prosperity in Africa.

One of the Parliamentarians who talked tough on Africans crises was Hon. Eugene Kpakka from Liberia. In his remarks he said Africa has lost the key to peace and prosperity. And in order to solve the crises faced by the continent, it required African’s intervention.

He said, “African problems require African solutions. And taking Africa’s problems to different areas for resolution will yield nothing”. He noted that the solution to Africa’s problems is in Africa and that the Pan African Parliament should take note of that in finding solutions to Africa’s crises.

He said one of the leading problems faced by Africa is power struggles. He said African leader’s failure to hand over power at the end of the term is a major problem. He called on the need for African leaders to come forward and work for the best interest of the Africa

Honourable Mary Mugyengy of Uganda, in her deliberation, said conflict eradication should be the number one agenda of the Pan- African Parliament and this could be done by clearly stipulating guided rules for member states by the Pan – African Parliament.

Also speaking was Ethiopia ’s Hon Anab Abdulkadir. He said Somalia has been bleeding for 19 years and is yet to find a solution to their crises. He said it is the responsibility of the Arab league and other organisations to save Somalia.

“Africa has no shortage of resources to solve the crises in Africa. I am urging the Pan African Parliament to include Somalia ’s case as part of their agenda”’ he said.

Other members who spoke included Honorable Farah Ismale Hussein, Honorable Edward Ndawula Kaweesi and Angelo Beda.