Over 30 female contestants and leaders across all political parties recently participated in a consultation meeting to review the gender concerns in the last local government area council election, at Pakalinding Lodge, Lower River Region. The meeting validated the reports on the pre-election activities with potential female contestants and reviewed the participation of women in the 2008 Local Government elections.

In her remarks, the Executive Director of GAMCOTRAP Dr. Isatou Touray, emphasised that the project on women’s political participation is supported by the Open Society Initiative of West Africa – OSIWA. She said it is not about partisan politics but rather to create political awareness amongst women to empower them within their own parties. Dr. Touray called for unity of purpose, solidarity and trustworthiness in women’s struggles; and pointed out that, as women there are commonalities, specificities and difference but they should all work for the interests of all women no matter what their partisan inclination is.

Speaking to the participants, the first Gambian female elected Parliamentarian and also Consultant for women and political participation, Honourable Nyimasata Sanneh, informed the participants that GAMCOTRAP is interested in creating awareness on women’s rights and empowerment and they choose the rights target for their activities. She emphasised that it is critical to engage women in decision-making positions in promoting women’s rights in politics. GAMCOTRAP was commended for the initiative to engage women leaders from different parties across the country to revisit the interest of women in the political processes.

 However, the participants highlighted some of the challenges female contestants were faced with amongst which were the concern that women leaders are used for election of political representatives and not for the strategic interest of women; challenges in their parties select committees attitudes towards some of the female candidates, sexual harassment during the campaign period, lack of funding for female candidates to campaign and reluctance of elite women to contest for elections, among other things.

The participants recommended a sensitisation on the Local Government Act and the role of area councilors, to train women on leadership and other skills to enhance their knowledge on policies and laws affecting them, to sensitise young girls on reproductive health and rights.

 They finally called for a national forum across parties to discuss the gender concerns in vying for elections for the interests of all women and promote solidarity and positive campaign strategies within and across parties, whilst emphasising the need for women to be recognised in their own right as citizens and to work in solidarity.

A one-day consultative meeting organised by Gamjobs was recently held at the Governor’s Bantaba in Janjangbureh in CRR. The meeting, which targeted youth and women, was to educate these target groups on the existence of Gamjobs and their aims and objectives.

Speaking earlier, the Gamjobs National co-ordinator, Mr. sheriff Gomez, said Gamjobs is a project focusing on young people and women who are the vulnerable social groups. He added that women constitute 50% of the labour force while young people outnumber the general population by 47% based on their vulnerability. Mr Gomez further revealed that the government of The Gambia considered it fitting to create Gamjobs to address the needs and aspirations of the target groups by creating meaningful avenues that will enable them to access jobs. He disclosed that by the end of the project it’s aimed to have found employment for 20,000 young people and women.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor of CRR, the chief of the Janjangbureh district, Seyfo Bakary Jam Jawoh, hailed Gamjobs, for doing such a wonderful thing in aiming to provide employment opportunities for women and young people. He then thanked the donors for supporting the initiative adding that the sensitization of local authorities will go a long way towards raising the level of awareness of local people.

He then urged the participants to take part during the course of the meeting.

For his part, the Regional Youths and sports co-ordinator, Mr. Adama Sabally, also thanked Gamjobs and the national Organising committee for coming up with such an initiative.

Manlafi Jarju, the former Secretary of State for Local Government and Lands, has been appointed as the new APRC  Secretary General, this paper can reveal. Mr. Jarju’s appointment was reported to have taken effect last Wednesday, 30th April, 2008.

This position has been vacant since the exclusion of Mr. Edward Singhateh, former Secretary of State for Forestry and Environment who was also the Secretary General of the ruling APRC party.

When contacted, Mr. Jarju confirmed his new appointment and had this to say: “This is a clear indication that the President has trust and confidence in me. I am quite appreciative and hope to deliver to the expectation of the party leader who appointed me”.

According to Manlafi Jarju, APRC is a big party but he would do all he can to strengthen and consolidate its membership. “I do not have much to say but to thank the President for selecting me to this important position,” he said.

Mr. Jarju called on all Gambians to come forward and join the ruling APRC party. The APRC , he went on, is the only party that can take the country forward.

After a very eloquent speech delivered on behalf of Gabriel I. Gbaglo, the president of the IFJ West African Bureau, based in Dakar who has always comes to celebrate such days with Gambian journalists, was in Maputo to celebrate the same Day with their colleagues. Louie Thomasi, the representative said in those days one would report and be damned but now report and be killed. He talked about the many killings of journalists in the world and the shooting and killing of Deyda Hydara of The Gambia and called on people to see journalists as partners. He mentioned the many detentions of journalists in the world and said Eritrea is the worst country for journalists and Gambia is named as one of the countries with the highest number of journalists on exile. Other areas he said their killings were too much. “Eritrea has no private media.” The muzzling of journalists he said has to be stopped and journalists should do their work in peace without hindrance. “We are working assiduously to change the situation. We are speaking to relevant authorities to see reason to stop impunity against journalists. “Journalists are the most endangered species in recent times.” He remembered one of their fallen colleagues in the like of Deyda Hydara whose coward murderers are yet to be brought to book for the heinous crime against an honest son of the land and a superb journalist whose work challenged a lot of burning issues leading to his untimely assassination by cowards in the cover of the dark. He quoted the lines recited by the Late Deyda Hydara before his then programme at the Radio Syd: “Il est minuit, le temps vient de faire son oeuvre, un jour s’en est alle, un autre jour vien de naitre, avec ses paines. Mais nous chers auditeurs, nous vous souhaitons bonjour.”

Ba Tarawally in his contribution said, journalists are to blame. “Journalists are not united and they should be united to for a better cause.” The judiciary is often not fair to the journalist. The police he said were another set that are there to capture journalist whether right or wrong. “They should resist and do the right thing.” He said.

Mr. Jallow, the Administrator at the Gambia Press Union, suggested that GPU sets up media council. He said the journalism profession is the luckiest. “People can come from school straight to the newsroom and becomes a journalist.”

Madi MK Ceesay, the former GPU president and Director of the Media Agenda, registered his dissatisfaction about the closure of four media outlets, the Independent Newspaper, Citizen FM, Sud FM and … “We are not celebrating but mourning. I could be killed nothing would come out of it, you could be killed nothing will as well come out of it as par indication. We need to do something about this.”

Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, the opposition UDP leader said all concentration is on physical harassment. On the potent of any journalist, you may have 100 journalists who can’t perform their journalism properly, they are endangered. “The profession should be unified. The Gambia Press Union has not stood up to fight for the many problems. What are you doing? I think in the circumstances of hopelessness, you may ask government to let go of journalist Fatou Jaw Manneh’s case. But Press Union has to stand up and do more.” Lawyer said.

Swaibou Conateh, a veteran journalist and the editor - in - chief of the News and Report Magazine, suggested for journalists to study the law more to be able to properly interpret it and do more.

Louie Thomasi felling compassion over issues brought up about Gambian journalists says, “We are doing our best. We have been issuing letters and have sent it to the Gambian president as well. “The journalists should emancipate themselves from mental slavery. It is not all who work for a newspaper that are journalists.” He says.

Halifa Sallah then dilated on the main theme: Freedom of Expression, Access and Empowerment. He called journalists to unite and form a common force but disunity he said was not good for them. He says, “The people should protect the journalist. We should use this day to highlight their problems and help GPU to enhance the dignity of the journalist.”    

He further says, “Many tyrants have come and gone. Many tyrants will go from our continent but the pen will stay, for the pen is mightier than the sword.”

OJ Jallow, the veteran politician says, “Many thought after the GPU Congress that there would no more be a GPU but here you are still going on strong.” When others are killed journalist talk and make it known for action but when journalists are killed everyone is mute. The press OJ said is the leading voice which should be inculcated in people. “The moment the people become afraid the government it becomes a despotic government. When the government becomes afraid of the people then it is democracy. There is no political success without using the press, the press that is not recognized by the government. They are suppressed, our African governments are intolerant. Until there are divergent views we can’t be glad, let us forget about egoism.”

Lawyer Alimamy Taal noticed that there were a lot of silly stories on newspapers and said it was due to the lack of empowerment. Journalists should be really prepared to face the challenges, they need the light. They are not going to be ruled by the gun or those with the law in their hands.

Sheick Lewis said issues have been raised to protect journalist but “have we challenged ourselves? When we invite people to come to such programmes it is only the opposition that turns up. We need to dialogue. Many in the government have been journalists in the past. Who is protecting the journalist? The young journalists will run or be quiet if the seniors are caught or killed. We need to empower them or else I will join them to run away from the field.

Ousman Yabo said they’ve been waiting too long to do something for the backlog of offences against the journalist.

Ida Jallow blamed Gambian journalists for accepting a lot of things happening especially from some media houses and that the Gambian journalist is not protected in the hands of a few.

Journalsits said a lot to keep them thinking and to awaken the populace to protect their own journalist because they are out to empower the populace.

The GPU under the leadership of Ndey Taffa Sosseh, has launched a newsletter carrying news and views launched by Suaki Bojang. The president (Ndey Taffa Sosseh) showed his appreciation to those that graced the occasion and thanked those who did all that they could to make it a success. She said it was left with the journalism fraternity to move forward from what they have heard.

“A living Mirror” a book on the life of Deyda Hydara by Aloa Ahmed Alota and Demba A. Jawo was launched and the proceeds go to Deyda Hydara Foundation. Pap Saine, Editor in-chief and co-proprietor of the Point Newspaper bought the highest number of copies in solidarity with its cause.

56 members of a local savings group called Osusu on Monday expressed bitterness over the way their leader, one Haddy Gaye, allegedly spent their contributions for her personal use.

In an interview with this paper, their spokesperson, Maimuna Sonko, explained their situation.  She told The Point that the membership of the group is drawn from the Serrekunda Market.  She added that members contribute D125 every Monday for collection by the Osusu leader, Haddy Gaye.

She went on to say that after having contributed for many months, the group members asked their leader about how much money there was but Mrs. Gaye could not account for the money she had recieved from them. 

Maimuna Sonko claimed that the amount of money involved was over D70,000 but lamented that none of the members of the group knew the whereabouts of the money.

As a result, she added, they reported the matter to Serrekunda Police Station where they were advised to resort to legal action at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in a bid to ensure free, fair and transparent Local Government elections accredited 266 election observers out of which 24 are international observers. Among these observers is Africa in Democracy and Good Governance (ADG).
Speaking on the concluded Local Government elections in a press conference held at the head offices of (ADG) at 73 Kombo Sillah Drive on Monday 28 2008, the director of programmes Edwin Nebolisa NWAKAEME who was also the head of the delegation of their observer team at the recently concluded local government elections, told the press that the politician have not done a good job.
The Africa in Democracy and Good Governance observed that the political parties and candidates fail to do a good job in the area of informing and educating the voters and it’s their belief, that, this was the reason for the poor turn out. The ADG was not also happy with the posters of some candidates near pooling stations. Their observers did bring that at the notice of the IEC officials and it was taken care of.
Edwin told the press that in monitoring the local government elections, ADG and its collaborators have the following objectives: of observing the conduct of elections by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in terms of administration, logistics and management; observed the general human right issues; make an informed judgments on whether or not the elections can be adjudged free, fair and transparent and whether or not the official results are true reflection of the expressed will of the electorates.
Asked what is the position of ADG on the issue of voter registration? As election is a whole process, from registration to counting of votes. It was brought to attention of Edwin that in the Gambia , elections are only rigged at voter registrations. He told the press that they have not participated in voter registrations but is something that will be looked into. Commenting on the general conduct of the local government elections he said it was a free and fair one.
ADG was established in the Gambia by people of different nationalities who are concerned in promoting human rights, civics responsibilities, rules of law and democracy. The mission of ADG is to contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights, democracy and good governance in Africa by initiating and advising on programmes and policies which will strengthen institution responsible for the protection of these scared values in order to ensure human security, sustainable development and lasting peace.

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At the close of the 24 January 2008, local government elections, the ruling APRC is declared victorious with a land slide victory. The chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Mr. Mustapha L. Carayol in a live television broadcast announced that out of the 114 councilors positions vied for, the APRC won 101, and also won the two mayoral positions.
Samba Faal, who contested for the Mayoral position of Banjul City Council on the ticket of the ruling APRC pulled 4,640 votes, while Femi Peters of the opposition United Democratic Party UDP, pulled 1067 votes. This makes Samba Faal the second elected mayor of Banjul since the coming into power of the APRC.The post was won last time on an Independent ticket by Pa Sallah Jenj.
The second Mayoral position contested for at the Kanifing municipality was won by Yankuba Colley of the APRC party, he pulled 19,073 votes, while Momodou Danso pulled 8,412 votes. He contested on the ticket of UDP.
In a final declaration from the office of the Independent Electoral Commission, said 101, councilors went to the APRC, three to UDP, one to NRP, one to NADD and eight went to the Independent candidates.
It could be recalled that 55 seats went un-opposed, all of which went to the APRC.Out of the 59 seats which were contested, 46 were won by the APRC.

There is low turn out at the polls around the kanifing municipality as the polls open at 7am Thursday 24 January 2008. Unlike other stations at the Manjai Kunda central polling station where this reporter visited there was a very high turn out, people were in there hundreds and voting was very smooth.
The candidate of the ruling APRC, for Manjai Kunda Ward, Momodou Sidibeh told this reporter that he has voted and that he is confident of victory. Ask what was his impression on the turn out, Sidibeh said the turn out is excellent and this was due to the much popularity given to the elections by the Independent Electoral Commission (ICE). Independent candidate Salieu Manneh said victory is his, as he is the choice of the people. He told this reporter that looking around Manjai Kunda there is no sign of development for the past five years or so. He asked where the revenues of this ward goes to and what has the incumbent has done in the past years. There are no good roads, no public toilet facilities and not to talk about heath facilities.
At other polling stations around the municipality of KMC , the turn out was generally poor. Voters did pay heed to the numerous calls made before the elections. At B109 total tokens received is 701, B109a 727 tokens, B108, 572 tokens and at B108a566 token and in all more that 1500 have voted at 9am.
At the Dippa Kunda Wards and Latri kunda Wards the turn out was very poor. When this roaming reporter caught up with the Ruling APRC campaign manager who was also the out going councilor, Mr. Musa Mendy he decried that he received call all over the area and what he was told is that there is a low turn out.
Solo Sandeh the opposition contestant for Dippa Kunda ward, also decried of low turn out. But what both politicians said in common is the voting goes very smoothly.
In a live television broadcast on the eve of the elections, the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission Alhagie Mustapha Carayol told the electorates that they should go out in their numbers and vote for the candidate of their choice. He inform them that the elections is important because this the election that give them the chance to vote for people who should make a difference in their lives. He said local governments should provide roads, health facilities, schools, and other facilities. However his calls and many other calls were not heeded to.
Polls are opened as early as 7am and will close by 4pm and results are expect to flow in by 6pm.

Opposition local government aspirants call on their supporters to come out in large numbers and exercise their constitutional rights by casting their votes in the 24 January 2008 elections. This call was made in a mass political rally organized by the alliance of United Democratic Party (UDP) and National Reconciliation Party (NRP) over the week end at Ebou Town ward.
Modou Lamin L. Touray a senior member of opposition National Alliance for Democracy and development (NADD) who also contested in the last parliamentary elections at the kombo East constituency said it is in the interest of national development that they were at the rally, and as a sing of solidarity.
NADD who has not put up any candidate in the KMC for this local government election is fully in support of the UDP /NRP alliance candidates contesting in the KMC.
He said what our opponents think is not the case, we the NADD and UDP/NRP are together in spirit, and our common objective is removing the APRC regime. He asked how we can put all our eggs in one basket and hope to gain any political gains. The presidency is with APRC, the majority of the Nation Assembly members are APRC, why should we place the local governments into the hands of APRC? He urges the women and youths to come out in their numbers and vote against APRC.
Lang Touray a market vendor said the KMC local authorities failed in the last four years to deliver and that was enough for them to be voted out of office. Go to the serekunda central market and see for your selves, the refuge are not collected for weeks and the whole area is infested with insects. That is not only the problem but the market has no toilet facility as well.
Touray then asked why we should vote them in again. He said one hundred thousand dalasi is collected on daily basis one may asked where is this monies spend. Revenues collected are meant for the development of areas.
Baba Jadama also reiterated the fact that oppositions should stop staying away from voting. He calls on voters to come out in their numbers and vote the ruling APRC out of the local government offices. He said it’s not a question of party politics but it’s the interest of the Gambia that is at stake.
Earlier Lady Councilor contestant Fatoumatta Jawara of Tallingding call on her female supporters of the oppositions to vote massively for the oppositions, she said it is only the oppositions that can make a change in the KMC municipality.
Momodou Danso, who is contesting for the Mayoral position of the KMC, said when he is voted in the office of the Mayor the people’s taxes will be put into maximum use. He said there are no good roads nor are there any street lights. The KMC is one of largest municipality and generates the highest amount but is the least develop and the dirtiest for that matter all due to mismanagement of people’s revenue.

The UN refugee agency is asking donors for US$7 million to help tens of thousands of Mauritanians return home nearly 20 years after ethnic fighting forced them to leave.

Forced from their homes and livelihoods in 1989 the refugees – living in Senegal and Mali – have long insisted that their return be supervised and backed by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR). In June the Mauritanian government formally requested UNHCR assistance with the repatriation.

“We call on the international community to help Mauritania turn this painful page in our history,” Moustapha Toure, spokesperson for the Mauritanian refugees, told IRIN.

Some 25,000 Mauritanians are expected to set off from Senegal and Mali next month in UNHCR-operated boats and trucks, with the refugee agency providing food and protection along the way as well as assistance to local communities.

Part of the funds – about $1.7 million – is earmarked for protection and monitoring of refugees’ legal rights. “The authorities will provide returnees with the necessary documentation to ensure their access to civil rights, land and property in a dignified manner,” UNHCR says in its appeal.

After years of refugees’ apprehension about their status upon returning home, the newly elected Mauritanian government in July formally invited them, saying they could return safely and with dignity.

Of some 60,000 people who originally fled Mauritania, about 30,000 remain in northern Senegal and some 6,000 in Mali.

An initial survey conducted by UNHCR and Senegalese officials in July and August found that some 24,000 refugees in Senegal expressed a wish to return home. A few hundred refugees living in Mali are also expected to return.

UNHCR says given “the limited absorption capacity of return areas”, it expects to assist 7,000 people to return by the end of this year and the rest in 2008.

Helping local communities

Part of the funds will be used to build up health and education facilities as well as boost agricultural capacity in communities where refugees will return, UNHCR says.

“It is assumed that returning refugees have maintained regular contact with their relatives in Mauritania, which will improve reintegration prospects in their communities of origin,” UNHCR says in the appeal document. “However, as communities in Mauritania are already facing a shortage of resources, returnee families, consisting often of up to nine members each, will put an important strain on already scarce food and water sources.”

The appeal covers the construction of 35 wells and the building or rehabilitation of 20 health centres and 20 classrooms. In addition, it calls for agricultural tools and seeds for returnees as well as host communities.

Refugees will receive two months food rations from UNHCR and three months basic food rations from the World Food Programme to further mitigate the strain on local communities.

UNHCR says it is negotiating a tripartite agreement with the Senegalese and Mauritanian governments, intended to provide a legal framework covering property rights and legal documentation for refugees. The agreement is expected to be finalised before repatriation begins in October, the agency says.

Truth and reconciliation

While refugees have welcomed the assistance of their government and UNHCR, many are calling for a truth and reconciliation commission to discuss the events of 1989 once repatriation is completed, refugee spokesperson Toure told IRIN.

Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Abdallahi said in a speech in June: “I am urging all Mauritanians to get mobilised in order to welcome, as warmly and in as brotherly a manner as possible, our fellow countrymen and women in solidarity.”

“Our president has recognised the state’s responsibility to restoring our human rights,” Toure said. “We hope the international community will fully support that initiative so we can put ourselves firmly on the path of national reconciliation.”

Some 60,000 black Mauritanians were expelled from their country to neighbouring Senegal and Mali in 1989 when a border dispute erupted into ethnic violence. Thousands of Mauritanians living in Senegal at the time were also forced out.