Gambia Seeks Approval to Send Troops to Bissau

The Gambia’s intention to send troops to Mali and Guinea Bissau is now laid bare as the National Assembly is today scheduled to consider the deployment of troops.

In April this year, the sub-regional bloc, ECOWAS, authorised the deployment of regional troops to those two West African countries. This decision was prompted by widely condemned coups in Bissau and Mali.

Although reliable sources in the army have since hinted to The Daily Newsthat plans were underway, and the selection process has begun, Gambian authorities have however closely guarded the details.

‘Prison is Not Hotel’

Commissioner Manneh

Commissioner of Gambia Prisons Services rubbished reports of mistreatment and frequent death of inmates at Gambian prisons.

AnsumanaManneh however made it clear that prison conditions cannot be as comforting as that of a hotel.

“We cannot deprive them [prisoners] their rights, but they should not expect the conditions [at prisons] to be how they would expect it in a hotel,” he told The Daily News in an exclusive interview at Prisons Department which reads below:

Why have prison authorities refuse independent observers and journalists access to investigate conditions of prisons?

That is not true because I have not seen any document requesting that observers or journalists want to investigate the prison conditions. As far as I’m concern, I have not seen any request.

Ex-Prisoner Alleges Frequent Death at Mile 2

Mile 2 Central Prison

In a seven-page letter which was made available to The Daily News, an ex prisoner has painted a graphic picture about what could be described as inhumane and degrading conditions of the country’s main prison, Mile 2, situated at the outskirts of Banjul, the capital.

The ex Mile 2 inmate, who goes by the identity Jerreh Fatty of Kanifing, alleges that the rate of death of prison inmates is under-reported, and only the death of prominent figures attract public attention.

“The mortality rate of prisoners is very high, but the information is closely guarded,” he says. “The extreme heat, poor sanitary environment, unhealthy diet, stress and mistreatment are possible reasons for deaths.”

Prof Kah Testifies at Last Says He’s Not a Reckless VC

Prof Kah was testifying against former director of international affairs at UTG, Mr Gumbo Touray, who denied a charge of false information. Gumbo was put on trial when he addressed a petition to President Yahya Jammeh accusing that Kah appoints his relatives, disregards University authority and wastes university’s scarce resources.

After two adjournments due to his absence, Kah at last made himself available, denying further that he lavishly used UTG’s resources.

“Every travel I make I always seek clearance from the president, Yahya Jammeh. So you don’t have a reckless VC, my travels are genuine,” he testified.

The Executive Should Have Regard For Cases Before The Court

President Jammeh

 Anyone who reads or listens to the press released from the Ministry of Education, Research, Science and Technology and the Governing Council of the University of The Gambia would not pay deaf ears to the many beautiful words about Professor Mahammadou M.O. Kah Vice Chancellor of the UTG.

First and foremost, Professor Kah is not under trial. Surely, the public needs to know the whole truth about the investigation carried out by the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDEA) hence a great chance for him to speak for himself.

 However, the court asked the prosecution to produce Professor Kah to come to court to clear things up. He is the complainant as the magistrate put it.

Ex-Agric Officials Grappling with Bail Conditions

Over 24 hours after they were granted bail, the ex-agric officials and Gambian businessman were struggling to satisfy the conditions attached to their bail.

“We’re still processing the paper transactions to have them bailed,” a family source, who wished not to be quoted here told this paper yesterday, shortly before press time.

No Prof Kah in three Adjournments Lawyer Tells Magistrate: ‘Everybody is Watching’

Gumbo Touray

The false information trial involving former top lecturer at the University of The Gambia, Gumbo Ali Touray, which was proceeding fairly well when it started August 3 of last year, has however experienced setbacks in recent times.

Nearly one month, the much-sought testimony of the first Gambian-born UTG Vice Chancellor, Professor Mohammadou Kah, is yet to come by.

For the second consecutive time on Monday June 4, the magistrates’ court in Banjul adjourned the case as Prof. Kah who was tipped to be the star witness, has reportedly‘traveled out of the jurisdiction of the court.’

This time round however, the lawyer for Gumbo Touray did not hesitate to express his displeasure.

In very clear terms, Lawyer Badou Conteh pointed-out to the court that the case against his client has attracted the attention of the public and as he said, ‘everybody is watching.’