Gambia: Gambia Bar – Statement on Alleged Coup Plot by some members of the Gambia Armed Forces (23.12.2022)

Gambia: Office of the President – The Gambian Government Statement on the Alleged Coup Plot by Soliders of ‘The Gambian Armed Forces’ (GAF) – (21.12.2022)

Gambia: Ministry of Justice – Press Statement on the Commencement of Criminal Proceedings against Bai Lowe before the German Courts (25.04.2022)

Gambia: Victims say NO to TRRC’s Amnesty “Approval” for Sanna Sabally (19.03.2022)

Opinion: Is Barrow trying to Nkurunziza himself to an “erased” term?

Just as the news that the National Assembly and the Members of Parliament in The Gambia have voted down the draft constitution. This because one cause or one article would state that a President can only have two terms or 10 years in office. That was clearly not feasible for the current Head of State Adama Barrow.

Barrow, a man who was elected in 2017 and the man who took over power after dictator Yahya Jammeh who are living in exile. That happen after the ECOWAS and Senegal intervened. Barrow was even sworn-in Senegal and transported in by armed forces of Senegal to Gambia. That was a sign of international support of his candidacy and voice for change.

Alas, now he seems to following the footsteps of previous leaders in Gambia. Where they are willing to cling onto power. Until their demise is sealed and the arms have turned against them. Instead of leaving a memory of peace and of development. Instead, remember the looting, the corruption and the impunity in office. This from a President who has tried to clean up bureaucracy, have a commission into the previous administration and getting back stolen assets to the Republic.

Still, that man doesn’t want to be any different. There was supposed to only be an transition period onto January 2020. A period and a term, which Barrow already have served. He intends to hold elections in 2021. Meaning, that he gets a full term. While doing so, he intends to make that one “invalid” or “not count”.

That is just the late Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza did as well. While he did the deal after serving two terms. Deeming the first term not counting, as it was an “election” from Parliament and not from the public. The Constitutional Court made a verdict, which accepted this argument and that was the legal justification for Nkurunziza to have his third term in 2015.

Alas, Barrow is trying something similar. Using the transitional period and claiming it as non-starter. It wasn’t “official”. Even after he won and the coalition gave him power. This will be an insult to the contested elections of late 2016 and the intervention to get him in office in early 2017.

Still, this shows the greed of Barrow to be in power. As he intends to “erase” the first years in power. Therefore, ensure longevity and secure a prolonged stay in office. While, this man shouldn’t do that and become the same as his predecessor. Being a man who promised first three years, than a second term and then a third term. Because, if he does so… he is just lingering in office like Jammeh did. Maybe, not as brutal and despicable as his reign, but still a man who didn’t leave in peace.

Also, worrying that he doesn’t want to count the years he has already served. That proves that he has no real intention of leaving. At least, if he intends to make the current term as “invalid” or “not count”. 

Even, if the man said this in the start of his reign:

“Gambia has changed forever. The people are fully conscious that they can put government in office as well as remove it. No government will ever be able to entrench itself against the will of the Gambian people. This is the lesson we must draw from the change that has been brought by the people” (Adama Barrow – ‘My Vision for Gambia’ 20.02.2017).

He should know perfectly well, that someone can overstay their welcome and that its the people who decide if your serving them or not. Still, he intends to stay now. That is why he has dismissed the Constitutional Draft and gotten the MPs to vote it down. This is a sign of what to come.

Barrow intends to following the program of the ones overstaying in office. He got no plan to leave or say “bye”. This man will find all the means to stay and never leave. If he was holding his words. He would have left already and secured a successor. Then he would have written himself as a legend of a sort. Someone who had the character to be in the highest office and step-down. That would be epic, but not a possibility.

Barrow have disappointed here. Proving himself to not be that different and let power corrupt himself. He is just another man high on power and wants another fix. Peace.

Yayah Jammeh Grand Heist: A summary of Volume 9 of Janneh Report

Yesterday, I dropped two pieces on this. Today it will be continuation and repetition. Since some of the facts remains the same, but it will more flesh to the bone. Because, the piece on the land grabbing of ex-President Yayah Jammeh of Gambia was from the White Paper yesterday. The volume 9 has more detail. Therefore, even if this will be brief and short in one way. Because, all the heists and all the siphoning of monies are grand schemes in itself. Which shows that the President misused his authority and his place in the state to eat and grab funds. That he wasn’t entitle too.

The ex-President with all his various schemes and tricks of his trade, while in office, makes him liable to repay the state back with the amounts of 1,065,012,512.17 GMB, $267,348,358.89, €29,475,269.00, £2,250,000.00 and finally 618,400.00 CFA. All of this monies was taken by the ex-President.

Like for instances the ex-President set up a lot illegal businesses in his time. List consist of Kanilai Family Farms (KFF) Kanilai Group International (KGI), Unique Transport Systems Company Ltd. (UTSCO), Sindola Safari Lodge (Sindola), Mineral Company of the Gambia Ltd, Westwood Gambia Ltd. (Westwood), Westport Logistics, Green Industries, Observer Company, Alhamdulillah Petroleum and Mineral Company (APAM). All of these companies grabbed land, used public accounts to run them and so fourth. They were all illegally set up and some even spent international grants given to The Gambia. This was the way the President operated.

Also, the Ex-President used his charities to siphon funds, he used government grants from Exim Bank (ROC), Japanese Grants, Nigeria Budget Support and others, which was supposed to go to development projects, but instead money went unaccounted for and went missing. He spent it and withdraw cash from the accounts, either himself or with help from loyal associates.

To continue with his illegal enterprises, the ex-President also took funds from State Owned Enterprises, these consisted of Gambia National Petroleum Company (GNPC), Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC), Gambia Ports Authority (GPA), Kanalai Culture Centre (KCC), Youth Development Enterprises Limited (YDE), Gambia Ferry Services Company (GFSC) and GAMTEL/GAMCEL. All of these state owned companies was used, taken monies from and embezzled at one point to the advantage of the President.

As the schemes goes along, the land grabbing needs to addressed. The ex-President took 19 TDA lands from the public. 114 free allocations of public lands in his disposal. That was in total a hundred and 139 land titles, which consist of 10 islands and 26 Wildlife Parks and Reserves.

This shows how he misused his power, taken vast amount of sums. This only what he did and not what his associates and family members did as well. Because, that would be to overwhelming for one small article. Still, this shows what sort of megalomania the ex-President did in his time from 1994 to 2017. As he spent time getting more and more funds, instead of governing.

Yayah Jammeh was busy finding new ways of earning profits, building businesses and taken the state for granted. Embezzling, siphoning and grand theft. This was his heist, a business model that he continued to work-on until his final day in office.

The ex-President wasn’t a bank-robber, but he emptied the accounts and the state machinery blessed him with it. He was the Head of State and no one questioned him. Until now, its two years since he was in office and now his sins is put into system. We see how man took it all and got away with it.

Let’s see if he repays the state, while in exile in Equatorial Guinea. Peace.

Yayah Jammeh Grand Heist: Janneh Report Vol. 9 states that his liable for $84m from Public Accounts and more!

There will come one day, when every dictator and tyrants acts comes into steady reports and reveals their actions. Today is one of those days. We are not seeing how the threaten and assaulted freedom, liberty and justice in Gambia. We are instead seeing how the previous head of state misused his power, how he earned money on his time in office and how he opened certain accounts to earn funds.

Here is just a snippet of the Volume 9 of the Janneh Report. What scope I am looking at is just what his directly taken from PUBLIC ACCOUNTS and nothing else. This is the money he took from public accounts and spent on himself. Nothing else. So consider this as one way of thieving. 

Which is stating a lot of facts by just saying that. It is showing what he did and to what extent. This is briefly stated to show it. I am only mentioning Jammeh, even if he got help form the rest of his ministers and secretary generals. Therefore, there are plenty more who has to repay the state for their ill gotten gains. But I am just focusing on the head of state, the one in-charge and how he misused public accounts. Just look!

In 1995, the government took out $35m loan from China Exim Bank. At this very moment, the President associated diverted funds and also took out direct cash-deposits. But the state hasn’t repaid on the debt during the tenure of the President. To top it off, $27,732,000 is not accounted for. Therefore, because of interests and need for back-pay, the ex-president is liable for $35,556,442.42.

In 1999, the former President opened up an foundation account at the Trust Bank Limited. Where he was given bribe of $2,555m and illegal authorized payments of $3,013,615.47. Which is both funds the state want have returned.

In 2007, the President diversified and misused profits made by selling shares in the state owned enterprise GAMTEL/GAMCEL. The President took $7,948,025.73 to buy 31 buses to start his own bus-company and other projects he had.

Another in 2007, Taiwan (Embassy of ROC) gave funds for treatment of asthma, HIV/AIDS and diabetes. This was a grant estimated to be used between 2007 and 2011. However, the President diverted the funds, which amounted to $8.3 Million.

In 2011, the former President and his associates stole a public grant from the Kingdom of Qatar in toal €3,999,893, which his now liable for.

In 2012, the former President and his associates opened up an National Security Project Account, which got direct funds from Gambia National Petroleum Company. Where the Ex-President diverted the funds to various projects at the time. This amounted to $1,056,841.77, which he is liable for.

In 2015, the President set up a scheme with the Minister of Petroleum and the withdraw funds from a petroleum account. Which was illegal and therefore them both a liable to the funds of $3,768,448.

Another theft was the Vision 2016 Account, where the source of funds was through the MGI Telecom AG and the International Telecommunications Gateway. Where the President and associates illegal open an account and is now liable for $18,016,434.80.

Total funds which the ex-president is liable for is $84,156,492.64, €4,609,893 and GMD516,925,313.17.

Just think about it, he did to a poor state, with bad service and lack of proper institutions. He was eating of the plate of everyone and taking bribes, taking direct state funds and spending fortunes of the gains done by state owned enterprises. This was all done with the help of ministers and their closest associates, who also got a cut. This was a Grand Heist and Jammeh enjoyed the lavish life on the expense of The Gambia. When I look through more tomorrow. The signs of how he operates will appear. This is just second piece, which really shows a lot already. Peace.

A brief expo of Yayah Jammeh’s land grab during his Presidency

The White Paper of the Janneh Report in Gambia on illegal and illicit activities of the former President Yayah Jammeh is now out. What it reveal is interesting, but not shocking evidence of corruption, misuse of funds or whatnot. That was anticipated. However, the scope of the investigation. Shows what the previous Head of State did while in office. He was busy enriching himself. What I am showing here with brief numbers and such. To give you feeling of what he did, while he was in office.

For instance, the President during his tenure in office registered through his companies, his accounts and by his associates the amount of 131 properties. Also that the he operated the amount of 89 bank accounts in his name, companies and foundations. However, the report proves that during his tenure as President he did acquire 281 properties. One of these properties was in the United States and the other was Morocco. 51 of these properties was bought of the sum of £1,150m.

Also, President Jammeh was also in possession of 29 properties, which was not bought from the state or acquired through an authority, neither bought by purchase. Meaning, he has seized 29 properties in his portfolio.

He also owned and leased several properties in the Tourism Development Area, that was approved by the local authorities, but the state nor local authorities have never received any payment for such leases. To continue with this sort of behaviour, the President also leased islands, forests, lagoons, reserves, parks, which is public land that was approved by the local authorities, but the these local authorities never received any payment for such leases.

The President also acquired community land, where he appeared to own the title of the land, as gratitudes gifts from the communities. This was a direct land grab and misuse of authority from the President to do.

The President was in the process of acquiring 30 more properties. This was land either surveyed for the President himself or his company the Kanilai Family Farm Limited (KFF).

This here is briefly and part of what the President and his closest associates did during his time in the Presidency. But it shows a pattern and also to an extent how he used his power. That he would amass all this land and acquire it, even without proper procedure and such. Therefore, grabbing land on the intent of commercial gains, agricultural output or pure greed.

This is just a beginning into the megalomania of Jammeh. Peace.

Did you know? That President Adama Barrow of The Gambia pardoned Yahya Jammeh!

There are some men of Nobel character out there, but they are usually hidden and in silence. Today, I will have to write of one of them. This has actually happen back-in-January of 2017, but only gotten a whiff of it this week.

The world knows of the democratically elected opposition leader and Presidential Candidate Adama Barrow of the Republic of The Gambia. That in the midst of January 2017 he was sworn-in on the 19^th January, as President Yayha Jammeh fled to Equatorial Guinea. It didn’t look like he would leave, but international pressure and also resignation of his own cabinet members forced this. That ECOWAS sending forces from Senegal into Gambia, also gave the former President no-hope of a longevity of his presidency. Jammeh had a dictatorship for 22 years, even killed his opposition and harassed them.

But this is all well-known facts about the state of affairs in Gambia. That the one winning election and the who had to sworn-in in Senegal and needed Ecowas troops to get rid of the 1994 Coup d’etat General Jammeh who never wanted to leave his post. Even if someone else won over him with a coalition victory years after.

Now today after months in-charge and the dictator disposed. The act that the new president did, shows his character and his real quest to power. It shows that he can actually prove his manhood and bravery. Adama Barrow should never be underestimated. Because he came to Gambia after fleeing on the 26^th January after swearing-in on 19^th January 2017 in Dakar, Senegal.

So what was so noble and great happen on 30^th January 2017, when Gambia Gazette No. 4. on 31^st January says this:

“Whereas by Section82(1)(a) of the 1997 of the Republic of The Gambia, the President may exercise his Prerogative of Mercy in respect of any person convicted of any offence” (…) “And Whereas His Excellency the President considers the circumstances of the convicted prisoners named in the schedule, as warranting the exercise of his Prerogative of Mercy” (…) “Now Therefore, I Adama Barrow, the President of the Republic of The Gambia, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section of 82(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, do hereby grant pardon to the persons named in the schedule hereto” (…) “Done at Banjul this 30^th Day of January 2017” (Gambia Gazzette No. 4, 31.01.2017).

This here proves that someone was pardoned by the newly elected President, just days after he was returned and sworn-in. Just starting his rule and his first term in power. The peacefully elected President decided to pardon 39 people. Of these 39 people, one person is a standout, one person who has looted the Republic and been a torn in the flesh of the people. The one they couldn’t stand or be the head of state anymore. The 25^th Person who was pardoned by Barrow, was no other than Yahya Jammeh!

Barrow who has nothing to win by doing this, who has nothing to gain, still gave way for Jammeh and even as he is in exile in Equatorial Guinea with his wealth. He still hasn’t have to fear the law or repercussions from law-officials and law-officers of Gambia. Since he is pardoned. He is a free and rich man in exile, that is the gift Barrow gave him, just days in power and as Commander-in-Chief. Barrow had no need to do this. He could have prosecuted him and tried every single way of freezing the accounts and get the tax-funds looted back to Gambia. Instead he pardoned him and let him go. So that Jammeh should have less grievances against the now ruler of Gambia. There shouldn’t be anything personal or anything that creates friction between them.

The one in exile should kiss his pinky-ring. He should watch over his estate and his wealth in joy. The people of Gambia should know what sort of man they have elected. There we’re no need to act this swift and give this pardon. But he did for his reasons. Clearly, the wise man forgives, but never forget. Barrow seems smart, but hopefully will not be conned. He was saved by ECOWAS and the International Pressure on Jammeh. Now he has showed his character and it deserves praise. Not because Jammeh deserved it. He didn’t he should been behind bars and paid-in-full. But Barrow gives way and shows hope of a better future. Since the leadership of this way. Gives hope for a tomorrow. Peace.

Documents:

Joint Declaration by the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union and the United Nations on the Political Situation of the Islamic Republic of The Gambia (23.01.2017)

ECOWAS, the AU and the UN commend the goodwill and statesmanship of His Excellency former President Jammeh, who with the greater interest of the Gambian people in mind, and in order to preserve the peace, stability and security of The Gambia and maintain its sovereignty, territorial integrity and the dignity of the Gambian people, has decided to facilitate an immediate peaceful and orderly transition process.

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, January 23, 2017 –

1.    Following the Decision of the Summit of the ECOWAS Authority taken on 17th December 2016 in Abuja, Nigeria, Mediation efforts, including visits to Banjul, were undertaken by the Chair of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, HE President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Mediator, HE  President Muhammadu Buhari and Co-Mediator on The Gambia, HE former President John Dramani Mahama, along with HE President Ernest Bai Koroma to mediate on the political impasse with Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya A. J. J. Jammeh.

2.    Following further mediation efforts by HE President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and HE President Alpha Conde of the Republic of Guinea Conakry with HE Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya A. J. J. Jammeh, the former President of the Republic of The Gambia, and in consultation with the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, the Chairperson of the African Union and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, this declaration is made with the purpose of reaching a peaceful resolution to  the political situation in The Gambia.

3.    ECOWAS, the AU and the UN commend the goodwill and statesmanship of His Excellency former President Jammeh, who with the greater interest of the Gambian people in mind, and in order to preserve the peace, stability and security of The Gambia and maintain its sovereignty, territorial integrity and the dignity of the Gambian people, has decided to facilitate an immediate peaceful and orderly transition process and transfer of power to President Adama Barrow in accordance with the Gambian constitution.

4.    In furtherance of this, ECOWAS, the AU and the UN commit to work with the Government of The Gambia to ensure that it assures and ensures the dignity, respect, security and rights of HE former President Jammeh, as a citizen, a party leader and a former Head of State as provided for and guaranteed by the 1997 Gambian Constitution and other Laws of The Gambia.

5.    Further, ECOWAS, the AU and the UN commit to work with the Government of The Gambia to ensure that it fully guarantees, assures and ensures the dignity, security, safety and rights of former President Jammeh’s immediate family, cabinet members, government officials, Security Officials and party supporters and loyalists.

6.    ECOWAS, the AU and the UN commit to work with the Government of The Gambia to ensure that no legislative measures are taken by it that would be inconsistent with the previous two paragraphs.

7.    ECOWAS, the AU and the UN urge the Government of The Gambia to take all necessary measures to assure and ensure that there is no intimidation, harassment and/or witch-hunting of former regime members and supporters, in conformity with the Constitution and other laws of The Gambia.

8.    ECOWAS, the AU and the UN commit to work with the Government of The Gambia to prevent the seizure of assets and properties lawfully belonging to former President Jammeh or his family and those of his Cabinet members, government officials and Party supporters, as guaranteed under the Constitution and other Laws of The Gambia.

9.    In order to avoid any recriminations, ECOWAS, the AU and the UN commit to work with the Government of The Gambia on national reconciliation to cement social, cultural and national cohesion.

10.    ECOWAS, the AU and the UN underscore strongly the important role of the Gambian Defence and Security Forces in the maintenance of peace and stability of The Gambia and commit to work with the Government of The Gambia to ensure that it takes all appropriate measures to support the maintenance of the integrity of the [Defence and] Security Forces and guard against all measures that can create division and a breakdown of order.

11.    ECOWAS, the AU and the UN will work to ensure that host countries that offer “African hospitality” to former President Jammeh and his family do not become undue targets of harassment, intimidation and all other pressures and sanctions.

12.    In order to assist a peaceful and orderly transition and transfer of power and the establishment of a new government, HE former President Jammeh will temporarily leave The Gambia on 21 January 2017, without any prejudice to his rights as a citizen, a former President and a Political Party Leader.

13.    ECOWAS, the AU and the UN will work with the Government of The Gambia to ensure that former President Jammeh is at liberty to return to The Gambia at any time of his choosing in accordance with international human rights law and his rights as a citizen of the Gambia and a former head of state.

14.    Pursuant to this declaration, ECOWAS will halt any military operations in The Gambia and will continue to pursue peaceful and political resolution of the crisis.