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Gambia Takes Bold Step Establishing Hybrid Court for Jammeh-Era Crimes

By Sanna Camara The Gambia’s Minister of Justice, Mr Dawda Jallow said the establishment of a Hybrid Court to try Jammeh-era crimes represents a bold step forward in the country’s pursuit of justice. President Yahya Jammeh ruled the Gambia for 22 years, after coming to power through a military coup in 1994. During this period, […]

From $28 Million ‘Food for Education’ to National Teacher Prize: US Boosts Gambia Education

By Sanna Camara From the launch of the McGovern-Dole Food for Education program over the weekend to the convening of the first ever National Teacher Prize in the Gambia, the United States government continues to boost education sector for social impacts and national development. The US Ambassador and its Embassy in The Gambia has been […]

24 US Educators Converge on Gambia Teacher Prize

By Sanna Camara Mr Alhassan Susso left The Gambia at age 16 to the USA. As a visually-challenged teenager, he went through high school education and college to become a teacher. By 2019, he was recognised as New York Teacher of the Year. In 2020, he was USA National Education Association Teaching Excellence Awardee and […]

We have come too far to go back now: Preserving and implementing the Anti-FGM Law in The Gambia is a mark of meaningful progress.

Opinion by Dr. Isatou Touray and Faiza Mohamed Human rights advocates and the broader human rights community were shocked on September 11, 2023, when the religious leaders and later select members of parliament sought to plunge the Gambia back into the dark days of no law against female genital mutilation (FGM). In 2015, in response […]

Anti-FGM Law: Too Far To Go Back

By Sanna Camara Human rights advocates and the broader human rights community have expressed shock on September 11, 2023, when some religious leaders of The Gambia, through select members of the National Assembly sought to repeal the laws banning the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the country. In 2015, The Gambia took a […]

Drama as Sonko’s Lawyer Request 4-Hour Preparation Denied

The past two days’ session at the Federal Court in Bellinzona is swirling into a drama upon drama, as Sonko’s lawyer seems to be feeling pressure mounted by revelations against his client, of abuses and human rights violations. Court had to adjourn on Friday morning as the lawyer presented a last-minute medical certificate, after his […]

Daughter Cried Seeing Father’s Torture

By Sanna Camara Madi Ceesay was President of Gambia Press Union, Vice President of West Africa Journalists Association and a member of the Federation of African Journalists when he was appointed Manager of The Independent newspaper in 2006. In his statement at the Federal Criminal Court in Switzerland, he recalled how his daughter broke into […]

The Scorpions’ Sting or Song of the Swan? A Commentary on Gambia’s Final Stand

The drums of despair beat a heavy rhythm in Gambian hearts. The Scorpions, our beloved national team, lie coiled at the bottom of Group C, their venom spent, their hopes dwindling faster than the sands of time. No goals, no points, just a shadow of the team that danced with optimism before the tournament began. […]

Witness Electrocuted, Denied Water, Drank Own Blood

By Sanna Camara A witness in the ongoing trial of Mr Ousman Sonko, former Minister in charge of security under Yahya Jammeh told the court in Bellinzona, Switzerland on Tuesday that he was tortured by means of electrocution and other degrading treatments before appearing in front of an investigation panel. When he was thirsty and […]

Swiss Court Hears Killing Baba Jobe, Sandeng, Almamo Manneh, Tortured Others

By Sanna Camara The Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona this week continues to hear charges of torture, extrajudicial killings and sexual violence against former Interior Minister Mr Ousman Sonko in Switzerland. Prominent names like former APRC Majority Leader Baba Jobe, former top State Guards Commander Almamo Manneh and opposition activist Solo Sandeng were key highlights […]