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| Momodou |
Posted - 18 Jun 2018 : 21:42:50
Very sad news to hear that the police used live ammunition on environmentalist at Kombo Faraba resulting in lost of lives. President Barrow and his interior minister owes us an explanation why they fired live bullets at armless civilians? This is the modus operandi (MO) of the former regime and not what is expected of our new Gambia.
My sincere condolences to families of the young people who lost their lives today. |
| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Momodou |
Posted - 30 Nov 2018 : 15:02:39
Mistrust among people of Faraba caused loss of 3 lives, injuries
The Point: Friday, November 30, 2018
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/mistrust-among-people-of-faraba-caused-loss-of-3-lives-injuries
The root cause of the Faraba incident on June 18 2018 emanated as a result of mistrust within the people of Faraba Banta, according the Faraba Banta Commission Inquiry report, which was released earlier in the week.
The report indicates a great mistrust existed within a cross section of people within the village, coupled with negligence shown by some agents of the National Environment Agency as well as the impression created by National Assembly Select Committee on Environment that was misconceived by the residents played a key role that led to the standoff. The mistrust compounded when Julakay Limited was granted license.
Here are the findings by the Commissionon circumstances that led to the standoff at Faraba Banta.
There exists resentment among the Village Development Committee (VDC), the youths, and many villagers of Faraba Banta that a license was issued to Julakay Ltd without consultations;
There was a great mistrust and poor relationship between some villagers and the VDC on one hand, the Alkalo, Mr Noha Kujabi, the Chief Fansu Jung Conteh, and the Council of Elders on the other hand. This prior poor relationship became worse after Julakay Ltd was granted a license to mine sand in the village by the Geological Department (GD) on 10 July 2017 without prior consultations with all key stakeholders in the village;
The poor relationship between the villagers/VDC and the Alkalo was further exacerbated by the fact that the Alkalo does not ordinarily reside in Faraba Banta and is not readily available or accessible when he is needed to perform official duties in the village; the council of elders felt the VCD were disrespectful and a law unto themselves;
There was a perception among some villagers and the VCD that the Alkalo, the chief and the Council of Elders supported the granting of a mining license to Julakay Ltd. because of personal favours extended to them by the latter. This perception was reinforced by the fact that the Alkalo signed an MOU with Julakay Ltd. on behalf of the village without consulting the villagers including the VDC;
There was no proper environmental impact assessment conducted in the area to be mined as required by law before the granting of the mining license to Julakay Ltd. nor were the sufficient safeguard to ensure restoration of the mining activities as required by law;
The National Environment Agency (NEA) and the GD did not clearly demarcate the mining area under the license granted to Julakay Ltd. or communicate this demarcation to the VDC or the villagers;
Both the NEA and the GD disregarded the concerns of the VDC and the villagers regarding potential adverse effects of commercial mechanical and mining might have on the environment and the livelihood especially rice cultivation and gardens in the affected area;
There were no attempts by either NEA or the GD to allay the fears of the VCD and the villagers about these environmental concerns;
The site granted to Julakay Ltd. had the potential of adversely affecting the rice fields and gardens of the women farmers of the village and that these ‘faras’ were worsened especially after the area originally allocated to Julakay Ltd. was increased by the GD from 3.4 hectares to 8.1 hectares;
There is no evidence that the companies that mined sand in the affected areas had made any attempts to restore and/or level the landscape to near its original state;
There is no evidence that either NEA or the GD followed up to ensure that restoration of the mining sites was carried out by previous companies that mined sand at Faraba Banta;
The VDC was also involved in unauthorized commercial sand mining activities in the area and that this vested interest on the part of the VDC could have been likely reason for their objection to sand mining by Julakay Ltd. notwithstanding that they also had legitimate concerns about the adverse effects of sand mining on the environment by the latter;
The intervention by the National Assembly Select Committee on the Environment (NASCE) to the extent that they conveyed an impression to the disputing parties that they could suspend sand mining activities by promising to instruct the GD to suspend the mining activities of Julakay Ltd. pending their investigation into the matter added the confusion;
The impression created by NASCE was misconceived by the VDC and some villagers that Julakay Ltd. was effectively ordered by the NASCE to cease all mining activities pending the resolution of the matter by the NASCE;
When the villagers saw trucks being loaded with sand on the morning of 18 June 2018, they believed that Julakay was defying a legitimate order from the National Assembly to cease operations until further notice; and
That as a result of all the above including the already sour relationship between the VDC, and the Alkalo and others, the granting of the mining license to Julakay Ltd. without consultations, the lack of transparency in the execution of the MOU between Julakay Ltd. and the alkalo, the intervention by the NASCE, and the deployment of the PIU personnel at the mining site, the resentment and tension erupted into a bloody confrontation between some residents of Faraba Banta and the PIU personnel leading to the fatalities, injuries and the wanton destruction of the properties in the village.
Author: Sankulleh Gibril Janko |
| Momodou |
Posted - 30 Nov 2018 : 14:06:59
‘FARABA KILLER POLICE ACTED ON THEIR OWN’
The Standard: November 29, 2018
By Omar Bah
http://standard.gm/site/2018/11/29/faraba-killer-police-acted-on-their-own/
The Commission of Inquiry set up to investigate the June 18 deadly riots in Faraba has revealed that while there was no proper coordination of the police during the riot, “no orders were given by the police high command to shoot at the crowd”.
According to the report which was released with a government white paper yesterday, the PIU personnel who fired on the villagers did so without lawful command and therefore acted alone. However, the report highlighted that the PIU personnel who opened fire on the crowd at close range acted out of fear for their lives when they were outnumbered and overpowered by the angry villagers.
“Due to the inability of the villagers to identify with sufficient specificity the PIU personnel who actually shot at them mainly because of the helmets and other riot gears they were wearing, the commission could not establish with sufficient particularity the identities of the PIU personnel who actually shot and killed the villagers,” the report said,
However according to the report, ASP Musa Fatty, PC Musa Badjie, PC Nuha Colley, and 1st Class Momodou Z Jallow were found after the incident to have lost ammunitions.
“The evidence also places Superintendent Babucarr Cham at the scene throughout the disturbances and the commission has found that he could be liable as a superior,” the report said.
The report also maintained that the PIU personnel on the ground in Faraba Banta were responsible for shooting of the villagers and are consequently responsible for the deaths and gunshot wounds inflicted.
“The injuries suffered by the PIU personnel can be attributed to stoning by the villagers and the injuries sustained by the villagers can be attributed to the PIU personnel who shot at and also threw stones back at the villagers,” the report added.
According to the report, the destruction of properties through arson and vandalism were premeditated and calculated acts orchestrated mainly by the youths of Faraba Banta.
Presenting the report to journalists at the Justice Ministry, Minister Abubacarr Tambadou said the government accepted the findings “in so far as they relate to the causes of deaths, injuries and destruction of properties”.
He said accordingly, the government accepts the recommendations of the Commission, which include: appropriate criminal prosecutions be continued against ASP Musa Fatty, PC Musa Badjie, PC Nuha Colley, 1st Class Momodou Z Jallow and Superintendent Babucarr Cham for the deaths of Bakary Kujabi, Ismaila Bah and Amadou Jawo who died from gunshot wounds as established by the coroner; criminal prosecutions be initiated against all the perpetrators identified in the report for the willful destruction of properties and other related crimes in the village; police to conduct further criminal investigations into the killings, injuries and destruction of properties for the purpose of prosecuting the alleged perpetrators of the crimes within the shortest possible time; the families of those who died or sustained serious injuries and those who lost properties as a result of the vandalism and arson to be compensated by the state.
The government has also removed the alkalo of Faraba Banta village, Nuha Kujabi, dissolved the village council of elders. The government also recommended to the Brikama Area Council to dissolve the current Faraba Banta VDC and facilitate the establishment of a new VDC with immediate effect.
The government has also handed a six-month suspension to the NEA executive director, and the Geology department director general for their failure to follow established guidelines in the issuance of the mining licences to Julakay Company.
The government also ordered that the licence of Julakay Ltd which expired in July 2018 should not be renewed and the company denied any licence for the conduct of any mining in Faraba Banta until further notice.
According to the government white paper, all sand mining activities in the village will be suspended until proper environmental impact assessment is carried out by an independent consultant.
Meanwhile, a Faraba Banta Compensation Committee has been established comprising the permanent secretaries of the ministries of the Interior, Local Government and the Environment under the joint chairmanship of the solicitor general and permanent secretary ministries of Justice and Finance to handle all compensation claims as recommended by the commission.
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| Momodou |
Posted - 29 Nov 2018 : 14:21:24
NEA, Geology directors suspended over Faraba incident
The Point: Thursday, November 29, 2018
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/nea-geology-directors-suspended-over-faraba-incident
The executive director of National Environment Agency (NEA) Momodou Suwareh and the director of Geology Department Abdoulie M. Cham have both been suspended for six months without salaries as government accepts the Faraba Banta report.
The secretary general and head of civil service revealed this at a press conference held at the Justice Ministry in Banjul.
The Faraba report indicated that there was no proper Environmental Impact Assessment conducted in the area to be mined as required by the law before the granting of the mining license to Julakay Ltd. nor were there sufficient safeguards to ensure restoration of the mining area by Julakay Ltd. after completion of mining activities as required by the law.
It is said that both the NEA and Geology Department disregarded the concerns of the Village Development Committee (VDC) and the residents regarding the potential adverse effects that commercial and mechanical sand mining might have on the environment and livelihood, especially rice cultivation and gardens in the affected areas.
The report further highlighted that NEA and the GD did not clearly demarcate the mining area under the license granted to Julakay Ltd. or communicate this demarcated area to the VDC or the villagers.
On the 18th of June 2018, there was a tense standoff between the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) and some residents of Faraba Banta village in the West Coast Region of The Gambia regarding sand mining activities in the village by Julakay Quarry and Mining Ltd., a private company.
The standoff led to an eruption of violence between the said residents and PIU resulting in the death of three civilians and injury of some PIU personnel and also the destruction of properties at the village.
In accordance with Section 200 of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, 1997 and the Commission of Inquiry Act Cap 30:01 Vol. 5 of the laws of The Gambia, President Adama Barrow was mandated to establish a Commission of Inquiry on 1st of July 2018 to bring perpetrators to justice.
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| toubab1020 |
Posted - 16 Nov 2018 : 14:30:54
Friday, November 16, 2018
The attorney general and minister of Justice has announced that the Cabinet reached a unanimous decision to take action on the recommendations of the Faraba Banta Commission report after “a very engaging discussion”.
The Justice minister made this announcements while speaking to State House media corps after an emergency Cabinet session convened by His Excellency President Adama Barrow yesterday, November 15th 2018. The session exclusively considered the Faraba Banta report that was submitted to the President in September.
Justice Minister Ba Tambadou said the report and the ‘white paper’ will be published within a maximum of two weeks. “The government has every intention of sharing the report together with the white paper that is currently being finalised following Cabinet discussions,” he said, maintaining that discussions at Cabinet have has gone very well, and very engaging.
He added: “Cabinet has taken a unanimous position on the recommendations of the report made. Those will be reflected in the white paper that is to be published together with the report.”
The Faraba Banta incident of the 18th of June 2018 sparked an outcry and His Excellency, President Adama Barrow acted swiftly to establish a Commission of Inquiry to probe the circumstances surrounding the incident. This inquiry was led by renowned human rights lawyer, Mr. Emmanuel Daniel Joof.
The Commission submitted a report in one volume to the president on 17 September 2018. However, the Constitution provides that the president may publish a report together with a statement of actions or measures taken by government within six months.
“It has just been two months since the submission of the report to the president, and the government has already concluded its discussions on this report…The report is to be published within a maximum of two weeks,” Tambadou said.
He added that such a consultations process by President Adama Barrow shows a lot about the commitment of the government to the adherence of good governance, respect for the rule of law and democratic practice.
“The fact that we have to establish very quickly after the Faraba Banta incident, an independent and impartial commission of inquiry that was chaired by a very well-known human rights lawyer, shows the commitment and resolve of this government to change things in this country,” he posited.
He also pointed out that if there are any doubters about the resolve of the government to see through the recommendations and reports of other commissions currently ongoing, he will reassure them that “the government has every intention and commitment to act on recommendations that would be issued by each of them. The position of the Faraba Banta Commission will strongly support this point.
Source: Picture: Justice minister Abubacarr Tambadou
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/govt-to-act-on-faraba-commission-report-within-2-weeks
RELATED TOPIC:
http://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?whichpage=2.6&TOPIC_ID=16028#81645 |
| toubab1020 |
Posted - 21 Jul 2018 : 13:31:09
As in many countries hospital stays and treatment in hospitals is expensive,I am impressed by the Barrow government's gift of money to pay his hospital costs.
======================================================================
By Nelson Manneh
"Pa Jammeh speaking to this reporter said the Authorities visited him in the hospital and gave him Twenty Thousand Dalasis (D20,000) to take care of his medical bills.
Photo: Pa Sulayman Jammeh.jpg
“This money is what have been using up to date to take care of myself and is almost finished now,” he said.
He said he is getting better now as he is not feeling any pain except on the palm of his hand and his thigh, where he was shot."
Pa Sulayman Jammeh one of the seven victims of the Faraba incident, yesterday the 18th of July 2018 spoke to Foroyaa in his residence in
He was finally discharged on Monday the 16th July 2018 while Abubacarr Darboe, another injured victim, was sent for overseas treatment in Dakar, Senegal.
Pa Jammeh speaking to this reporter said the Authorities visited him in the hospital and gave him Twenty Thousand Dalasis (D20,000) to take care of his medical bills.
Photo: Pa Sulayman Jammeh.jpg
“This money is what have been using up to date to take care of myself and is almost finished now,” he said.
He said he is getting better now as he is not feeling any pain except on the palm of his hand and his thigh, where he was shot.
“One bone on my palm got broken as the bullet passed through my palm to the other side of my hand, the bone was removed and it pains me a bit. As for my thigh although the bone (femur) did not break, the bullet has passed through it to the other side. It is now better but it still pains me. Now I can walk for myself for a short distance,” he said.
This victim said as a farmer who lives from hand to mouth is concerned about who will farm for him this year. He said he has a small cashew farm and the proceeds from it is what he uses to buy rice and then struggle for fish money.
“Now that I cannot do any form of work, how am I expected to survive with my family? I’m not even sure either that the rice can take us for the whole of the rainy season, not to talk of fish money,” he asserted.
He said as at now he is advised not to walk for a long distance therefore he will not be able to even go to the farm to see what the children are doing.
Some family members and loved ones were seen crying as he narrated his ordeal during the visit.
Pa Jammeh often shook his head sighed as he narrated his condition. His courageous wife who sat beside him gave him courage and confidence as she kept saying that ‘this is not the end of the world’
http://foroyaa.gm/faraba-discharged-victim-speaks-to-foroyaa/ |
| toubab1020 |
Posted - 06 Jul 2018 : 22:16:50
July 6, 2018
The Speaker of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom has expressed admiration in the efforts of The Gambia’s National Assembly in improving democracy and holding government to account.
Rt Hon. John Bercow, who is also the Co-President of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK, hopes the National Assembly’s “energy and fervor” continues into the future as the country endeavors to install democracy.
Below is his short video address to the Gambian NAMs:
“Salam Alaikum
As Co-President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK, and as we celebrate National democracy Week here in the UK, I would like to extend my warmest regards to the people of The Gambia and their representatives in the National Assembly. It was my pleasure to meet with a delegation led by Madam Speaker here in London earlier this year, and to hear of their determination to improve the democratic institutions of The Gambia for the benefit of all of the country’s citizens.
For all of its difficulties, its challenges and its frustrations, democracy is a project, and a mission, of which the rewards are immeasurable, and they have proven to be so time and time and time again, all over the world. The National Assembly’s commitment to inclusion and accountability, to holding the government to account, and legislating for the benefit of their constituents has been admirable, and I hope that this new and open democratic dispensation extends with energy and with fervor into The Gambia’s prosperous future.
We are delighted that the National Assembly of The Gambia has rejoined the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. We offer our continuing support to our parliamentary colleagues both in The Gambia, and across the Commonwealth in their democratic endeavors. Wasalam.”
http://standard.gm/site/2018/07/06/uk-speaker-expresses-admiration-for-gambian-na/
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| toubab1020 |
Posted - 06 Jul 2018 : 19:22:32
On this occasion I am absolutely certain that this commision will do their best to ensure that such sad circumstances will never occour in NEW GAMBIA ever again.
"Minister Tambadou assured that the exercise “will not be a mere whitewash” while extolling the choice of the membership, particularly the chairperson, who he said has an unblemished record of dedication and commitment to respect for human rights in this country." |
| Momodou |
Posted - 06 Jul 2018 : 12:38:50
_______________________
OP/291/249/01/PART IV (72- ABS)
MEDIA ADVISORY
PRESIDENT BARROW SWEARS-IN FARABA COMMISSION OF INQUIRY
STATEHOUSE, BANJUL, 5th JULY 2018 – His Excellency, Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia on Thursday, 5 July, 2018, presided over the swearing-in of the Chairman and members of the Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the Faraba Bantang incident at a ceremony held at the State House in Banjul.
The Commissioners have been appointed to look into the circumstances leading to the standoff between the community of Faraba Bantang and the Police Intervention Unit, as well as identify those responsible for the deaths, including those who may have ordered the firings and those who fired the shots. Additionally, they are expected to recommend measures to prevent a recurrence of the incident in Faraba Bantang and other parts of the country.
After the commissioners took the prescribed oaths of office and secrecy, President Barrow congratulated and expressed optimism that they are equal to the task while maintaining that he has a high level of confidence in their competence, integrity and experience.
“I am confident that, guided by your level of competence, integrity and experience, you will get to the bottom of the event and submit an impartial report for peace and justice to prevail. It is important also for us to make sure that appropriate action is taken so that such incidents do not recur in the country,” he indicated.
He added that the Faraba incident was a test to our collective resolve to consolidate democracy, good governance, and human rights. But was quick to note that the government is committed to establishing the truth for the peaceful progress of the country and the reconciliation of the community of Faraba.
The ceremony would allow the government to follow the right process in order to establish the truth and, thereafter, take the right decision and a well-informed course of action, he explained.
“I believe very strongly that it is only the truth that can free the people of Faraba from their troubles and allow them to reconcile their differences as a community. On the other hand, it is vital that those who committed human rights abuses and other crimes are brought to justice,” he maintained, noting that the commission has a challenging task to perform.
President Barrow concluded by urging all to support the Commission to enable it to undertake the task successfully.
Minister Tambadou assured that the exercise “will not be a mere whitewash” while extolling the choice of the membership, particularly the chairperson, who he said has an unblemished record of dedication and commitment to respect for human rights in this country. He said the caliber of professional in the commission is a demonstration of the government’s commitment to ensuring justice and accountability.
Minister Tambadou described the President’s swift move to set-up an independent inquiry as a demonstration of distinguished leadership.
Chairman Emmanuel Joof spoke on behalf of the Commissioners and expressed gratitude to the President for the confidence and trust in appointing them. He promised that they would carry the assignment diligently and independently while promising that the President has sworn in a group of “very vibrant seasoned and experienced people” who are well versed in investigations and human right
End
Amie Bojang-Sissoho
Director of Press & Public Relations
Office of the President, State House, Banjul
Email:absissoho@op.gov.gm
dpprop2017@gmail.com
Tel: +220 9957592
Twitter: @BarrowPresident
Twitter:@AmieBSissoho
Facebook: Barrow PORG
Website: statehouse.gov.gm |
| toubab1020 |
Posted - 02 Jul 2018 : 13:03:01
By Omar Bah June 29, 2018
Six police officers were yesterday charged with three counts of murder over the killing of 3 protesters in Faraba at the Banjul Magistrates Court.
The officers denied any wrongdoing.
They are Baboucarr Cham, Bala Musa Fatty, Mamadou Jallow, Alieu Camara, Musa Badgie and Nuha Colley.
The case was later transferred to the High Court since the magistrate court does not have the jurisdiction to hear it.
The six officers are remanded at Mile 2 Central Prison.
http://standard.gm/site/2018/06/29/6-faraba-piu-officers-charged-with-murder/ |
| toubab1020 |
Posted - 22 Jun 2018 : 19:48:35
This from The Standard Newspaper.National Assembly Stance.
======================================================================
By Mafugi Ceesay
The National Assembly on Wednesday condemned the unfortunate killings involving the police intervention unit and the community of Faraba.
In a statement released at the end of its recent sittings, the assembly indicated that impunity tarnishes the image of a country and that it is the concern of the Assembly that the welfare of the people should be of uppermost consideration in tapping resources in their localities.
The full statement is reproduced below:
“The country had waged a bitter fight to free herself from 22 years of autocracy and dictatorship, where fundamental rights and freedoms were trampled afoot; what happened in Faraba Bantang is an assault to the fundamental rights and freedoms of the members of the community.
This House adduced that the current mining scheme is a threat to the only remaining area on which the community depends for rice productions and that the House is concerned that mining has already destroyed two of the community’s farmlands where they grew rice in abundance.
The National Assembly resolved that proper medical care be given to those shot and injured and if need be, be sent abroad for proper treatment if such cannot be offered in the country and those who lost their lives as a result of the shooting should be given due compensation to their parents. Also, those who survived bullet wounds be given due compensation, particularly those who may emerge debilitated by injury.
The House indicated that the State should take all reasonable steps and efforts to prevent police brutality and human rights violations in the future and that the State should ensure that security officers do not use live bullets on unarmed civilians.
The National Assembly also asked the government to appoint an independent investigation body into what led to the issuing of live bullets to the paramilitary and the eventual shooting of unarmed civilians; the government table or cause to be tabled, the report of the investigation not later than 14 days of receiving the said report.
The House indicated that those found guilty should face due process of the law and that henceforth, the government should halt all mining operations in the area; the issue of mining in the area be reviewed and reconsidered critically, given that it affects the livelihood of the community concerned and that in future, communities be involved in the negotiation before implementing such schemes in their localities; that henceforth part of the proceeds accruing from tapping resources in localities be plough back to communities as dividend for the development of those localities. Finally, the State undertakes immediate measures to ensure the security and protection of the people of Faraba.”
http://standard.gm/site/2018/06/22/national-assembly-issues-stance-on-faraba/
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| Momodou |
Posted - 22 Jun 2018 : 19:24:15
Resolution of the National Assembly on Faraba Banta
We, the Members of the National Assembly of the Republic of The Gambia hereby RESOLVE as follows:
1. That it is with sorrow and dismay we express our profound sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims of the 15th June, 2018 incident in Faraba Banta , Kombo East, West Coast Region;
2. That proper medical care be given to those shot and injured and, if need be, be sent abroad for proper treatment if such cannot be offered in the country;
3. That those who lost their lives as a result of the shooting due compensation be given to their families;
4. That those who survive bullet wounds be also given due compensation, particularly those who may emerge debilitated by injury;
5. That an independent body be appointed to enquire into the circumstances which led to the occurence of the incident of 18th June, 2018 , in Faraba Banta, Kombo East, West Coast Region;
6. That the coroner's inquest be instituted to enquire into the cause of death of those who lost their lives;
7. That Government table, or cause to be tabled, the Report of the investigation before the National Assembly not later than 14 days of receiving the said report;
8. That those found guilty should face due process of the law;
9. That henceforth Government halt all sand mining operations in the area;
10. That the license for sand mining issued to the contractor be revoked with immediate effect;
11. That the issue of sand mining in the area be reviewed and considered critically, given that it affects the livelihood of the community concerned;
12. That in future, communities be involved in the negotiation before implementing such schemes in their localities;
13. That henceforth, part of the proceeds derived from tapping resources in localities be plough back to communities as dividend for the development of the localities;
14. That the State undertake immediately measures to ensure the security and protection of the people of Faraba Banta, Kombo East, West Coast Region;
15. Call upon the community of Faraba Banta, Kombo East, West Coast Region to refrain from violence and allow due process of the law to take its course;
16. That the State take all reasonable steps and efforts to prevent Police brutality and human rights violations in the future;
17. That the Mines and Quarries Act 2005 be reviewed with urgency and that a wide consultation among stakeholders be conducted before approval is given to issuing license;
18. That Government expedite the Security Reform Process including all the security apparatus;
19. That the State ensure that Security Officers do not use live bullets on unarmed civilians;
20. That the National Assembly Select Committee on Environment , Sustainable Development and NGO Affairs to monitor the implementation of this resolution and ensure that Government update the National Assembly periodically;
21. That the Clerk of the National Assembly immediately forward this Resolution to the relevant authorities and institutions.
DONE IN BANJUL, THE GAMBIA, this Twenty-first Day of June, in the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand and Eighteen.
Office of the Clerk
National Assembly
BANJUL
21st June, 2018 |
| toubab1020 |
Posted - 22 Jun 2018 : 16:01:15
NA Deputies,feeling their feet in their new environment that is a foundation of the NEW GAMDIA of Adama Barrows vision,it is a pity that it has taken the Faraba tragic events to make the whole of the NA membership to deal with the way forward together.
======================================================================
By Yankuba Jallow
Members of the National Assembly have called on the government to take a number of steps to pre-empt impunity and safeguard the interest of the victims of the Faraba Banta incident and the community as a whole.
Deputies made this call at the National Assembly on Wednesday June 20th 2018, while commenting on the Faraba Banta incident involving personnel of the PIU of The Gambia Police Force or and the community of Faraba Banta, which occurred on Monday June 18th 2018, resulting in the loss of lives and many injuries.
They called for the immediate resignation of the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of NIA (SIS), in order to prevent them from interfering with ongoing investigations into the Faraba Banta incident.
Deputies indicated that impunity has tarnished the image of country for decades since independence, and this is a major concern for them as the new Assembly in a New Gambia. They opined that the welfare of the people should be the uppermost consideration for anyone who wants to tap resources in their localities. Deputies indicate that the country waged the bitterest fight to free herself from 22 years of autocracy and dictatorship, during which period fundamental rights and freedoms were trampled afoot; noting that what happened in Faraba Banta, is an assault to the fundamental rights and freedoms of members of that community. Deputies further indicated that the current mining scheme is a threat to the only remaining area that the community depends on for rice production and expressed concern that mining has already destroyed two of the community’s farmlands where they grew rice in abundance.
They were unanimous in calling for proper medical care to be given to those shot and injured and if need be, sent abroad for proper treatment if such cannot be offered in the country. They also called for the parents of the departed lives that have unfortunately been lost as a result of the shooting, to be given due and adequate compensation together with those who have survived bullet wounds and other injuries as a result of the incident.
Deputies stressed that the State should take all reasonable steps and efforts to prevent Police brutality and human rights violations in the future, and ensure that Security Officers do not use live bullets on unarmed civilians again.
They tasked Government to launch an independent investigation into how the issuing of live bullets to PIU Officers came about and the eventual shooting to dead of unarmed civilians. Some also for the Government to lay the report before the National Assembly within 14 days after completion of the investigation.
Some maintained that those found guilty face due wrath of the law and that Government puts to an immediate halt, all mining operations in the area and reconsidered and critically review the issue of mining in the area, given the fact that such an activity affects the livelihood of the community concerned. Deputies asserted that in the future, communities should be involved in all negotiations before implementing such schemes in their localities and that part of the proceeds from such activities, be ploughed back to them as development of their localities. Deputies conclude that the State takes immediate measures to ensure the security and protection of the people of Faraba Banta.
http://foroyaa.gm/deputies-call-for-key-actions-to-be-taken-by-government-on-faraba/ |
| Momodou |
Posted - 22 Jun 2018 : 11:18:00
Faraba woman reveals last words of her slain son
The Point: Thursday, June 21, 2018
http://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/faraba-woman-reveals-last-words-of-her-slain-son
The mother of Ismaila Bah one of the three victims of the ill-fated incident in Faraba, Fatou Bah, has revealed the last words of her son as he laid on his dying bed.
Magnified by grief and loneliness, Mrs. Bah narrated the story to our reporter as she mourns her son whom she described as “brave and fruitful.”
Fatou said, “when he was hit by the bullet he said, she narrates her sons words: “If I die, I died for jihad, if I die, I died for the village, if I die, I died for the country because I am a citizen of this country,” she told these words to a woman who ran up to hear him speak so that she could relay to her what he had said.
She further narrated: “My own Ismaila you mean,” and the woman said to me he was standing and they saw him being aimed at and she said to me before another boy came to inform him (Ismaila) that he was aimed at for him to run, the bullets have already hit him and he fell”
She accepts that it was the will of God but it saddens and pains her to lose one of her three sons.
“It is very painful,” she said. “I have only three sons and the other one is a small child. It was Ismail and his older brother who should have taken care of us but if he is not here, only one person has to take care of the family,” the grieved mother said. “It is only Allah Whom Oneness suits but human beings do not want that. I am very much grieved and going through agony but I leave it in the Hands of Allah Who decides it”
She cried out in displeasure on how her child was killed. “Ismaila died untimely, he died with hunger and thirstiness because it was just day break and he didn’t even have breakfast,” she said.
Asked what she wished the government to do, Fatou said, “the government should do all their efforts to ensure justice is served because we have lost forever and it’s irreplaceable. What we had, we will never have it forever again because what will become of Ismail I do not know because I have already began to reap his fruits moreover in the future.”
She went on: “I chose to be poor and send them to school so that I can benefit and now he has reached that stage for me to enjoy my sacrifice and nothing has stopped that other than a gun and in his own land is very painful”
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| Momodou |
Posted - 21 Jun 2018 : 20:05:23
President Barrow Accepts the Resignation of the Inspector General of Police, Visits the Community Tomorrow
State House, Banjul, 21st June 2018 – The General public is hereby informed that the President of the Republic, His Excellency Adama Barrow has accepted the resignation of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Landing Kinteh.
Meanwhile, His Excellency, the President will visit the community of Faraba tomorrow to pay his condolences and respect to the families of the victims. Ahead of the visit, the community of Faraba Thursday afternoon met with Senior State House officials and expressed deep appreciation of the solidarity and support demonstrated by the President since the beginning of the tragedy.
The Chairperson of the Village Development Committee, who spoke on behalf of the Community stated that Faraba is a peaceful community and not known for violence. He added that contrary to what is being spread on the media, the incident was not political but rather prompted by the need to protect the vital interest of their community.
Chairman Sanyang, thus, used the opportunity to inform the gathering that community is not part of or associated with any planned demonstrations linked to the incident anywhere in the country. He urged anyone who wants to show solidarity with the community to visit them in Faraba.
President Barrow’s visit tomorrow follows his appointment of a Presidential Inquiry into the matter, and visit to the victims at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in Banjul. He has also appointed a Coroner to establish the cause of the deaths. |
| toubab1020 |
Posted - 21 Jun 2018 : 18:21:23
World organisations have now joined in with their comments on the tragic events at Faraba recently.
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20 June 2018
Gambia: Full Investigation Of Anti-Mining Protesters’ Deaths Required
Inquiry, Officers’ Arrests Positive First Steps
The Gambian authorities should thoroughly investigate the alleged excessive use of force by police causing the deaths of two anti-sand mining demonstrators on June 18, 2018, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International said today.
The Gambian government should accelerate the reforms needed to ensure that government security forces have the supervision, training, and equipment needed to police demonstrations in accordance with international human rights standards.
Witnesses said that police fired live ammunition at demonstrators in the village of Faraba Banta, killing local residents Bakary Kujabi and Ismaila Bah, and wounding at least six others. President Adama Barrow issued a news release the same day stating that he had opened an investigation and that all mining in the area had been suspended. The government also said that five police officers involved in the shooting were in police custody and will be suspended while investigations are conducted.
“The alleged excessive use of lethal force by the security forces has conjured up painful memories from Gambia’s recent past,” said Sabrina Mahtani, Amnesty International West Africa researcher.
“The government’s promise to investigate is a positive move. Gambians should be able to hold demonstrations safe from disproportionate and excessive use of force by the security forces.”
Members of Gambia’s Police Intervention Unit (PIU), a police paramilitary force, clashed with residents of Faraba Banta, 50 kilometers south of the capital, Banjul, after local residents blocked mining-related traffic.
A journalist who observed the protest told Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, “As soon as [police reinforcements] came out of the vehicle they started firing live bullets. They did not issue a warning or alarm.” Another journalist in the village, Pa Bojang, said that police officers detained him for six hours, slapped him, and confiscated his voice recorder.
Witnesses told Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International that protesters threw stones and burned vehicles, injuring more than a dozen police officers. Gambia’s police chief, Landing Kinteh, said in a June 18 media statement that police leadership, “did not authorize the use of firearms” by police in responding to the protests.
Several protesters arrested on June 18, including those injured, remain in police custody, and face possible charges for destruction of property. Injured detainees should receive medical attention and a court should promptly review the necessity of their continued detention. Those responsible for destroying property or committing other offenses should be prosecuted in accordance with international fair trial standards.
A May 26 protest in Faraba Banta against sand mining, which provides sand for construction, had also led to clashes between local residents and police, with officers firing tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse at times violent demonstrators. Faraba Banta residents say that sand mining will damage the rice fields they rely on for food and income. The Police Intervention Unit had maintained a presence in the village following the May 26 clashes.
The United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials state that the intentional lethal use of firearms by security forces “may only be made when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life.” Furthermore, “in the dispersal of violent assemblies, law enforcement officials may use firearms only when less dangerous means are not practicable and only to the minimum extent necessary.”
The Guidelines on Policing Assemblies in Africa, adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, state that, “firearms must never be used to disperse an assembly” and that intentional use of lethal force is prohibited “unless it is strictly unavoidable to protect life.” Where force is used, law enforcement officials must ensure that medical assistance is rendered to any injured person.
“Gambia’s Police Intervention Unit has a history of using excessive force against demonstrators, and escaped censure during former President Jammeh’s abusive rule,” said Jim Wormington, West Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch.
“The Gambian government needs to show that it can conduct credible investigations and appropriately discipline or prosecute those responsible for abuses.”
http://foroyaa.gm/joint-press-statement-by-human-rights-watch-amnesty-international/
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