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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
 Posted - 04 Jun 2012 : 15:44:41
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Where is Ba Kawsu Fofana?
Monday, June 04, 2012
 Picture: Ba Kawsu Fofana
Renowned Islamic scholar and imam, Ba Kawsu Fofana of Sanchaba Sulay Jobe, has been arrested, family sources have told The Point, though the police have denied this.
According to Omar Fofana, a brother to Ba Kawsu, the erudite imam was picked up by men in plainclothes on Thursday morning in Brikama, and taken to an unknown location.
“Ba Kawsu was picked up in Brikama, where he went to attend a naming ceremony by some people in plainclothes,” he told this paper.
This, he said, was after the men visited his house in Sanchaba Sulay Jobe and enquired about his whereabouts, and were told that he went to Brikama.
“They then followed him to Brikama, where he was picked up and up till today (yesterday evening), we do not know where he is,” Fofana added.
Though no reason for his arrest was made known to this paper, at the time of going to press, Ba Kawsu has in recent weeks been trading words with Imam Abdoulai Fatty of the State House Mosque in Banjul.
When contacted to shed light on the story yesterday, police spokesperson assistant superintendent of police (ASP) Yerro Mballow denied any knowledge of the report.
“Anyway he is not with us,” Mballow told The Point.
Source: The point
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jun 2012 : 15:53:44
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State Cracks Down on Imam Ba-Kawsu
By Lamin Njie & Mandu Sanneh
Monday, June 04, 2012
The Gambian state agents have yet again cracked down on outspoken-Islamic scholar, Imam Ba-Kawsu Fofana, of Sanchaba Sulay Jobe.
Imam Fofana was reportedly picked up by agents of the National Intelligence Agency on Thursday May 30, while presiding over a naming ceremony in the major town of Brikama, family sources told this paper.
“When they [the agents] came for him at his compound early Thursday morning, Ba-Kawsu was in Brikama at the time,” said Omar Fofana, a family member.
Sources said further that the controversial Imam was arrested together with a disciple, who was released the following day.
“We do not know why he was arrested and we are not aware of any charge(s) levied against him,” Omar told The Daily News.
Manjang Drammeh, Deputy Head Teacher at the Imam’s school, also confirmed the arrest of his boss.
At the time we went to press on Saturday night, Imam Fofana was not released. The NIA however, typically denied having him under their custody.
Although the reason for Imam Fofana’s arrest was not clear to this paper, all accusing fingers are however pointed at the prolonged row he was having with the Imam of State House, Abdoulie Fatty.
The dispute, which dragged on since 2008 when the two differed in opinion on how Gambia should observe Muslim feats, such as Tobaski and Koriteh, recently reached its fever-pitch, with both launching attacks on each other’s personality.
Source: Daily News |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 04 Jun 2012 : 15:57:37
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Daily News Editorial: Why???
 Monday, June 04, 2012
For some time now, all have been witnesses to the debate in the media by two venerable religious leaders, Ba-Kawsu Fofona and Abdoulie Fatty. The former is the Imam of the village of SanchabaSulay Jobe, Kombo North District, West Coast Region, while the latter is the Imam of the State House Mosque in Banjul, the capital.
Debate between these two people, who are believed to be among the most knowledgeable persons in the widely-practised religion of Islam in the country, is good so long as it stays healthy. For having so-called intellectuals to argue out their cases on issues that matter to the public, is something that is lacking in The Gambia. This holds us back intellectual-wise compared to other countries, say, neighbouring Senegal, for instance. And in so many ways – politically, socially, and economically – our failure to discuss issues reflects on the relative slow development of knowledge in the country.
Unfortunately however, for these two religious leaders, both of whom have a large following, the issue that pitted them against each other, and which is whether Gambia should tag along the Mecca calendar in observing feasts such as Koriteh and Tobaski, was dropped somewhere along the way. The discourse provided no desirable result as the country’s Muslim community remains more confused and divided today than ever before. Perhaps ashamed of the failure, the two, instead, chose to cast aspersions on each other’s personality.
Of course, this row was the result the public had not been expecting from the debate, nor was it the result desired by the media, through which they have been arguing out their cases. On the contrary, all eyes were fixed on them with the hope however slim, that will emerge from the intellectual battle united, and putting the religion and the people, before self. But alas!
Truth to tell, Imam Fofana is among the very few Gambian religious leaders who dares point at the excesses of the powers that be. And in that, he did not spare the Supreme Islamic Council. Consequently, he was cracked down on several times, especially when he held the council accountable. He was at one point arrested, detained and another point, invited for questioning by police. As if these were not enough, he was also barred from leading prayers at his mosque, barred from preaching at any Islamic gathering, barred from running his own Islamic school, and was ridiculed by President Jammeh, who once told him “even the shoe I wear is closer to Allah than you are”.
Meanwhile, as this latest battle between him and Imam Fatty raged on, it was clear to anyone who cares for the truth, that the two have missed the point. Eventually, there were newspaper editorials advising them to observe some ceasefire. Concerned Gambians, as well as some straight-forward religious leaders, commented in the media, condemning their act as uncalled for, both in Islam and in Gambian society.
Yet, the Supreme Islamic Council (SIC), who never shied away from jumping into events that are political in nature under the guise of acting as Islamic religious advisers to the government, remained muted. One would wonder whether this body that serves as the highest authority when it comes to Islam, is moribund.
Again, Ba-Kawsu, who is deemed a critic, has been arrested. Why???
Source: Daily News |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2012 : 12:11:13
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It is strange that there are still announcements on GRTS Radio of coming events (Gamos) where Ba Kausu is supposed to be the main speaker. 
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2012 : 14:43:07
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What wrong has Ba Kawsu Done?
Tuesday, June 05, 2012
We are very much concerned about the detention of the prominent Islamic scholar and imam, Ba Kawsu Fofana.
At the time of going to press last evening, Ba Kawsu was said to be at the NIA, under detention.
According to family sources, Ba Kawsu was arrested on Thursday 31st May 2012. Since then he had not returned home, for days.
This is not in conformity with the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia, which states that no one should be detained for more than 72 hours without appearing before a court or be released on bail.
So, are those detaining the preacher violating the supreme law of the land?
If so, then this is a very unfortunate development, especially in a country that calls itself a democratic society where human rights are being protected.
The protection and upholding of the Constitution is a requirement for all Gambians, including the agencies that arrest and detain people.
Arresting citizens and detaining them beyond 72 hours, especially journalists and religious leaders, could be very sensitive, and the holders of Ba Kawsu must put this into consideration.
The arrest and continued detention of Ba Kawsu is in violation of his human rights, and must be seriously questioned.
The human rights of every citizen must be protected at all times.
Source: The Point
Related Topic: The Point Editorial: Detention without trial
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Janyanfara
Tanzania
1350 Posts |
Posted - 05 Jun 2012 : 22:50:51
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Kobo,
You are at it again! What is wrong with media report on Bakawsu if not to report on informations to the public of happenings in the Gambia when the state refuses to do it duty as enshrined in our state constitution?
If in your view the media was trying to feed Bakawsu to the wolves then I am baffled again by you. What should Gambians do when someone is picked up by state agents in broad day light in front of people only for them to deny having him/her? To be silent on the Activities of the devils is the most dangerous thing in my view because it has increased what we are in today. |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jun 2012 : 03:45:24
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KIBAARO NEWS EDITORIAL;
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Edited by - kobo on 06 Jun 2012 03:46:18 |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jun 2012 : 15:02:52
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GMC on Ba Kawsu’s arrest and detention
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
The opposition Gambia Moral Congress (GMC) has issued a statement, stressing among others the need for the rule of law to be respected, and called for the release of Ba Kawsu Fofana, an erudite Islamic scholar, who was said to have been arrested and detained.
In a statement sent to this paper, GMC said Ba Kawsu’s right to know the allegations against him, his right to counsel and family visits, and his right to his day in court are non-negotiable under domestic and international law.
Read Full Story
Source: The Point |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jun 2012 : 19:41:56
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Daily News Editorial: Continues Detention of Imam Fofana is Unconstitutional
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
Since his reported arrest on Thursday May 31, by plain clothes security personnel believed to be agents of the National Intelligence Agency, Imam Ba-Kawsu Fofana of Sanchaba Sulay Jobe in the Kombo North District of West Coast Region has not reunited with his family. Follow up stories reveal that the outspoken Imam’s family is denied access to him at the NIA where he was confirmed to have been initially detained.
Some newspapers that have earlier reported that he was under arrest are equally worried. This is because in pursing the matter, they have found the attitude of the police authorities very unhelpful. The Gambia Police Force denied having anything to do with the matter and the NIA, in their typical fashion, denied knowledge of the whereabouts of Imam Fofana.
This is despite the fact that Ba-Kawsu is confirmed to have been taken at the latter, after he was picked up in Brikama. In fact, some of his belongings, including a copy of the Holy Qur’an, and cell phone were returned to the family.
Yet, the worry is justified. As we have witnessed in the past when people were arrested and taken away by people believed to be state security agents, only for them to disappear for good. The list cannot be exhausted here. It undoubtedly requires a whole Master’s thesis for one to do justice in cataloguing such cases.
Notable however, are the cases of Chief Ebrima Manneh, a journalist, and Kanyiba Kanyi, a political activist. Some lucky ones were the likes of Ousman Jatta alias Rambo, as well as the five soldiers, who after spending over one year under the custody of security agents who denied knowledge of them, eventually showed up after a painful campaign.
However, this time round with the overwhelming evidence available to link the state to the arrest and detention of Ba-Kawsu, this cannot be another case of a missing Gambian. The constitution of The Gambia, which is the supreme law of the land, does not discriminate against any person, when it makes it illegal for the state to detain a suspect beyond 72 hours period.
Any person suspected of a crime shall within 3 hours after his arrest be informed the reason for his arrest and should either be taken to court by the elapse of the 72 hours period or released. Therefore, the continues detention of Imam Fofana is unconstitutional.
Author: Daily news |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 06 Jun 2012 : 19:44:52
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Worry as State Denies Detained Imam Fofana’s Family Access
By Lamin Njie & Mandu Sanneh
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
Family of the outspoken Islamic scholar Ba-Kawsu Fofana expressed worry about the wellbeing of the detained Imam of Sanchaba Sulay Jobe village, Kombo North.
On Thursday May 31, Fofana was reportedly picked up by plain clothes state security agents of the National Intelligence Agency.
More than 48 hours after the elapse of the 72 hour constitutional limit, the controversial Imam was not arraigned in a court of law and the reason for his arrest remains unknown to the public.
He was yet to re-unite with his family, nor was his family allowed access to him at the agency, where family sources confirmed he was taken under custody after his arrest.
“I was at NIA headquarters in Banjul yesterday, from afternoon up to 8 at night, together with some family members, but we were not allowed to see him,” Omar Fofana, a brother to the Imam told this paper.
As typical of them, the agency denied knowledge of the whereabouts of Imam Fofana.
“We found some officials there, but they told us that Ba-Kawsu was not under their custody,” a worried Omar Fofana said.
Imam Fofana was a critic of the excesses of the government. In the recent past, he faced arrest and detention, as well as other forms of punishment meant to muzzle him, but he remained unbowed.
Source: Daily News |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 07 Jun 2012 : 21:40:06
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JOLLOF NEWS;
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jun 2012 : 13:43:58
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FREEDOM NEWS;
Saturday, June 09, 2012
"Gambia’s controversial Imam Bakawsu Fofana has been released from state custody, despite initial denial by the Government of detaining the Sanchaba Sulay Jobe Imam, the Freedom Newspaper has gathered. The Imam returned home in good shape and has since been receiving his followers at his house. A sizeable crowd converged at the Imam’s home sympathizing with him.
Bakawsu’s arrest followed a Presidential directive to keep the Imam off the streets. This followed a strained relationship between Fofona and the State House Imam Alhagie Abdoulie Fatty, who has been launching personal attacks against Imam Fofona during his sermons at the State House mosque in Banjul. Mr. Fatty has accused Bakawsu among other things: being uneducated, ill informed, arrogant and trying to incite violence in the Gambia. A charge Fofona denies.
While under state custody, Bakawsu’s daughter died in his absence. The Imam returned home with a heavy heart. He is coping with the news of his daughter’s demise and the mental trauma dictator Jammeh has exposed him to by curtailing his freedom of movement during his arrest.
Imam Fofona has suffered untold persecution under Jammeh’s rule. His only crime is: having the daring mind to preach the gospel of truth, justice, accountability, and peace in a country, where fear rules. The dictator has transformed the Supreme Islamic Council as his personal property. He has bought the likes of Imam Fatty, Banding Drammeh, Momodou Lamin Touray, and other religious leaders within and outside the Greater Banjul Area.
So far, Bakawsu is among the rare Imams yet to fall into Jammeh’s inducement of Islamic scholars in the country. That’s why he is paying the heavy price of Jammeh’s state sponsored bully against the Imam.
NIA agents familiar with Bakawsu’s case, who spoke to the Freedom Newspaper said President Jammeh is behind the arrest of Bakawsu. The agents said the Imam has not committed any offence per say, but Jammeh just merely wants to assert his authority to intimidate the Imam to total submission to his rule.
“ The Imam was treated with respect. No one harass him during his detention. We know for a fact that he is a victim of Jammeh’s bully. He is doing this to silence Bakawsu. Left with us alone, this man should not have been here in the first place,” said our source.
While Bakawsu was under detention, Jammeh was constantly being updated about the Imam’s composure and responses during the security interrogation. He is a free man for now." |
Edited by - kobo on 09 Jun 2012 13:45:05 |
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jun 2012 : 22:41:58
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quote:
Originally posted by kobo
JOLLOF NEWS;
This is tragic but deceased girl is not Ba Kausu's daughter. She was living in the compound but the father is said to be living here in Copenhagen. May her soul rest in peace. |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jun 2012 : 22:49:52
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Well thought out posting Janyanfara,great observation,KOBO too much can be overpowering 
quote:
Originally posted by Janyanfara
Kobo,
You are at it again! What is wrong with media report on Bakawsu if not to report on informations to the public of happenings in the Gambia when the state refuses to do it duty as enshrined in our state constitution?
If in your view the media was trying to feed Bakawsu to the wolves then I am baffled again by you. What should Gambians do when someone is picked up by state agents in broad day light in front of people only for them to deny having him/her? To be silent on the Activities of the devils is the most dangerous thing in my view because it has increased what we are in today.
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jun 2012 : 22:56:35
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Who ever this young girl was,her life was tragically cut short,my sympathies are with her family and school mates. RIP
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jun 2012 : 16:14:29
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Daily News Editorial: Is the SIC Moribund?
Friday, June 08, 2012
It has happened in the past and we continued to witness more of it. Religious leaders have not been spared by the repressive clutches of the powers that be. Their world is now characterised by insecurity. Even a mere expression of an honest opinion, guided by divine teachings, could land them in jail. It no longer matters whether ones intentions are innocent. What counts is that someone’s position - political or social - is threatened by the truth and genuineness.
Erudite Imam, Ismaila Manjang of Gunjur, was one such victim. He reportedly criticised the tampering of the shrine in Gunjur by Gambian President Yahya Jammeh. This was what reportedly led to his arrest and detention, allegedly, by the National Intelligence Agency. The story goes further that the Imam was not only stripped near-naked and beaten, but also had his passport seized, preventing him from going for his planned pilgrimage to Mecca. Now that is way too much!
For outspoken Imam Ba-Kawsu Fofana, languishing behind bars is not unusual. Matter of fact, he had received punishments more harsh than arrest and detention. And in yet another unfortunate development, he is still under the custody of the state over a week after his arrest. His wellbeing and health condition were a concern to his family, who were denied access to him. The constitutionally allowed hours for detention have elapsed, and the incarceration has entered into the threshold of unconstitutionality. The state must not continue to treat the breaking of the rule of law as a national pastime.
What is more painful about Imam Fofana’s saga, as well as that of other scholars victimised by repression, is the attitude of the Supreme Islamic Council. In fact, in some instances, like the previous arrest of Ba-Kawsu, the council was the mastermind. In spite of the abuses on the rights of Imam Ismaila Manjang, which is a threat to the safeguarding of religious independence, the council did not utter a word. We wonder whether the council is moribund.
Indeed, one would understand that Ba-Kawsu was not in the good books of the council. He faced up to them and criticised them on decisions he felt were not better. This is something he is called upon to do as a major stakeholder in the development of Islamic religion in the country and beyond. Why then should the council blacklist him, and even going to the point of victimising him, using their friends in politics?
For the council, it is no gain reminding them that Allah has His eyes on them. But, before we reach the day of judgement, they have made undertakings to the citizens of this country and must be held accountable. Occupying that position is with responsibilities of which safeguarding the interest of the religion of Islam is top. This cannot be achieved in the absence of a guaranteed, conducive environment for religious leaders. The council must accept those that differ in opinion with them. For Islam considers every human being to be imperfect, hence no one knows everything.
Meanwhile, this paper wishes to extend condolence to the bereaved Fofana family for the loss, and prays that the departed soul will rest in peace.
Source: Daily News |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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