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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
 Posted - 16 Jul 2018 : 00:33:24
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AT THE FARABA BANTA COMMISSION: VDC Chairperson Appears
BY KEBBA MAMBURAY
Foroyaa: July 13, 2018
The Commission of Inquiry set by the President of the Republic Adama Barrow to inquire into the Faraba Banta incident, yesterday July 12th 2018, received as witness, the VDC Chairperson of Faraba Banta, to testify before the Commission about the incident.
Alhagie Sanyang the VDC Chairperson testified that prior to the incident, there was a day when the national assembly select committee on the environment summoned a meeting to discuss the impact of the sand mining industry, as well as concerns raised by the community; that it was put to the Committee that sand mining will suffocate the cultivation of rice and can cause erosion of their community; that this particular meeting was done in the absence of the Alkalo, the Chief and Governor of the Region.
According to Sanyang, before the conclusion of the meeting, the committee told them that they will call on Julakay and the Geology department, to have their side of story regarding sand mining in the area; that all other things will be inclusive. Sanyang refuted the allegations that Julakay had an agreement with them regarding the donation of D100, 000. 00; that the NA Select Committee on the environment, visited the village and the villagers including the VDC and some council of elders who gathered at the Bantaba to receive them; that this was done in the absence of both the Alkalo and Chief, even though the Chief was in the village at that material time. Sanyang said after the committee was received, the villagers escorted them to the vicinity of the mining site and the ponds of water caused by previous mining, where an eight year old boy lost his life; that three days after the meeting with the NA Select Committee, they (VDC) received a call from the president of the Select Committee Saikou Touray to inform them that they met Julakay and advised him on the sand mining operations but that Julakay responded it was only the Geology Department who can tell him to stop, because they are the one who issued him a license; that it was the following Monday June 10th 2018, that Julakay started mining activities.
Sanyang said he called Lawyer Borry S. Touray and informed him too that Julakay has started mining but the Borry asked him to take pictures of the vehicles and their registration numbers.
Sanyang said it was on the 18th June 2018 that he received a call at work from one of his brothers, that there was a riot between villagers and PIU officers and Bakary kujabi and Ismaila Bah were shot; that he could have been a victim if he was there on the scene; that he called the National Assembly Member for Bundung and informed him what he was told on telephone by his brother; that he went to Faraba with some National Assembly Members, to the scene of the incident and they were shown the spot where Bakary and Ismaila were shot; that he later saw the offices of Julakay vandalized and trucks burnt.
Sanyang said he went with the delegation of the National Assembly members to the Brikama police were they were told some of the rioters where arrested and taken to; that after a long day with the National Assembly members, he went home and was told that the PIU asked for him; that his veranda floor tiles were smashed and destroyed as they left. Sanyang said after the incident, he heard that Jung, Jamba and Bakary Saidykhan including the Alkalo’s household furniture, were set ablaze; that the next day, the visited the injured with VDC members and met the president who told them to see the Secretary at the office of the president Habib Drammeh; that it was Drammeh who broke the news to them that the president will set up a Commission to look into the matter.
Sanyang testified that after the incident on the 20th June 2018, the director of press and public relations at the office of the president Amie Bojang Sissoho came to the village and informed them that the president will visit Faraba; that the president’s visit fell on the 22nd of June 2018 and that during his meeting with villagers, the Alkalo, Chief and Governor of the Region, were not present; that prior to the incident, the Chief summoned a meeting and told them that he brought an MOU from Julakay for the Chairperson of the VDC to sign, who declined the action without the consent of the villagers.
http://foroyaa.gm/at-the-faraba-banta-commission-vdc-chairperson-appears/
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Here is the Report of the Daily News Newspaper,
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By: Almamo Kamaso July 13, 2018
Alhagie Sanyang, the Chairman of Faraba Village Development Committee (VDC) yesterday addressed the commission of inquiry looking into Faraba deadly incident.
Testifying before the commission headed by Emmanuel Joof, Mr. Sanyang said that heB was not sure if Julakey was given directives by the National Assembly Select Committee on Environment to stop mining or not. However, he told the commission that the villagers had the feeling that directives were not respected and in his opinion that was the push factor.
The VDC Chair was reminded on his previous statement when he said he had spoken to the member for Bundukakunda Constituency who told him that the National Assembly members would ask the geology department, the licensing authority to write to JulaKey to stop the mining operations at least for a while. Sanyang was also told by the commission that the villagers told its members that it was the VDC who informed them that members of the National Assembly were the ones who asked Julakey to stop mining. But he denied that the VDC ever told the villagers such a claim saying the message was just on the social media.
Sanyang further told the commission that following the visit of the parliamentarians in Faraba and shortly before their departure, they told the villagers that they would get back to them after meeting other stakeholders but up to the time of the deadly clashes, the MPs never got back to them.
According to him, almost 70% of the villagers are disgruntled over the issue of the Alikali (village head) not resident in Faraba and that applies to himself as well. He complained that the fact that he was not residing in Faraba and only goes there from time to time has affected the smooth running of the village. He says villagers have to travel sometimes to Brikama if there is a need for him to stamp any document for them.
When asked if the Alikalo was working somewhere else, he confirmed that he is a civil servant. Sanyang was quizzed if it is okay for him as the VDC chair to be resident in Bundung but not okay for the Alikalo to be resident in Brikama. He replied saying that their positions are different.
On the issue of sand mining, Chairman Sanyang said because of the level of destruction of mining activities on the village ecology, they had to relocate the first site to another place some ten years ago. At that site, he revealed, mining is done locally and for every trip they collected D300 which used to go to the VDC for community services. Asked if the new site would also not be destroyed if the villagers continued to mine locally? He replied “no” since that is not a sophisticated way of mining. He agrees that the VDC fully supervises the operations of the local miners and they go from time to time to see how he mining site is doing. Sanyang concurs with the commissioners that the working relationships between the VDC and the Alkalo could have been much better that it was at the time of the clashes.
http://dailynewsgm.com/faraba-vdc-chair-addresses-commission/
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 16 Jul 2018 00:53:14 |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jul 2018 : 00:59:10
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| It appears that there may well be many questions that the enquiry members would wish to make and other persons may well be summoned to appear before them to give their own version of events surrounding this most unfortunate choice of sand mining operations,even at this early stage many things are very unclear and appear to be far from straightforward.. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 17 Jul 2018 : 01:16:49
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More appear before the Commission
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BY KEBBA MAMBURAY
Ansumana Marena, alias ‘Julakay’, appeared before the Faraba Banta Commission on Saturday 14th July 2018, to testify. The Commission was set up by the President to probe into the unfortunate incident on that fateful day of June 18th 2018, when live bullets was sprayed on unarmed demonstrators, leaving three people dead and scores seriously injured. According to Marena who testified in Mandinka, he has been in the business of sand mining for one and a half to two decades now; that after securing a license from the Geology Department in 2007, one Jerreh Sanyang, the then acting Director of that department told him that a place will be identified, where he will carry out his activity of mining sand; that the issuance of his license had to get the blessing of NEA approval, who should inspect and tell him where to mine sand.
Marena said Jerreh Sanyang and one Nancy from the NEA, chose for him to do his work in Faraba, because mining was taking place in both Gunjur and kartong at that time; that after the survey, he was issued license with conditions attached; that among the conditions was the mechanization of his work, provision of access road to the site and royalty payment to Government. Marena testified that the period he would have spent mining sand at the time, would not have exceeded 6-7 months because his term for mining expires in one year, but was told to reapply or renew his license, after the term expires. Marena said this was during the former regime; that with the coming of the new dispensation, he returned to the Geology department to resume what he started during the former regime and met one Bakary fadera, who was the Secretary General at that time. Marena said Bakary advised him to reapply because he is someone who has the experience; that this was how he decided to go in for it, in order to repay the 11 Million dalasi loan he took from the Banks.
Still testifying, Marena said he went to the Geology Department where he was taken to Brikama and Faraba Banta to survey the area, by Abdoulie M. Cham, the Managing Director of that Department; that out of all the places Cham took him, he (Julakay) observed that there was a problem with accessibility to the sand quarry of Faraba Banta; that he decided to choose Faraba Banta but was advised by the Department of Geology, that he should seek the consent and permission of the villagers first, before any activity of mining starts. Marena said he met the Alkalo of Faraba who summoned a meeting held in the presence of Lamin Star Bojang, the former Minister of Lands, the Council of Elders of Faraba Banta and some VDC members including Babucarr Jallow, his administration manager; that at the meeting, Jung Conteh, the Chairperson of the Council of Elders, urged the villages to pray for his success in the sand mining business; that one Alagie Sanyang, laid some conditions which include the rehabilitation of the village road, building a market for the women and to take the responsibility of buying cash power for the village Bore hole, as well as to relocate and fence their football field. Marena testified that he never promised them; but that after consulting with his team, he agreed; that the Council of Elders also put down some conditions for the development of the village mosque; that again he did not make any promises but said he will do it for the sake of Allah. Marena said the following Saturday, he gave D35, 000.00 to the Alkalo, for the development of the village mosque.
Meanwhile Abdoulie M. Cham, the Managing Director of Geology Department testifies that Julakay Company wrote to the office of the president lodging a complaint that he was arbitrarily deprived from mining at the “Kachumeh” mining site. However the Commission Chairperson requested for the director to produce the initial license documentation of ‘Julakay’ Company. Cham told members of the Commission, that he cannot find them because they were delivered to the Geology department since 2007.
Among the documents brought by the Director were approvals and cancellation documents. He however promised to look for the rest of the documents and produce them before his next appearance at the Commission.
Continuing his testimony, Cham said Julakay was issued license on July 10th 2017; that the issuance of license is accompanied by the management of plans which includes access road to the mining site, preparation of the site and office for staff of the mining Company; that management plans are part of the governing operations of the quarry attached to the license, and that all operations, terms and conditions of the license should be fulfilled first before operation can commence. Cham testified that any condition placed before a license is issued, is negotiable; that because they give a draft management plan to the mining Company, for comments; that a mining license can be issued alongside final management plans which he said is in accordance with Section 115 of mining and quarry Act 2005 and the Ministry’s regulations for operation. Cham added that management plans are made by the Geology department to monitor and evaluate the mining operations; that this document is signed by him. Cham testified that he was the one who approved the management plan of ‘Julakay’ Company’s license but that the management plan was subject to negotiation.
Cham told Commissioners that they discussed royalty charges with Julakay at D110 per cubic meter; that Julakay wanted D60 per cubic meter which he said was not acceptable by the State.
When asked what he further discussed with ‘Julakay’, Cham said said he cannot remember; that after the issuance of license, the road down to the mining site was identified by Julakay, in consultation with the Geology Department and the some of the VDC members, because he (Julakay) was banned from using the road that passes through the village, to the mining site.
In the course of events, Cham testified that Julakay was asked by the VDC, to construct the road away from the village football field which he (Julakay) accepted; but the he (Julakay) complained that some elements of the VDC were obstructing his work. Cham said this led to a meeting held on the 9th of March 2018, following complaints from the VDC of Faraba Banta, and that the meeting included the Ministry of Lands and Local Government and stakeholders like the Geology department, Lands and Surveys, Physical housing and planning, NEA and the local authorities like the Alkalo and VDC.
Cham testified that the outcome of the meeting centered on the VDC of Faraba not to use or cause any physical obstruction which could hinder the mining operations of ‘Julakay’ Company; that any complain they have regarding the mining operations of the Company, they can bring to the attention of the IGP.
Sittings continue.
http://foroyaa.gm/at-the-faraba-banta-commission-ansumana-marena-julakay-others-testify/ |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 17 Jul 2018 : 01:32:53
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This is from The Standard Newspaper yet another example of news not carried elsewhere in the newspapers, that I could find.
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The director of geological department Abdoulie M Cham, has given a detailed run down of how The Julay Group obtained license to mine sand in The Gambia.
He said the government of the Gambia has no official site for sand mining but people choose for themselves where they want to conduct it which his office facilitates and monitors.
Cham told the Faraba Commission that Julakay was first given his license way back in 2007 valid for only one year using the Kachumeh extension mining site. He said at the expiry of that license, Julakay submitted another application in 2008 for a one year renewal which was given approval on January 20, 2009.
However according to director Cham the license was revoked the next day by presidential directives and that was how Julakay group stopped mining in Kachumeh.
The director went on to reveal that on February 20, 2017 Julakay petitioned the office of the President through the office of the secretary general, complaining that his license was illegally revoked.
“Julakay also requested for his license and reimbursement of capital which was forwarded to the director of geological department for a review and advice and the office of the president replied to Julakay on March 20, 2017 on the same caption on the petition.”
http://standard.gm/site/2018/07/16/geology-boss-reveals-how-julakay-got-license/ |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 17 Jul 2018 : 16:58:57
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By: Neneh Galleh Barry
Ansumana Kebba Marena known as Julakay, the man in the heart of Faraba deadly clashes Saturday appeared before the commission to shed light on sequence of events leading to the problem.
Testifying before the commissioners headed by Emmanuel Joof, Julakay explains that he has been in the business of sand mining for about 20 years now. He said he had sought license from the geological department in 2007 and after the issuance of his license, one Jerreh Sanyang, the then acting director of geology told him that they could identify him a place but whether or not it would have adverse effect he was not sure. He said he was told that if before the issuance of license whether the NEA approved the inspection, the geology department would issue him a license to mine. Julakay went on to narrate how prior to starting operation, he accompanied by Jerreh and one Nancy from NEA went to Kartong, Gunjurr and Faraba Banta but he decided to choose Faraba as mining was taking place in both Gunjur and kartong.
Testifying in Mandinka Language, Julakay explained that after the survey he was later called and issued a license with conditions of mechanization, consultation, access road to the site and the consideration of royalty collection for the government. He said that he mines sand for just about 6-7 months then his term for mining expires because he was granted a license for one year validity but he was told to reapply or renew his license.
He narrated how his license was later cancelled on 21st January 2009 after it was approved by officials who claimed they were acting on orders from the highest authority. Julakay then explained the numerous efforts he made to get government authorities to honor his license as he had taken D11 Million loan from the banks to start operation of sand mining. He said he even wrote to former President Yahya Jammeh from whose office he later received a very harsh and scary response. He said with that, he gave up sand mining venture and went into other business for some time.
With the new Barrow regime, Julakay said he went back to the Geological Department to resume his sand mining business. At that place, he continued, he met Abdoulie M. Cham the Managing Director of Geological Department who told him he admired him (Julakay) so much because he was keenest and most interested in the sand mining amongst all other sand mining business men. Then Cham took him to Brikama and Faraba Banta for survey but he told Cham that out of all the places he took him, he (Julakay) observed that there was a problem of access road to the sand quarry of Faraba Banta.
After the survey, he said he conducted a feasibility study and then he chose Faraba Banta for mining but he was advised by the department of geology that he should seek the consent and permission from Faraba Banta Villagers. Afterwards he said, he met with the Alkalo of Faraba and the Alkalo summoned a meeting which was held in the presence of Lamin Star Bojang, former Minister of Lands, Council of Elders and some VDC members including Babucarr Jallow Julakay’s admin manager.
After the introduction of their mission to the village, remarks by Jung Conteh, the chairperson of Council of Elders followed and he told the gathering that Julakay was his friend and has never gone against the decisions of the government and later urged the villagers to pray for his success in the sand mining business. During the meeting, he recalled one Alagie Sanyang, who said that they were aware of the income generated from sand mining and further laid down conditions which included repairing of the village road, building a market place for women at the mining site and to be responsible of buying cash power for the bore hole within the village as well as to relocate and fence their football field. After consultation with his team Julakay said he agreed. Later, he said, some members of council of elders also put down another condition geared towards the development of the village mosque and he said he did not promise them of that but he would do for the sake of Allah (God). The following Saturday, he said he gave the Alkalo D35, 000.00 for the development of the village mosque.
The witness then produce a document – MOU with the villagers of Faraba and Julakay Quarry and Mining Company which was signed and stamped by the Alkolo and the Julakay Company. He said two days later the alkalo called him to inform him that they wanted him to contribute to any development program they are making in the village, adding that the alkalo said that was an additional item to the MOU. He said he ask him how much, the alkalo said D25, 000 every month. To that also, Julakay disclosed he agreed after consulting his advisers.
http://dailynewsgm.com/julakay-appears-before-faraba-commission/ |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 17 Jul 2018 : 19:28:54
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The Daily News input. looks like another joint effort ?
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By
Madi M.K. Ceesay -
July 17, 2018
By: AlmomoKamaso
Abdoulie Cham, the head of geological department recently told the Faraba Commission that his office gave license to Julakay Mining Company upon meeting all the requirements.
According to Cham who is the director of the department, when Julakay Mining Company wrote an application for a license to mine at Faraba Banta because his earlier mining site at Kachumeh was no more to be mine as part of their recommendations, the company was given license. He told the commissioners that due to too much mining activities at Kachumeh, his office asked him to go and meet the community of Faraba and agreed with them without which the office could not have proceeded with Julakay’s application.
He said the company went and did that and came back to his office with the MOU signed between Julakay and the village Alkalo of Faraba-Banta, Noha Kujabi with a stamp dated 16 May 2017.
Cham told commissioners that another requirement also was after making the MOU with the village, Julakay must also get an environmental clearance from the National Environment Agency (NEA) which also he got and produced dated 16 June 2017.
“Upon meeting all these requirements, my office the geological department issued him a license with an approved management plan to mine at Faraba Banta on the 10th July 2017,” Mr. Cham narrated. He earlier on told the commission that Ansumana Marenah who is the head of the Julakay Mining Company first applied for a license as miner in 2006 and wanted to mine in Kachumeh. Cham referred the commission to section 113 of the Mines and Quarays Act of 2005 which indicates that to have a license a miner must get an environmental clearance from NEA. He got his first license in 2007 to be renewable annually so it was renewed in 2008. After a while his license was revoked by an executive order in 2009.
Cham said with the change of government Julakay wrote a letter to the Office of the President in 2017 claiming that his license was wrongfully terminated. That letter he told commissioners was referred to his office from the Office of the President for advice.
In March 2017, his department wrote to the Secretary General Office of the President and gave the current situation of mining since then Julakay constantly came to geological department for follow ups.
He said then it was made clear to Julakay that he could not get his license to mine at the same site which was Kachumeh as per his earlier license, due to the fact that Kachumeh from 2009 to date the Kachumeh site is exhausted and therefore they wanted to reduce the dependence on coastal environment.
Asked who determines where one mines, Cham said currently there is no common Qauray corridor for mining. But he however told the commission that his department will advise and visit site to be mined.
http://dailynewsgm.com/official-explains-how-julakay-gets-mining-license/
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 18 Jul 2018 : 19:03:00
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A bit of a time delay appears to have occurred here as this report is dated 13th July copied and pasted below,Who is the Author ,very confused,
"Faraba Commission Gets Testimonies From Villagers
By
Madi M.K. Ceesay -
July 13, 2018"
By: Aramata Jatta
The Commission of Inquiry looking into the Faraba deadly incident headed by Emmanuel Joof yesterday received testimonies from the natives of Faraba village.
The commission is currently investigating the recent clashes that happened between the villagers and members of the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) leading to the dead of three unarmed youths and several others injured. Testifying before the commissioners, Suwaibou Sanyang said there was no one in the village who was not aware of the sand mining. He noted that on 17th October 2017, there was information that JULAKEY signed a memorandum of understanding with the village Alkalo without the knowledge of the villagers.
According to Mr. Sanyang, the villagers complained that they were not going to accept any mining activity as that would affect their rice fields.
He said the village head told them that JULAKAY had given the village contract committee D35,000.00 and he Sanyang was a member of that committee but he did not see the money.
He disclosed that the PIU officers were later deployed at Faraba on the 26th May 2018 until 18th of June 2018, to enable JULAKAY carry out his mining activities. The PIU, he went, on also restricted the villagers from going to the area which was sealed off and the women going to their gardens were also stopped from passing through and the youths were also prevented from playing football at the field.
According to Suwaibou, the Village Development Committee (VDC) held a meeting on the 26th of May 2018 to inform the villagers concerning the earlier meeting they had with the former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Landing Kinteh which meeting was held at his office. After that meeting with the IGP, the members of VDC told the villagers that the IGP said they should allow JULAKAY to continue with his mining. However, the VDC at that meeting told the former IGP that they could not do that unless if they consult with the villagers. The position of the villagers at that meeting was that they were not going to allow any mining activities in their village. He informed the commission that after that day anytime JULAKAY and his son came to the village they were escorted by the PIU.
For his part,
Mr. Sulayman Jarju, the manager of the Village Saving and Credit Association also testified that he wasn’t present on the day of the incident as he was arrested by the police who accused him of instigating violence between the villagers and Julakay.
According to Mr. Jarju, the VDC called for a meeting and they were asked by the villagers how JULAKAY got license to mine in their village and the response from the VDC was that it was the village head (Alkalo) who signed a document for JULAKAY to take to the Geology department to obtain a license. The villagers assigned the VDC to find out how JULAKAY got the license which led the VDC to write to relevant government offices regarding the issue.
Jarju also added that JULAKAY and his workers fell down their palm trees, which was a family property. Later, the family was said to have been given D25,000.00 compensation but Jarju told the commission that he was never in support of the compensation neither was he given the money.
http://dailynewsgm.com/faraba-commission-gets-testimonies-from-villagers/
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 20 Jul 2018 : 12:18:13
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AT THE FARABA BANTA COMMISSION: Pa Modou Bojang Narrates His Ordeal
Foroyaa: July 19, 2018
BY KEBBA MAMBURAY
Pa Modou Bojang, a journalist who claims to be molested, yesterday 18th July 2018 testified before the Commission. He told the Commission how he was kicked and beaten with batons by several PIU personnel until he could no longer feel the pain, details of which are below.
The Commission was set up by the President to probe into the unfortunate incident of 18th June 2018, when live bullets was sprayed on unarmed demonstrators, leaving three people or more dead and scores seriously injured.
In his testimony, Pa Modou said he was in the UK until last February when he came back to resume his journalism work. On the 26th of May, he said he received several phone calls, some from natives of Faraba Banta and some from the people he does not know. As the CEO of Mingbe Jering platform he said he always verifies programmes and problems to be aired. He said he runs a programme that attracts a minimum number of 13 thousand viewers. Because of credibility and accuracy, he decided to be present at the scene.
He testified that on the 26th May 2018 he received a call from one Alagie Sanyang from Faraba Banta and was informed that there will be a village meeting on the same day. So when he arrived, he said he met the villagers at the Bantaba and asked Alagie Sanyang the reason for his call but Alagie told him that the purpose of the meeting was to inform the villagers of the outcome of their meeting with the former IGP and VDC. As a journalist, he said he assembled his gadgets and started recording as the meeting began. Then during the meeting he said he saw 2 to 3 paramilitary trucks; and that though their passing interrupted the meeting for about 5 minutes, he continued recording and covering the meeting.
After the meeting, he said he went into the village and interviewed some of the villagers and he did several interviews with the women, most of who complained that sand mining destroys their “faros” (rice farms). He said he went to the mining site and took a video of the place, adding that he went to interview one Alagie Jung Conteh to have another side of the story because during his earlier interview with the village women, allegations were raised against Jung Conteh.
He said he later tried to meet the Chief and the Alkalo after his interview with Jung but the Alkalo declined the interview and told him that if he (Alkalo) should have an interview with him, it could be used against him in future.
Then he said he went back to the place where the paramilitary were stationed to get Julakay’s side of the story but he couldn’t meet Julakay; that instead his son Lamin Marenah was the one he met but Lamin told him that he cannot have an interview with him on that day. Pa Modou also said he met the paramilitary in their uniform gears with guns and batons.
He said he was taken to a mining site shown to him by the women he interviewed and they told him that, this is site sold by Jung Conteh and others to Julakay without their consent. He said the following day, Lamin Marenah son of Julakay, called him and told him that he saw the video uploaded by Pa Modou but that what the villagers told him during the meeting was all false, that the whole village agreed for Julakay to mine but only few disgruntled ones did not accept. But he said he responded by telling him that, “I gave you the benefit of the doubt but you turned it down”.
After few days he said Lamin Marenah called him again and said to him that it’s Alagie Sanyang the VDC chairperson who is the cause of all these problems, but that his response was to ask him why and how? The witness added that Julakay promised to give the village one hundred thousand Dalasi and at one time Alagie Sanyang came to their office and told them that the village has no Bank account and further requested for the money to be paid into his personal Bank account but that his father (Julakay) refused which, he said, led Alagie to go back to the village to ‘mislead’ the villagers.
The witness said he told Lamin that it would have been better to mention all that in an interview he offered him but instead Lamin turned it down. But he said, during their conversation, Lamin told him that “I am ready to do the interview and if you want I can meet you in your studio in Brikama.” He said they booked an appointment for the next day but that the following day, he received a call from Lamin that he could not make it because he had social issues to settle. Pa Modou said he was unable to grant Lamin the interview after Lamin asked for another chance because he gave him several chances which he turned down.
On the 18th June 2018, at 6am Pa Modou said his phone started ringing and in numerous times, then he was asleep but luckily he was able to answer the phone. He said Alagie Sanyang called at 6:30am and told him that he heard on the radio that Julakay will start mining at Faraba on the fateful day of 18th June 2018; that on his way to Faraba, he received a call from one anonymous caller who told him to go to the Brikama Health Centre to see the villagers that were shot by the Paramilitary but he said he couldn’t and proceeded to Faraba using double signal as he drove. He further said that as he reached Faraba around 9am he found the villagers very upset but couldn’t see any paramilitary and later was he told by one Suwaibou that the villagers chased away the PIU personnel and burnt down the Caterpillar of Julakay.
Then he said he went to the place and saw the Caterpillar in flames and two trucks that were already burnt.
He went on to say that he later had an interview with Suwaibou but that during the interview, they got interrupted by gunshots and he told the interviewee to go and hide because he is a journalist; that the PIU then went past him and moved towards the village but later he saw the PIU running back in retreat because the villagers were stoning them.
Continuing, he said that all of a sudden 3 different PIU personnel passed; that though the first two continued the last one told him that, “you journalists cannot do anything other than tell lies” in the Mandinka language.
The witness said that the PIU personnel then called one of his superiors and showed him his (Pa Modou’s) card but he was asked whether he took any video or picture and he responded in the positive; that he was asked to show the video which he did.
He then told the Commission that as he was taking his phone from the other PIU personnel the one who reported him hit his hand and the phone fell down on the ground but before he could pick it up, the PIU picked it up and gave it to him. He said he was then asked to format the phone. He said he told them that he could not format the phone, otherwise he would lose all his relevant documents and some of his UK Apps but the PIU personnel insisted that he must format the phone. He added that when he told him that he could not do that the PIU personnel slapped and kicked him; and that he then he saw other PIUs coming towards him, almost six of them, and they kicked and beat him with their batons until he couldn’t feel the pain any more.
He said he then told them, “you will kill me because I am a heart patient.”
He added that one of them told him that, “here is a bush, we will kill you and bury you, you journalists are liars.” He stated that at this point one the PIU drivers begged his fellow officers to forgive him. He said he was later asked to board a PIU truck but he said he couldn’t because he was very weak; that meanwhile one of them said “handcuff him before he runs away”; then as he tried to board the truck a PIU personnel came and hit him with a baton on the back of his head and he was put on the truck.
On board the truck, he said he met 3 other villagers, one of them by the name Salif Darboe, who told him “Mr. journalist, I am going to die and if I die, make an announcement of it”.
http://foroyaa.gm/at-the-faraba-banta-commission-pa-modou-bojang-narrates-his-ordeal/ |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 23 Jul 2018 : 18:52:23
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BY KEBBA MAMBURAY July 23, 2018
More witnesses continue to testify at the Commission of inquiry set up by the President, to probe into the Faraba Banta incident which led to the death of three people, leaving many others seriously injured, when live bullets was sprayed on unarmed demonstrators against sand mining in that community, on the fateful day of June 18th 2018.
On Friday July 20th 2018, Dawda Daffeh, testified before Commission Chairman Emmanuel Joof that on June 18th 2018, at the peak of the riots, a troop of PIU Officers approached the rioters and he heard their Commander giving them the command to ‘FIRE’, at the top of his voice; that all of a sudden, all hell broke loose as the Officers started emptying their rounds on the demonstrators; that the Officers first started firing tear gas canisters to disperse the rioters; that this was the time he also started to run for dear life, before entering one compound, to seek refuge.
Testifying in Mandinka, another witness Alhagie Camara, also said he ran into one compound unconscious because of the tear gas; that after gaining consciousness, he realized that his phone fell, and returned to collect his mobile amid heavy stoning by the villagers; that this was the time the rioters were overcome by the PIU and started to retreat.
Camara narrated that they ran up to the central praying ground, when he realized that his leg was trembling abnormally because of a bullet from a gunshot, which went through his thigh; that during all this time, he saw the PIU Officers chasing him and ran towards the Bantaba; that he was lucky to be assisted by some of the villagers who took him in and later took him to Brikama Health Centre, from where he was referred to Banjul’s EFSTH, for treatment. Camara said he saw some who were shot during the riot, in the persons of Jalang Darboe, Lamin Basowe Ceesay, Sheriffo touray, Pa Jammeh and Sainey Sonko including the three deceased who died of gunshots in the persons of the late Amadou Nyang, Bakary Kujabi and Ismaila Bah.
Prior to this information, Camara testified that the villagers agreed to first and foremost, block the road to vehicle entry with logs and stones, to prevent the trucks from passing; that they were waiting for trucks to come with the intention of staging a peaceful protest at the road block. He narrated that whilst at the road block, they welcome the officers who alighted from their trucks but surprised them with the firing of tear gas canisters at the crowd, who scattered amid panic and ran for safety; that the armed officers followed the scattered gathering and things started to go bad; that this was how he got shot from behind in his left lower leg. Camara thanked God for being lucky that the bullet did not hit his bone but penetrated through his flesh.
Another witness who testified before Commissioner Emmanuel Joof was Francis Jabang. Jabang testified that on 18th June 2018, he was not at the scene but at home; that the PIU Officers came to his compound with seals and batons but he denied them entry because he had disagreement with one of them; that he was hit with a baton on his upper arm and punched on his back; that one of them hit him on his forehead, that left a scar. Jabang said when he realized he was injured, he struggled and ran away from them; that the rioters then started stoning and the officers retreated. When asked if he was aware of a planned road block by the villagers, he answered in the positive but said as a soldier, he should not involve in such activities.
http://foroyaa.gm/at-the-faraba-banta-commission-more-witnesses-testify/
Sitting continues today. |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jul 2018 : 21:48:13
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BY KEBBA MAMBURAY July 25, 2018
Yesterday on the 24 of July 2018, the chairperson of Faraba Banta Council of Elders Fansu BK Conteh alias Jung Conteh appeared before the Commission which was set up by the president to probe into the unfortunate incident of that fateful day of June 18th 2018, when live bullets were sprayed on unarmed demonstrators, leaving three people or more dead and scores seriously injured.
In his testimony, he said sometime around March 2017, there was a meeting held in the village Bantaba in the presence of the VDC, Alkalo, Council of Elders and Julakay himself. As the meeting began, Julakay introduced himself as a businessman and told the gathering that his purpose was to come and chat with the villagers regarding his obtaining of licence. He added that he came with a bunch of kola nuts and D15,000.00. In the meeting, he said Julakay narrated that he doesn’t want the villagers to be seeing trucks moving in and out without knowing the purposes.
During the meeting as Jung narrated, one of the elders by the name Jamba Wutu Sanyang raised a concern about the trucks using the road that went through the village to the site and all the attendees to that meeting agreed. Then out of the money brought by Julakay, D10,000.00 was given to the VDC chairman by the Alkalo for the development of the village mosque and the balance of D5,000.00 was shared among all the attendees for their private use.
According to Jung, while speaking at the meeting, he told Julakay that they need assistance from him which includes repairing of the village road and bridge, building a local market for the village women, as to helping in the rehabilitation of the village health centre, provision of job employment for the youths and empowerment of women to enable them sell their farm produce. He said Julakay agreed to all these.
Continuing his testimony, he said during the meeting an amount of D70,000.00 was suggested by the VDC to be paid to the village by Julakay but as the discussion went further, they agreed on D100,000.00 and everyone present at that meeting welcomed that idea.
Testifying further, he said that after being called to several meeting, some of which he attended but others not, they had a successful meeting with the former IGP Landing Kinteh; that during the meeting with the IGP, the IGP advised them not to be involved in any violence or cause anything in relation to violence and the VDC concurred with the IGP.
He added that on the 18th June 2018 after attending his morning prayers at the mosque, he heard an announcement from one Sanna Jallow saying in the Mandinka language “every good citizen of Faraba should come out in their large numbers; both men and women, young and old should come out and demonstrate to tell the government that sand mining will not be done by Julakay in Faraba”.
He said afterward, he saw people moving towards his compound with stones, sticks and cutlasses; that he could identify one Sanna Jallow carrying a stone; that they then started stoning his compound and later the rioters enter into his compound and started breaking his windows and doors, his car was set ablaze as well as his house.
Meanwhile, Mr. Sulayman Jammeh an old man of 90yrs and a native of Faraba Narrated before the Commission his ordeal on the 18th June. He said he was sitting in his compound when he saw people passing-by and then he asked what was happening. He said he was told that there were people at the sand mining site then he also left for the place, upon his arrival he said he went into the middle of the crowd and told the youths to move back and avoid causing trouble.
He said he advised the youths not to cause any violence, utter any foul words. or do anything bad and he was able to convince everyone to move backward. He said he heard a gunshot but as he turned, he was hit by a bullet in his left thigh, then he kneeled down with both his hands on the ground; and the youths then rushed towards him and carried him to a car which transported him to Brikama Health Centre, from where he was later taken to Banjul. He however said he cannot identify who amongst the PIU personnel shot him.
Abdoulie Jobe who is a native of Pirang also appeared before the Commission and testified that, he was in Pirang on the 17th June and left for Faraba around 9 to 10am on the next day which fell on 18th June, 2018. On his way to Faraba in a public transport Vehicle, he heard a lady speaking on a phone and exclaimed “someone died?”
Upon arrival in his uncle’s compound he saw people coming from different directions and then he asked the uncle about what’s happening but the uncle told him that he is not sure of what was happening. Later, he said, he was not feeling comfortable and decided to go back home to Pirang, but he was told there was no transport and advised to wait until things get calm.
Then he said, he saw two PIU personnel with guns coming and entering a lady’s house. He said he heard the lady telling them that, “I am here only with my kids, please do not kill us.” He said they then left but came towards the house he was in and he ran into the bedroom; that one of the PIU personnel fired a tear gas canister into the house which did not explode well; that a PIU personnel then got into the house and took him outside; that he was now arrested and whilst taking him to outskirt of the village one of them hit him with the butt of his gun and they started beating him severely until one of his tooth got broken. He added that a PIU personnel by the surname Joof then remarked, “you are lucky that you are not dead because we are ordered to kill”. He further said while lying on the ground, one PIU personnel by the surname Darboe hit him with a big stick and others then joined in beating him again. The witness noted that though four PIU personnel beat him, the beatings of Darboe and Joof were so severe that he sustained injuries on his head and leg. He also said, later PIU Darboe told him that, “after we are going to Sanyang, we heard they are also acting rudely there.” He told the Commission that subsequent to this he saw about 20 PIU personnel approaching him and one of them hit him with a baton and another by the name Cham told them to stop beating him.
http://foroyaa.gm/at-the-faraba-banta-commission-chairperson-council-of-elders-others-testify/ |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2018 : 14:10:05
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Nfansu Conteh, alias Jung Conteh, a member of the Council of Elders of Faraba, has told the Faraba Commission that his people were united until the Julakay Group came to mine sand in the village.
According to Conteh, Julakay’s coming proved to be the most explosive issue in the village which could not be resolved through the normal Bantaba meetings held to address issues affecting the village.
“Since this Julakay issue erupted, the VDC have not and is not listening to us anymore. I am the host of Julakay but he only visited my house once and that was when he was there for me to accompany him to see the chief,” Conteh said.
He lamented that if there had been a better working relationship between the council of elders, the Alkalo and the VDC, the issue of Julakay would not have exploded out hands.
He said most Alkalolu, even the educated ones among them are afraid of the VDC.
Conteh also observed that part of the problem is that the village Alkalo is not resident in the village but in Brikama and is running the village from afar which is not acceptable to many villagers. “I am not happy myself with that because people have problem that needs urgent intervention and the Alkalo is often not there at the time,” he said.
Mr. Conteh said he disagreed with the VDC’s claims that mining will spoil the rice fields because the VDC themselves were mining there long since and nothing happened to the rice fields because there are lots of waterways in that area.
He said the VDC objected to Julakay mining because that will stop their own illegal sand mining, adding that the D100, 000 given to the VDC by Julakay did not satisfy them which was one of the reasons they objected to him mining there.
He revealed to the commission that the previous VDC also conducted sand mining at the village for 20 years when they were building the village market, mosque and even allowed neighboring villages to mine sand for such purposes.
Mr Conteh told the commission that it is only the current VDC that mine sand for commercial purposes.
He confirmed to the commission that the current VDC uses part of the money gained from the commercial sand mining to buy cash power for the village boreholes.
Mr. Conteh further alleged before the commission that the term of office of the current VDC has already expired six months back but they have refused to hand over.
Mr. Conteh accused the VDC of misinforming the villagers by claiming that it’s the council of elders and the Alkalo who are selling all their lands to Julakay.
Meanwhile the commission yesterday heard the testimonies of the PIU personnel connected to the 18 June violence but journalists were not allowed to cover their testimonies.
http://standard.gm/site/2018/07/26/faraba-was-united-until-julakay-came-jung-conteh/ |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 27 Jul 2018 : 11:32:25
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By Nelson Manneh July 26, 2018
Abubacarr Darboe, one of the Faraba Banta victims evacuated to Dakar, Senegal, for overseas treatment, yesterday July 25th 2018, spoke to this reporter about his situation in that country.
Darboe said in an interview, that he is trying to walk by using crutches; that when he arrived at the hospital in Dakar, he was asked to buy crutches on his own because it was not part of his medical bills.
“I used part of the money given to me by the authorities to buy the crutches. The balance I am using to feed myself because the hospital authorities here, do not allow people to enter the hospital with food,” he said.
Darboe continued that feeding is a big problem in Dakar; that the money given to him is near exhaustion and he depends on relatives and friends, for his upkeep.
“When I arrived here, I thought the Gambian Ambassador in Dakar will visit me in the hospital, to know about my condition. But up to date, he never came. He was called several times on telephone, but he answered only once and never visited us at the hospital,” he said.
Darboe said he called his family back in Faraba Banta and they told him that the authorities did not visit them. He told this reporter that he comes from an extend family who struggle very hard, to make ends meet.
“I am from a big household and I know how we struggle to put food on the table. I was expecting the authorities to visit my family in Faraba Banta and give them a helping hand. But as I speak to you, this has not happened,” he said. He calls on the authorities to visit his family and give them a helping hand; that life in the provinces is very difficult especially during the rainy season; that as at now, he is facing financial challenges in Dakar and would like the Gambian Ambassador in Dakar to visit him and address his condition.
Readers could recall that Abubacarr Darboe was part of the last batch of the Faraba Banta victims who were discharged on Monday July 16th 2018, from the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in Banjul. He was discharged together with Pa Sulayman Jammeh. Darboe was evacuated to ‘L’Hopital Principal’.
It is exactly eleven days today since Abubacarr Darboe left for Dakar and confirmed that his health condition is getting better, despite the slow progress.
http://foroyaa.gm/evacuated-faraba-victim-speaks/ |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jul 2018 : 18:11:05
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BY KEBBA MAMBURAY July 30, 2018
The former Inspector General of Police Landing Kinteh, on Friday July 27th 2018, testified before the Faraba Banta Commission. Chaired by Emmanuel Joof. In his testimony, the former IGP said he tendered his resignation willingly; that he dealt with the ‘Julakay’ issue upon receiving a complaint from the proprietor about mining at Faraba Banta; that this was a verbal complaint that was followed by a formal one dated 31st October 2017. The former IGP said after receiving the formal letter of complaint from ‘Julakay’, he called the Police Commissioner of operations Landing Bojang, and instructed him to address the issue; that ‘Julakay’ also made a follow up by sending a team to visit the site; that afterwards, they decided to engage the community and gave a report that youth of Faraba are insisting that sand mining will not take place in the village by confrontating workers of ‘Julakay’ Company. Kinteh said a skeletal deployment of Officers was done and that this consisted of some Uniform Police Officers and others in mufti. According to the Former IGP, this was to provide security for both the community of Faraba Banta, and workers of ‘Julakay’ Company; that the PIU is the armed wing of the Police Force and were deployed to Faraba Banta, to ensure that ‘Julakay’ Company continues operations without obstruction.
Kinteh further testified that his subordinate who is the current IGP, had a meeting with the VDC and some of the villagers in his office in Banjul, regarding Julakay Company’s mining; that a lot of unfounded rumour spread that the elders of Faraba Banta sold most part of their lands to ‘Julakay’ Company; but that he cannot confirm the information that Julakay obtained his license fraudulently.
Kinteh said after a few days, he had a meeting with all the stakeholders of the Faraba Banta issue including Ansumana Marena himself, the proprietor of Jualkay Company; that he gave audience to Marena who he went through all the necessary channels to acquire his license, but found it difficult to operate because he is having issues with the villagers; that the youth block their way and some of his workers do not show up because they have been threatened.
Kinteh said during audience with the stakeholders, the Alkalo debunked Marena’s allegations and said the village was not consulted about ‘Julakay’s mining operations; that the Alkalo was able to highlight some of the meetings ‘Julakay had with the villagers, where they consented to many agreements between the village and ‘Julakay’; that Jung Conteh also buttressed what the Alkalo said.
Kinteh said the VDC also spoke through Alhagie Sanyang, who denied the allegation that Julakay was conducting illegal sand mining; that the main concern of the VDC is the access road Julakay was constructing; that because it was encroaching on people’s properties who were not been compensated; that Sanyang lamented on the environmental effect the sand mining activity will cause to the village.
Kinteh said the PS at the Ministry of Local Government and Lands told Sanyang that all the people affected should consult his Ministry; that all compensation will be done and the money would be used on any environmental damage caused; that the villagers were told that Julakay should proceed with his mining operations, at the end of the stakeholder gathering.
The former IGP said he told the VDC that they will investigate the matter and see how they could settle issues amicably; but that he could see some reluctance among members of the VDC after the meeting, because they did not look happy.
On the incident of the 18th of June 2018, the former IGP said he was supposed to travel on that day, but was informed that there was an incident at Faraba Banta, but they deployed a team to handle the situation; that he later called by the Director of SIS who asked whether he was aware of deaths at the scene of the incident; that after communicating with some of his men on the ground, he redeploy another back up reinforcement to help them because they were overwhelmed by rioters; that before the reinforcement arrived Faraba Banta, he ordered the retreat of the Officers to save their lives; that after hearing about the number of casualties, he ordered for the arrest of every armed PIU on the ground, which led to the arrest of the five Officers of the PIU, who went to Faraba Banta.
The former IGP said he tendered his resignation because he is interested in the peace of ‘this nation’; that he had seen the call for his sacking on social media platforms and tendered his resignation to add to the healing process, based on his personal will.
Sittings continue today.
http://foroyaa.gm/faraba-commission-former-igp-kinteh-testifies/ |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jul 2018 : 19:02:56
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July 30, 2018
The Coroner’s Inquest into the killings of Faraba Banta has been concluded and the report on the causes of death of the deceased persons submitted to the Chief Justice.
According to Office of the Chief Justice following the deaths of Ismaila Bah, Bakary Kujabi and Amadou Nyang Jawo as a result of disturbances at Faraba Banta on 18 June 2018, the Chief Justice, Hassan B. Jallow on 22 June 2018, designated first Class Magistrate Tracy Davies-Wilson as Coroner to conduct an inquest into the causes of the said deaths in accordance with the Coroners Act (Cap 7: 04, Law of the Gambia).
The Coroner has now concluded her inquest and on 26 June 2018 submitted her report on the causes of death of the deceased persons to the Chief Justice.
Meanwhile, the Chief Justice has on 26 July 2018 forwarded the report to the appropriate government agencies for necessary action.
http://standard.gm/site/2018/07/30/coroners-inquest-into-faraba-killings-concluded/ |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 30 Jul 2018 : 19:28:19
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This Report published in The Standard Newspaper.
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By Aboulie John July 30, 2018
Former Inspector General of Police Landing Kinteh on Friday told the commission of inquiry into the bloody Faraba Banta riots of June 18 that preliminary police investigations had revealed that all the five PIU officers had fired live ammunitions.
“When it was established that lives were lost, I ordered the arrest of the five police officers who were armed during the confrontation with the youths including their commander, Baboucarr Cham and the preliminary investigation revealed that virtually all of them fired live ammunition. There was only one gun that remained intact,” Former IGP Kinteh told the Commission.
Kinteh said he had to cancel an official trip to Dakar, Senegal on the day of the incident because of the importance and severity of the matter in order to look into the root causes of the events.
Kinteh also blamed a breakdown of communication in getting information from the officers on the ground fast enough, as they were relying on mobile phones with sometimes poor network connection.
Kinteh, who resigned in the aftermath of the incident which resulted in the deaths of 3 residents of the village, said he took the decision to quit his job because he is interested in the peace and stability of the country.
”After seeing my personnel being accused of not handling the situation very well to the extent of loss of lives, I decided to step aside to allow the healing process to take its course,” he told the commission.
Jollof News
http://standard.gm/site/2018/07/30/all-5-faraba-piu-officers-fired-live-bullets/ |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 31 Jul 2018 : 08:51:39
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By MUHAMMED S. BAH July 30, 2018
The Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow, has forwarded a Coroner’s report on the cause of death of three protester of Faraba Banta, to Government, for the necessary action to be taken.
This was confirmed by the Office of the Chief Justice through a Press release issued on Friday July 26th 2018. The release stated that the report was forwarded after a Coroner concluded inquiries on the cause of death of the protesters and submitted it to the Chief Justice.
Tracy Davis Wilson, was said to be designated by the Chief Justice as the Coroner on the 22nd June 2018, in accordance with Coroner Act Cap 7:04, Laws of the Gambia, according to the release.
However, the release was void of the relevant authorities that the report was forwarded to and the cause of the death.
It could be recalled that Ismaila Bah, Bakary Kujabi and Amadou Nyang Jawo, died after a clash erupted on the 18th June 2018, between the villagers of Faraba Banta and the Police Intervention Unit, who are alleged to have used guns on unarmed protesters, which also left three dead and more than 10 people seriously injured.
The President set up a Commission of Inquiry that has since started hearing testimonies from witnesses, to probe into the incident. Lawyer Emmanuel Joof is the Chairperson of this Commission of Enquiry and was sworn in together other members of the Commission, on the 5th of July 2018.
http://foroyaa.gm/coroners-report-on-faraba-deaths-forwarded-to-authorities/ |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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VDC Chairperson Appears
