BURGLARY AT NATIONAL AUDIT OFFICE: PRIME SUSPECT ARRESTED

By JarraNews Staff Reporter Police have launched a full investigation into a burglary at the National Audit Office, where items valued at over D351,000.00—including laptops and a bag—were stolen from the ICT Support Office. According to authorities, CCTV footage revealed two unidentified individuals entering the premises and making off with the stolen items. Crime Scene Investigators (CSI) and officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) promptly visited the scene. However, fingerprint analysis was hampered due to contamination of the area prior to their arrival. As part of ongoing investigations, several individuals have been taken into custody for questioning. In a significant breakthrough on Friday, July 25, police apprehended the prime suspect, Modou Mustapha Jallow—also known by the alias "Jamaica"—during a late-night operation near the Westfield Cooperative area. His arrest followed days of intensive surveillance aided by a confidential informant. Police say Jallow has since confessed to the crime, admitting to selling the stolen laptops on the Serrekunda black market. Investigators are now working to identify and apprehend the suspected buyer and to recover the stolen items. The suspect remains in police custody as the investigation progresses. The Gambia Police Force has assured the public that all efforts are being made to bring everyone involved to justice and recover the stolen property.

High Commissioner, Dr Fatou Bensouda, Elected Chair of Prestigious International Council

Gambia’s High Commissioner, Dr Fatou Bensouda, Elected Chair of Prestigious International Council London, 24 July 2025 — In a moment of national pride and international recognition, Her Excellency Dr Fatou Bensouda, The Gambia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, has been elected Chair of the Executive Council of the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI). Dr Bensouda’s appointment marks yet another milestone in her illustrious career as a global stateswoman and champion of justice, diplomacy, and sustainable development. CABI, an inter-governmental, not-for-profit organization, works at the forefront of scientific and agricultural advancement to improve livelihoods and protect the environment across the world. The election of Dr Bensouda as Chair of CABI’s Executive Council underscores both her leadership credentials and The Gambia’s growing voice in global affairs. With 50 member countries, CABI plays a pivotal role in building resilience among farming communities, enhancing food security, and promoting environmental sustainability. Best known for her tenure as Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (2012–2021), Dr Bensouda made history as the first woman to hold that esteemed position. Her career has spanned decades of legal excellence and public service, including prior roles as Attorney General and Minister of Justice of The Gambia. In her current diplomatic role, she represents The Gambia with distinction in the United Kingdom and several other countries within the Commonwealth. Her election to lead the Executive Council of CABI comes at a critical time when the world is seeking inclusive and science-based solutions to the challenges facing agriculture, climate, and food systems. In welcoming her appointment, CABI also extended its heartfelt appreciation to the outgoing Chair, His Excellency Dhanpaul Narine of Trinidad and Tobago, for his exemplary leadership over the past two years. Mr Narine recently assumed his new role as Minister of Finance in the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. The Council session also welcomed two new Observers to CABI’s Board: Mr Dmitry Robertson, Counsellor for Political and Economic Affairs at the Jamaican High Commission Dr Sadik Kassim, Deputy Director General for Agricultural Technology Promotion at Uganda’s National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) The meeting concluded with the approval of CABI’s 2025 operational budget and the financial roadmap for 2026–2027. Dr Bensouda’s appointment brings honor not only to The Gambia but to the broader African continent, as she continues to break barriers and contribute to shaping a more sustainable and equitable global future. Issued by: The Gambia High Commission, London 24 July 2025

President Adama Barrow – A Beacon of Democracy in Africa

In an era where democracy is under siege across many parts of the world, President Adama Barrow of The Gambia stands out as a bold example of leadership rooted in tolerance, freedom, and the rule of law. His tenure has ushered in a new dawn for the Gambian people—one that is marked by open dialogue, respect for dissent, and unwavering commitment to democratic principles. Nowhere is this more evident than in the way opposition parties and activists are allowed to freely express themselves. Demonstrations that were once unthinkable under the oppressive regime of Yahya Jammeh are now commonplace, conducted under the protection of the very institutions that once silenced them. Police escorts for opposition protests? That is not weakness—it is maturity. It is democracy in action. It is a clear signal that the government of President Barrow values human rights, political inclusivity, and national unity over autocratic control. Even more telling is the transformation within the diaspora community. Gambians who once whispered in fear under Jammeh’s iron-fisted rule are now confidently voicing their opinions—on social media, at town halls, and in international forums. They criticize, debate, and organize freely, knowing they will not be hunted down, harassed, or exiled for daring to speak up. This shift is not just symbolic—it is revolutionary. And it happened under President Barrow’s watch.

Some may take this freedom for granted. But those who understand the scars of dictatorship know how significant this democratic space truly is. It takes courage to open the doors of dissent. It takes even greater strength to protect those who criticize you. And this is precisely what Barrow has done—and continues to do. As The Gambia approaches the 2026 presidential elections, the choice could not be clearer. President Barrow has not only restored democratic norms but has entrenched them in the national consciousness. He has proven that leadership does not mean silencing others, but listening to them. He has shown Africa and the world that it is possible to lead with dignity, humility, and strength without resorting to fear or force. For all these reasons, President Adama Barrow deserves another term. The journey toward a fully mature democracy is not yet complete—but under his leadership, The Gambia is well on its way. Let the people speak, let the democracy thrive—and let Barrow continue to lead.

Mpox Case Confirmed in The Gambia:

Ministry of Health Issues Public Alert BANJUL – The Gambia's Ministry of Health has confirmed a case of Mpox detected through routine surveillance on July 18, 2025. The confirmation follows a recent increase in Mpox cases globally, prompting the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare the disease a Public Health Emergency of Continental and International Concern in August 2024. In response to the growing threat, The Gambia’s Ministry of Health, alongside international partners, has been closely monitoring the situation and boosting its preparedness measures. This includes enhanced disease surveillance and expanded testing capacity nationwide. The confirmed case marks the first known infection in The Gambia this year. The Ministry emphasizes that the single detection does not necessarily indicate widespread transmission. However, steps are being taken to contain the situation swiftly. Contact tracing and further investigations are already underway. Officials reassured the public that the case is stable and under medical observation, with no immediate signs of wider spread. Community engagement efforts have been launched, including search and containment strategies, to prevent any possible outbreak. Health workers have received training and are on alert to manage the situation efficiently. What Is Mpox?

Mpox is a viral disease that can spread from animals to humans and also between humans. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected individuals, especially via skin, saliva, respiratory secretions, or bodily fluids. It can also be spread during childbirth or through close skin-to-skin contact with someone who has symptoms.

Symptoms typically include fever, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, and a distinctive rash. The rash often appears on the face, hands, feet, genitals, or around the anus. Lesions may be painful and go through several stages before healing. The Ministry of Health is urging the public to remain calm but vigilant, follow health guidelines, and report any unusual symptoms to nearby health facilities.

CG Yankuba Darboe and His Visionary Team Leading GRA to New Heights

Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe and His Visionary Team Leading GRA to New Heights In a compelling display of leadership and innovation, Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe and his dynamic team at the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) continue to set a bold new standard for revenue administration in The Gambia. At a recent high-level engagement, CG Darboe reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to enhancing tax compliance, modernizing operations, and strengthening stakeholder collaboration. His remarks underscored a results-driven vision focused on national development, transparency, and service excellence.

Flanked by top officials from the GRA, including key directors and technical staff, CG Darboe highlighted the Authority’s strategic reforms aimed at making revenue collection more efficient and taxpayer-friendly. These efforts have already begun yielding significant dividends, with record revenue mobilization and increased public trust in the GRA’s mandate. Under his leadership, the GRA has embraced digital transformation, enhanced staff capacity, and fostered strong partnerships with both local and international institutions. The Commissioner General’s forward-thinking approach continues to inspire confidence among taxpayers, development partners, and government stakeholders alike. As the face of a progressive, accountable, and service-oriented institution, Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe and his team are not just managing revenue—they are building the financial backbone of a brighter future for The Gambia.

Dr. Lang Fafa Dampha Calls for Legal Reform to Strengthen China-Africa Trade Ties

In a powerful address at the Fifth China-Africa Cooperation Legal Forum (FOCAC), Dr. Lang Fafa Dampha, Executive Director of the Pan-African Centre for Cultures and Languages (PACCL), called for urgent reforms in the legal frameworks governing China-Africa economic relations. He stressed that overhauling current dispute resolution mechanisms is vital to securing the future of the burgeoning trade partnership—now valued at more than $250 billion annually. Speaking in Changsha, China, Dr. Dampha warned that the rapid expansion of trade, investment, and infrastructure projects between China and African nations will inevitably lead to an increase in commercial disputes. “Disputes are a natural consequence of complex and growing trade relationships,” he said. “The focus should not be on their elimination, but on managing them fairly, efficiently, and accessibly.” The legal forum, held on July 11–12, was hosted by the China Law Society in partnership with Xiangtan University, the Human Law Society, and the China Legal Exchange Centre. This year’s theme—Building Trust, Managing Risk, and Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability—set the stage for Dr. Dampha’s appeal for systemic legal reform. He outlined major barriers to effective dispute resolution: legal uncertainty, difficulties enforcing foreign judgments and international arbitration awards, a shortage of professionals trained in international commercial law, and procedural delays. He also cited challenges stemming from divergent legal traditions (common law, civil law, and customary law), language barriers, and conflicting cultural expectations. “These issues call for more than procedural tweaks—they demand coordinated reform,” Dr. Dampha asserted. He proposed a five-pronged strategy to build a robust, culturally responsive legal infrastructure: 1. Establish regional dispute resolution hubs in key African trade centers—such as Nairobi, Lagos, Johannesburg, Kinshasa, and Cairo—that combine local legal knowledge with internationally recognised standards. 2. Launch specialised training programmes for judges, lawyers, and arbitrators focused on China-Africa commercial disputes. 3. Promote legal harmonisation by encouraging the adoption of UNCITRAL model laws and securing universal ratification of the New York Convention across African jurisdictions. 4. Leverage technology, including Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platforms, to improve access and reduce costs. 5. Integrate hybrid and culturally sensitive mechanisms, such as mediation followed by arbitration, and respect traditional dispute resolution practices where appropriate. Dr. Dampha emphasised that success hinges on strong political will and institutional collaboration. He urged African institutions—including the African Union, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, and Regional Economic Communities—to lead the charge in harmonising legal systems and cross-border enforcement. He also called on China to take an active role: “China can play a key part by funding infrastructure, supporting capacity building, and co-establishing dispute resolution centers that reflect African legal traditions and languages.” Describing legal reform as a “strategic investment in legal infrastructure,” Dr. Dampha argued that a modern, accessible, and trusted dispute resolution system is fundamental to long-term economic stability and investor confidence. “With a blend of international best practices, regional innovation, and shared political commitment,” he concluded, “Africa and China can build a legal foundation strong enough to support a thriving and equitable economic partnership.” Dr. Dampha’s remarks resonated with delegates from across the continent and China, as both sides acknowledged the growing importance of legal cooperation in shaping the future of China-Africa relations.