Friday, September 12, 2025
UDP in Turmoil: Resignations Rock Gambia’s Main Opposition
By JarraNews Staff Writer
United Democratic Party (UDP), Gambia’s main opposition force, appears to be grappling with its most serious internal crisis yet, with signs of disintegration following a bitter battle over the party’s flagbearership.
What was expected to be a routine process of selecting a standard-bearer ahead of the 2026 general elections has instead spiraled into factionalism, insults, and mass resignations. The fallout is raising questions about whether the once-formidable party is heading toward political irrelevance.
The controversy began when party leader Ousainou Darboe, Talib Ahmed Bensouda—Mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council—and nine others submitted their applications for the UDP flagbearer position. Instead of a unifying democratic exercise, the selection process turned toxic.
Supporters divided into camps, engaging in online and offline confrontations marked by smear campaigns, personal attacks, and character assassinations.
At the center of the storm was Mayor Bensouda, a rising star in Gambian politics, who became the primary target of relentless criticism from within the party. The hostility grew so intense that he ultimately withdrew his application, leaving many of his supporters disillusioned.
The party’s selection committee eventually announced veteran leader Ousainou Darboe as the flagbearer—a figure who has led UDP through decades of struggle but also one who has suffered five consecutive election defeats: four against former president Yahya Jammeh and the most recent in 2021 against incumbent Adama Barrow.
Instead of rallying around Darboe, the announcement triggered an exodus of prominent members, especially those aligned with Bensouda. In what is now being described as a wave of “mass resignation,” several senior figures have abandoned the party in quick succession.
National Campaign Manager Karafa Sonko and executive member Malick Sowe, a former chairmanship aspirant for Janjanbureh, both tendered their resignations this week. Their exits came just a day after the departure of Tombong Saidy and Baboucarr Loppy. All are widely seen as loyalists of Bensouda.
Observers warn that the UDP is now at a dangerous crossroads.
Instead of presenting a united opposition to President Barrow’s National People’s Party (NPP), the UDP appears consumed by internal rivalries. The rift between the old guard, embodied by Darboe, and the younger generation, represented by Bensouda, may signal an irreversible fracture.
For many Gambians, the developments raise a sobering question: Can the UDP, once the symbol of democratic resistance, survive this storm—or is it gradually digging its own grave?
However the current political situation is only signalling a victory for president Barrow and the National People’s Party (NPP).
Thursday, September 11, 2025
A Rebuttal to the Misguided Criticism of President Barrow’s Cabinet Appointments
By Yaya Dampha Coordinator NPP Diaspora Sweden
The recent wave of criticism from some online media outlets and self-styled political commentators regarding His Excellency President Adama Barrow’s cabinet reshuffle—particularly the appointment of Hon. Baboucarr ousmaila Joof as Minister of Defence—is not only misguided, but also reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of both The Gambia’s political history and the constitutional role of the Ministry of Defence.
To begin with, the claim that appointing a civilian without a military background as Defence Minister is unprecedented or a misstep is historically false.
From independence, successive Gambian leaders, including the founding father Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, held the Defence portfolio themselves. Sir Dawda, during his long tenure as Head of State (1970–1994), personally oversaw the Ministry of Defence on multiple occasions. When he did delegate this role, it was to capable civilian leaders such as Sheriff Mustapha Dibba, Assan Musa Camara, Alhaji Alieu Badara Njie, and Saihou Sabally (who also served as Vice President). None of them were military officers, yet they served diligently and effectively.
It was only during the time of former president Yahya Jammeh's time that the Gambia’s Defence ministry was militarised.
Why is it that our so-called experts and online media outlets always jump to conclusions without digging for historical, legal and factual proofs.
This precedent illustrates a simple but critical truth: the Defence Minister’s role is fundamentally civilian and political, not military. Defence ministries across the world are led by civilians precisely to ensure democratic oversight, accountability, and the subordination of the armed forces to elected leadership. A Defence Minister is not meant to lead troops in combat—that is the duty of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the professional military command. Instead, the Minister of Defence provides policy direction, facilitates coordination between government and the armed forces, manages resources, and ensures that the army operates within the framework of the constitution and the laws of the land.
Furthermore, those who suggest that Hon. Joof lacks political experience are equally mistaken or should I say economical with the truth. His distinguished record of public service and leadership stands as proof of his competence and ability to oversee such sensitive ministry. Unlike what critics would have the public believe, a Defence Minister’s greatest strength lies in diplomacy, governance, and management—not in military rank.
It is also worth emphasizing that placing a military figure as Defence Minister often risks unhealthy power struggles between the CDS and the Minister. History shows that soldiers naturally command loyalty from the ranks, and combining this with political authority could create friction, rivalry, or even destabilization. A civilian Minister, on the other hand, provides balance—free from competition for military loyalty, and better positioned to uphold civilian control over the armed forces.
Therefore, President Barrow’s decision to appoint Hon. Joof as Minister of Defence is neither new nor misguided. It is consistent with democratic tradition, Gambian precedent, and global best practice. Instead of sensationalizing this appointment, commentators should acknowledge it as a step towards stability, civilian supremacy, and continuity in governance.
President Barrow has once again demonstrated his commitment to consolidating democracy and ensuring that the armed forces remain a professional institution under civilian oversight. The criticism is not only baseless but also undermines the democratic principle that the military must serve the state—not govern it.
Monday, September 8, 2025
Police Give Update on Cybercrime Case and Drifting Incident
By Jarranews Staff Reporter
It could be recall that sometimes last week the police in the Gambia have arrested dozens of foreigners with multiple devices after a raid on a compound in Tujereng Town. The arrested foreigners were suspected of engaging in cybercrime activities mainly targeting foreigners and Gambians in the diaspora. They have since been helping the police with their investigation.
Today the Gambia Police Force has provided updates on two high-profile cases currently before the courts, one involving an alleged cybercrime syndicate and the other a road safety matter linked to a drifting incident.
Cybercrime Case: 42 Foreign Nationals Arraigned
Forty-two foreign nationals—five Chinese and 37 Nigerians—appeared before Principal Magistrate Anna O. Mendy at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court as part of ongoing cybercrime investigations.
The accused face charges of unlawful possession of devices and data, as well as computer-related fraud and forgery under Sections 168 and 173 of the Information and Communications Act of 2009.
All 42 suspects pleaded not guilty. Each was granted bail set at D300,000, with two Gambian sureties required to provide an affidavit of means. The case was adjourned to September 11, 2025, for further proceedings.
Drifting Incident: Bail for Baboucarr Sawo
In a separate matter, the case of IGP vs. Baboucarr Sawo, popularly known as “Daddy,” was also heard today. Sawo faces charges linked to an alleged drifting incident at Piccadilly that left an elderly vendor injured.
The court granted him bail in the sum of D1.5 million, with conditions including three Gambian sureties, sworn affidavits of means, and the surrender of travel documents. The case was adjourned to September 17, 2025, for continuation.
The Gambia Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing all cases diligently and ensuring justice is served in accordance with the law.
Friday, September 5, 2025
Mass Cybercrime Bust in Tujereng:
By JarraNews Staff Writer
September
Tujereng — The quiet coastal town of Tujereng has been thrust into the national spotlight after Gambian authorities uncovered what is believed to be one of the country’s most extensive cybercrime operations to date.
In a carefully coordinated raid, police seized 36 laptops, 174 mobile phones, 32 desktop computers, and multiple pieces of networking equipment, allegedly used in a network of online scams. The bust resulted in the arrest of 60 foreign nationals, believed to be of Chinese and Vietnamese origin, though authorities are working with diplomatic partners to verify their exact nationalities.
A police spokesperson described the case as “a highly organized operation with international footprints.”
Alleged Cryptocurrency and Recruitment Scams
Investigations suggest the suspects were engaged in cryptocurrency investment scams and fraudulent recruitment schemes, using online platforms to target victims abroad. Authorities believe unsuspecting individuals were enticed with offers of unrealistic profits or lucrative job opportunities, only to be defrauded when funds were transferred to offshore accounts.
Expert Warnings on Global Cybercrime
Cybersecurity experts say the Tujereng case reflects a broader trend in global cybercrime.
“Cryptocurrency has become the tool of choice for international fraud syndicates,” explained Dr. Lamin Sanyang, a cybersecurity analyst based in Dakar. “These networks exploit its anonymity to move large sums of money quickly, making it extremely difficult for law enforcement to trace.”
Dr. Sanyang added that The Gambia’s growing digital footprint makes it both a potential target and a possible base for such operations:
> “Criminals look for jurisdictions where digital oversight is still developing. This is not a Gambian problem alone, but the country must strengthen its laws, build capacity, and invest in cyber-policing if it is to deter such activities in the future.”
Commendations to the Gambia Police Force
The swift and coordinated operation has drawn praise from security observers and local residents alike. Many have commended the Gambia Police Force for taking decisive action against a network that could have further tarnished the country’s image if left unchecked.
“This is a victory not just for The Gambia, but for all victims of cybercrime globally,” said a civil society representative. “It shows that with determination and cooperation, even small nations can disrupt powerful criminal enterprises.”
A Growing Challenge
While the suspects are believed to have targeted mostly foreign victims, officials caution that Gambians at home and abroad remain at risk. Fraudulent online investments and fake recruitment schemes have become increasingly common across social media platforms, often presented with polished websites and convincing testimonials.
The police are analyzing the seized devices to track financial flows, identify accomplices, and potentially link the operation to larger criminal syndicates.
Editor’s Note: A Word to the Public and Diaspora
The JarraNews editorial team strongly urges readers to remain vigilant. Online scams are becoming more sophisticated, often targeting Gambians abroad with promises of quick profits or overseas job placements.
To the Gambian diaspora community: be especially cautious of unsolicited offers of cryptocurrency investments or recruitment opportunities that sound too good to be true. Before sending money or sharing personal information, verify the legitimacy of the company or platform.
The Gambia Police Force has taken a commendable step in protecting both Gambians and the wider international community. Continued public awareness, vigilance, and cooperation with law enforcement will be critical in the fight against cybercrime.
Saidou D.M. Camara Reviews Dr. Dampha's Scholarly work
By Jarra News TV Staff Reporter
PACCL Scholar Explores Cultural and Economic Reconnection in Pan-African Futures
The latest scholarly work by Dr. Lang Fafa Dampha, titled African Echoes, Caribbean Futures, is sparking conversation across Pan-African circles for its bold take on culture, economics, and reparative justice.
The essay, reviewed in a commentary by Saidou D.M. Camara, argues that the Caribbean’s reconnection with Africa is moving beyond nostalgia toward a strategy of resistance, empowerment, and future-making. Through food, entrepreneurship, and digital connectivity, Dampha shows how grassroots initiatives are reshaping Pan-Africanism in practical, everyday ways.
At the heart of the essay is Africana Chops, a culinary venture in St. Lucia founded by Dr. Augustine Ogbu. For Dampha, this restaurant is more than a business; it is a living symbol of cultural reclamation. Each dish, from fufu to egusi soup, is framed as both memory and resistance—an act of reconnecting the African diaspora with its fragmented past.
Beyond culture, Dampha insists that revival must be tied to economic agency. Africana Chops, he argues, demonstrates how food enterprises can strengthen supply chains, create youth employment, and model transatlantic trade, echoing the reparations agenda of the CARICOM Reparations Commission.
The essay also highlights how digital platforms—from Instagram to TikTok—are becoming modern Pan-African commons, allowing diaspora communities to share languages, music, and traditions in real time. This, Camara notes, reflects a new kind of Pan-African identity: global, interactive, and youth-driven.
Dampha connects these grassroots practices to state-level initiatives, citing air and sea bridges between Africa and the Caribbean, digital currency experiments, and climate diplomacy. This, he argues, fulfills Kwame Nkrumah’s vision of Pan-Africanism as both cultural and political.
In conclusion, Dampha positions reconnection not as nostalgia but as resistance—a forward-looking strategy rooted in memory, but oriented toward sovereignty and development. In doing so, his work builds on the legacies of Paul Gilroy, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, Walter Rodney, and Frantz Fanon, while offering a roadmap for Pan-Africanism in the 21st century.
Jarra News TV commends both Dr. Dampha and Saidou D.M. Camara for their wonderful insights and intellectual foresight in guiding the future of Africa and Africans. Their combined perspectives reflect a vision of Pan-Africanism that is both deeply rooted and boldly innovative.
Thursday, September 4, 2025
PACCL Launches Summer Classes with Focus on Leadership
Open to students, professionals, and lifelong learners, the programme combines academic rigor with practical insights, delivered by leading scholars and practitioners with both global and Pan-African expertise.
The first session, “Introduction to Leadership,” will be held online on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. UTC. Conducted in English, the lesson aims to help participants:
Understand the distinction between leadership and management.
Explore the qualities and styles of effective leaders.
Reflect on their personal leadership potential and areas for growth.
The session will be facilitated by Dr. Lang Fafa Dampha, a seasoned academic and leader with a distinguished career spanning Africa and Europe. Dr. Dampha previously lectured at the University of Paris II, Panthéon-Assas, and the University of Paris 8, Saint-Denis, before serving as Executive Secretary of the African Academy of Languages (ACALAN) under the African Union from 2015 to 2025. He also led the African Union’s Centre for the Study and Research on Migration between 2021 and 2022.
Currently, Dr. Dampha is the Executive Director of PACCL and Managing Director of MadiKulaySano Trading and Services. Drawing on his extensive expertise in leadership, policy, languages, and Pan-African thought, he is expected to bring both theoretical depth and practical perspectives to the class.
The PACCL Summer Classes are part of the centre’s mission to nurture knowledge, cultural appreciation, and transformative leadership for Africa and the world.
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