Interior Minister Sonko Panics Amidst Student Protest

“…be law abiding and stay away from violence, be responsible and cherish the prevailing peace.” the Interior Minister Ousman Sonko told University of Gambia students.

Hundreds of students of the University of The Gambia yesterday took to the streets to protest against the introduction of a new grading system.

The students, comprising mainly second, third, and fourth-year undergraduates, set out for a march from the law faculty in Kanifing to the ministry of higher Education in Kotu to express their grievances.

Chanting ‘WE NEED OUR GRADES BACK’, they were however intercepted at Kairaba Avenue by the minister for Higher Education, Dr Abubacarr Senghore, who pleaded with them to return to the campus for dialogue.

Besides Minister Senghore, three other cabinet ministers – Basic Education, Energy, and Interior – also hurried to the university grounds to attend to the highly charged meeting, which was characterised with boos and heckles from the students.

The new grading system raises the score for distinction from 80 percent to 90 percent. The demonstration came after the university authority rejected the students’ demands to review the application of the new grading.

“The students support standards, we support the new grading system, but the problem of the students is the way the new grading system is applied,” Mr Bakary Fatty, a student leader, told The Standard at the scene of the protest.

He argued that applying the new grading system across the board will be tantamount to a breach on the part of the UTG. He said it should instead apply to new students while allowing the current students to continue with the old grading system.

“Some students collected their transcripts only to discover that there are two grading systems on one transcript,” Fatty said. “That means they will spend four years at the university working hard to earn a degree and spend their entire life defending that degree because there are inconsistencies in the grading systems.”

The student leader advanced that after initial complaints, the senate had met and agreed to revert to the old grading system, but Vice Chancellor Kah returned from a trip and reversed the senate’s decision.

“So, some students are saying that he was trying to use the senate as a rubber stamp,” the law student added.

Addressing the students, Vice Chancellor Kah defended the new grading system, explaining the mechanics of it. He clarified that it is neither retroactive nor punitive and emphasised that the new grading system is in line with international standards and students should rather work harder to better prepare themselves for life after university.

“I am tasked with the responsibility of building a world-class university and this measure is about the integrity and quality of the university and those are non-negotiable,” he told the students.

Meanwhile, the protest against the new grading system has unravelled a host of other issues that students were not happy with. This includes the UTG’s policy of 10 percent annual increment of tuition. A protester argued that the justification offered by the UTG does not hold water. She complained: “They said it is because of the inflation, but you do not need to be a student of economics to know that inflation in this country is averaged at 6 per cent. So, why the 10 per cent increment?”

However, Prof Kah pointed out that the university has in fact been too lenient on the students regarding the tuition as defaulting in payment is commonplace.

“Contrary to the misunderstanding, this university does not in fact increase tuition,” he said, noting that the increment is in line with the hikes in the prices of products and services.

Speaking earlier, Mr Cherno Barry, the permanent Secretary, ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, explained to the students the steps his ministry had taken to address the issue, which included convening a meeting with the university governing council.

A one-time lecturer, he informed them that the university is on a journey and much of what was provided for the current students was a dream for their predecessors.

Also speaking, Minister Senghore, informed the students in clear terms that the higher education ministry does not ‘micro manage’ the university. He however assured that their concerns would be looked into.

The minister for Interior, Mr Ousman Sonko, advised the students to be law abiding and stay away from violence. He urged them to be responsible and cherish the prevailing peace.

Source: Standard News

‘I’ve Not Exploited Gambian Girls’

Mohamed Ali Raif Fneiche

Gambian-Lebanese businessman has denied trafficking in person charges brought against him in court.

Mohamed Ali Raif Fneiche, Sulayman Bojang, Momodou Bojang and Alasan Jallow were accused of conspiring to recruit 19 Gambian girls for the purpose of exploitation. Only Momodou Bojang appeared before Magistrate Samsideen Conteh of Banjul. He was granted bail in the sum of D250,000. The case was adjourned indefinitely, with the prosecution applying for bench warrant to be issued against other accused persons.

But the principal accused has denied the story in totality. “I don’t know how this accusation of prostitution came. It’s not true and I am speaking so truth be known,” Mr. Fneiche told Kairo News. “All these girls came through international airport; no one forced them to travel. Also according to government labour and immigration requirement, they have to sign a contract with their employers,” he said.

“This story started since 2012 when I brought one woman [daughter of Momodou Bojang, one of the accused persons] to help my wife here in Lebanon. Since then many of these girls want to work as domestic workers in Lebanon. I have since facilitated the travel of more than 50 girls. The girls asked me to bring them here that’s why I brought them. That’s all I have done,” he said, insisting he had no personal beef with the girls.

Mr. Fneiche said all he knew was that five girls “created their own problems in 2014. They left their wok and visited Gambian consular who advised them to stay and work which is better for them. They wanted to go back but what they fail to understand is that they came here on contract which is binding. The girls also met some Gambian officials who left them here. These disgruntled girls are still working in Lebanon.

“If the story of exploitation or prostitution is true, why are these girls still working in Lebanon. It’s against the law in Lebanon to bring girls here for prostitution. Lebanese law forbids these girls to go out by themselves at night.”

Mr. Fneiche is worried about his image being soiled for wrong reasons. “I have created employment opportunities for these girls. I even met these disgruntled girls more than five times and asked them to stay. I have brought in a lot of girls here whose employment package include full insurance, phone and clothing facilities.

“You can contact the girls themselves or their families in The Gambia. You will then see where the truth lies. Some of the girls who came here have left after their contract expires. They want to come back. You can even talk to the girls who cause their own problems. I am ready to do anything to clear my name. I am a very clean Gambian who has never disobeyed the law. I have my family in The Gambia. Even my name is not spelt out correctly. I don’t know where they get this story.”

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Source www.kaironews.com

UTG Students Want Prof. Kah Out

Prof. Muhammadou Kah

Kairo News has just got news that the angry students of the University of The Gambia are bent on sending the Vice Chanchellor, Muhammadou Kah, home.

The students have been fuming over the increment of tuition fees, the sudden changes to the grading system and the appalling general condition at the West African country’s only university.

“The students are ready to send Vice Chanchellor Kah home,” a trusted source told said. “Students say there will be no turning back. They have threatened to halt all lectures if their demands have ot been met.”

Kairo News has also been informed that Faculty of Law students are more adamant in seeing their demands being met. “It is a serious issue. The faculty of law are fighting it hard to see all their demands being met,” our impeccable source said, adding that majority of the university staff have thrown their weight behind demanding students. “They applaud the students’ move and even call it a wonderful one.”

source www.kaironews.com

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Gambia fails to heed UN warnings on deteriorating human rights

                                                  Dictator Jammeh of The Gambia

Gambia has effectively thumbed its nose to the international community after it failed to accept a raft of recommendations to address its deteriorating human rights situation, Amnesty International said today.
 
The government of Gambia only accepted 93 of the 171 recommendations at the UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Geneva. 
 
“The significant number of rejections on key human rights issues demonstrates the government’s weak commitment to addressing its deplorable human rights situation - including unjustified restrictions on the right to freedom of expression, enforced disappearances and the use of torture to stifle dissent,” said Sabrina Mahtani, Amnesty International’s West Africa Researcher.
 
“Human rights defenders, journalists and lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender and intersex people have all been targeted, and Gambia’s human rights situation will continue to deteriorate unless the international community takes action to engage Gambia to strongly adopt the recommendations it rejected.”
 
Gambia provided responses to 171 questions, comments and recommendations made by more than 60 countries during the UPR, urging the country to take greater steps to promote and protect human rights.
 
Despite adjourning the UPR adoption last week at the last minute, the government disappointingly did not send a delegation to Geneva, instead opting to submit its responses in writing.  
 
Gambia did not accept recommendations concerning the ratification of the UN Convention against Torture, recommended by 13 states, as well as the abolition of the death penalty. The government also rejected non-criminalisation of sexual orientation or gender identity and co-operation with Special Procedures of the UN Human Rights Council. Likewise, it rejected recommendations to amend legislation to remove restrictions on freedom of expression.   
 
The human rights situation in the country has severely worsened since Gambia’s UPR review in October 2014. The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture released a report in March 2014 highlighting the high risk of torture, arbitrary arrest and enforced disappearances in the country. 
 
The Special Rapporteur on Torture and the Special Rapporteur on Extra-Judicial Executions visited Gambia in November 2014. During their mission they were refused access to the Security Wing of Mile 2 Central Prison in the capital Banjul, where death row prisoners are held. These restrictions are unprecedented since the establishment of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Torture 30 years ago. 
 
President Yahya Jammeh signed an amendment to the Criminal Code in October 2014 which introduces even harsher sentences for LGBTI people who face a life sentence for “aggravated homosexuality”. This was despite strong recommendations against this during the UPR review. At least 14 people were arrested in November and December 2014 because of their presumed sexual orientation.
 
Gambian law enforcement agencies have arrested at least 30 people since the beginning of January 2015; relatives of those suspected of being involved in the failed coup on 30 December 2014. Some people have been released but other family members have not been heard from in almost three months and it is unclear how many remain in incommunicado detention.
 
On 14 January 2015, President Jammeh announced his government’s willingness to work closely with the UN to investigate the events of 30 December. On 28 February 2015, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights issued a resolution to invite the Commission to conduct a fact-finding mission. However, no independent investigation has taken place. A court martial has been set up to try six soldiers supposedly involved in the coup. The trial is being held in camera without access to the media. They face the death penalty if convicted. 
 
“Gambia must ensure that due process is guaranteed for those on trial. It should co-operate with the international community and carry out prompt, impartial and independent investigations into the events that led to the coup and subsequent government response that led to arrests and detentions,” said Sabrina Mahtani. 
 
“UN Member states need to ensure more sustained involvement regarding Gambia’s deteriorating human rights situation and its disrespect for international human rights mechanisms. Gambia must implement those recommendations it has accepted without delay and accept those it rejected on fundamental human rights issues, such as the death penalty, torture, freedom of expression and rights of LGBTI people. The international community cannot continue to watch how Gambia’s human rights situation is deteriorating without taking action

Banka Freed On Self Bail

Banka Manneh freed on bail

By Yero Jallow

In a dramatic twist on Thursday March 19th, Minnesota Federal Magistrate, Becky R. Thorson of St. Paul, granted conditional bail to a Gambian activist who had earlier surrendered to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Mr. Banka Manneh has been on the FBI investigation list since some Gambian dissident abroad attempted to force out President Yahya Jammeh from power on December 30th. The event followed loss of lives and trial of alleged conspirators both in the U.S and The Gambia. In the US, the accused persons have been charged with violating the U.S Neutrality Act, a law that forbids using the U.S territory to forcefully dislodge a friendly foreign government.

Texas businessman Cherno Njie, Minnesota Air Force U.S veteran Papa Faal, and the Tennessee U.S Military veteran Alhagie Saidy Barrow have all neen charged with violating the Neutrality Act of 1896.

After months of investigation, the FBI finally raided Banka’s home late last week, and summoned him to appear in court, to answer to pending charges against him. In a layman’s language, Banka is charged with “aiding and abetting” the December 30th alleged coup. But Banka is an activist, a sincere Gambian comrade whose simplicity and companionship is celebrated in all corners. Banka is loaded with a spirit to help oppressed Gambians and lift the nation from dictatorship to democracy.
Magistrate Thorson found Banka legible for both self-bail and public defendant (lawyer), after reviewing his alleged involvement and financial earning. The Federal Prosecution pressed on having Banka restricted on access to the internet and computer. At that point, a defiant Banka Manneh told the court he needed the computer to do his job. After a careful consideration, the magistrate allowed Banka to use the computer for work related activities.

Banka’s next hearing is slated for Thursday March 26th 2015 when he is expected to enter his plea. Within the time, Banka has been advised to surrender his passport, to not do any international travels, and appear in court as and when needed.

What many activists are furious about is where the FBI are heading with their investigations. What do they really want? What are they looking for? What interest do they have in this case that it is giving them sleepless nights? People understand about the U.S neutrality law, but agreeably, any investigations, and bringing of alleged conspirators to court needs to be done respectively according to the stipulated law. In the case of Banka, the U.S government and the FBI hav been greatly criticized in many Gambian quarters in the manner and nature they raided his home. Banka is a family man and raiding his home with two dozen FBI agents at around 5am, may not necessarily be against the law, but poses serious questions over its motive. An organization like the FBI is expected to maintain its respect and relationship to have cooperation from communities. The U.S and FBI are well equipped with all resources, therefore a case like this, needs to be investigated from the root cause and the very element provoking citizens to try act in the way allegedly acted on December 30th 2014. The U.S and FBI do not want to go down in history as having to sympathize, aid, and abet a tyrannical regime as destructive as that of The Gambia’s current dictatorship, under the worst of world rulers, Yaya Jammeh. Yes, the FBI has a job to do and no one is saying they don’t, but Gambians too have a job to do, to liberate themselves and their citizens from the clutches of tyranny. The Obama administration must not be taught history, when our pioneer fathers liberated the United States from its colonial master, Great Britain, under treasonable conditions. A law must be reflective of time and current events. A law must represent the interest of those it is written for. A law is unfavorable if it victimizes citizens rather than uplifting them. It is really a shame for a nation as powerful as America to position itself in such a funny situation.

Regardless of the daunting frustration of having to deal with the nagging trials, it was clearly a victory today for believers of justice. It was important to see Banka go home to his family and to be able to continue work. The judge didn’t make any mistake as it is the right thing to do.
To those that believe in freedom, equality, and justice, everything that happens is an inspiration. The Minnesota Civil Society group extends its appreciation for the sincere solidarity from Gambians and their friends the world over.

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The Woman Who Confronts Child Abuse

The woman who exposed the mistreatment of a 10-year-old girl has become news herself. Aminata Manneh, a third year university gender activist student and intern at an intern at the American Corner in Banjul, disappeared after she posted the video of a traffic police man beating the helpless young girl went viral last night. The video invited so many comments on the social media – home and abroad. Among those expressing concern about the disturbing video was Jeffrey Smith of Robert F Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights in New York who twitted thus: “Just saw a highly disturbing video of a Gambia police officer beating a young school girl in broad daylight. Sadly not an uncommon episode.’’

Aminata soon started to get anonymous calls and Facebook messages, with all of them demanding to meet her urgently.  Aminata’s family could neither locate her, nor  reach her on the phone, despite repeated calls.

The case of the gender activist is not a rare coincidence in a country where security officers have been known for kidnapping, arbitrary arrest and detention, especially the government’s perceived enemies. It is against this background that accusing fingers have been pointed at the National Intelligence Agents.

It all started while Aminata was on her way to work on Monday, when she saw the police officer repeatedly canning a young girl. Her conscience would not allow her to leave without taking video of the horrible incident. She then shared it with her close to 5,000 followers. Aminata shared the video with a comment asking since when does a traffic police officer have a right to lay a hand on a young schoolgirl? What has become of our authorities?”

Aminata is admired for her steadfastness in defending the rights of people. Her family is appealing to Gambian authorities to help them establish Aminata’s whereabouts.

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source.www.kaironews.com

Mina’s Video Exposes Police Brutality

Women’s right activist Aminata [Mina] Manneh

A University student was arrested after she was accused of spreading police brutality video. Aminata Manneh is still in detention. A colleague human rights activist with Tango, Madi Jobarteh, stood up with the woman affectionately called Mina.

I Stand Up With Mina

“What crime has she committed other than to have helped the police to better themselves by addressing the excesses of this officer beating a child on the street?

Have the police not created a Complaints Unit? And a Human Rights Unit? And a Child Welfare Unit? And a Community Policing unit? Is Minah’s video not enough and an urgent matter for these units to get very busy to ensure that professionalism and civility characterize all the men and women of theforce?

Let them please release Minah and address the issue in the video, and avoid more international attention being focused on our Beloved Little Gambia for nothing.

Minah deserves an award for standing up for a Good Gambia. Who should be against that? The police should join her and commend her.

Minah is an angel. Decent. Peaceful. Beautiful. Patriotic. Pious. Easygoing.”

Madi Jobarteh

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