Gambia’s Minister of Fisheries and Water Resources Musa Drammeh has expressed the nation’s eagerness to leverage Morocco’s expertise in fisheries.
Drammeh made the remarks in Dakhla, Morocco on Wednesday on the African discussion board of the fisheries and aquaculture business.
He confused that Morocco has adopted an formidable technique for the sustainable growth of the fisheries sector, highlighting the Kingdom’s achievements on this subject.
The Gambian minister additionally identified that the discussion board is a platform for exchanging experience and expertise for traders and entrepreneurs within the fields of fishing and aquaculture.
The assembly can be a chance for individuals to debate funding within the fishing business and to forge partnerships between African international locations, he added.
Gambiaj.com – (HOMS, Syria) – In the span of just some days, an offensive led by an Islamist insurgent group has captured two of Syria’s largest cities, Aleppo and Hama. Now, the rebels have set their sights on the town of Homs, a strategic choke level between rebel-controlled areas within the north and the capital, Damascus.
If they’re able to seize it, it could possibly be a decisive turning level within the battle in opposition to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
“If Homs were to fall, Damascus would be cut off from the coast, effectively severing what would remain of regime rule into two,” stated Charles Lister, a senior fellow and director of the Syria program on the Middle East Institute.
Source: Janes, the protection intelligence firm. Data as of Dec. 5
With a inhabitants of greater than 1.4 million, Homs is Syria’s third-largest metropolis. Positioned on Syria’s M5 freeway, it sits at a strategic location simply 25 miles south of Hama, which rebels captured on Thursday. It is roughly 90 miles north of Damascus — the final word aim of the insurgent offensive — which remains to be held by Assad’s regime.
Homs can also be a central junction between the capital and the Syrian shoreline. That coastal space is a stronghold of Syria’s Alawite neighborhood, a minority offshoot of Shiite Islam that has historically been the Assad political dynasty’s base of energy. (The Assad household is Alawite.)
The coast can also be dwelling to a Russian naval base in Tartus, with a Russian air base in Hmeimim, farther north. Russia and its navy have supported Assad’s regime.
Capturing Homs could be a major success within the lightning offensive led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, serving to to additional hasten its speedy advance towards Damascus and shield its features within the north.
Before the renewed offensive by HTS, the battle traces in Syria’s 13-year civil conflict had stood principally unchanged for years. That deadlock was damaged final week when HTS rapidly seized the town of Aleppo, then moved to seize Hama.
The speedy advance stems from rural cities close to Hama shifting to “abandon the regime” with out combating, the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based assume tank, stated in an replace Thursday concerning the conflict. “This trend may help HTS-aligned forces approach Homs within the next day without being slowed down by fighting through country villages,” it stated.
HTS stated Friday that it had captured two cities simply six miles north of Homs, a sign of the rebels’ ongoing speedy advance towards the town.
The Syrian military denied that items close to Homs had been withdrawing. “They are fully prepared and ready to carry out their duties and confront any terrorist attack,” the military stated in an announcement Friday.
Later within the day, HTS stated in an announcement on social media: “Our forces have liberated the last village on the outskirts of Homs city, and are now at its walls, and from here we direct the last call to the regime forces: This is your chance to defect.”
The Syrian military in a single day stated its armed forces had been finishing up an operation towards Dar al-Kabira, Talbiseh and al-Rastan within the northern countryside of Homs, with cowl from the joint Syrian-Russian air drive, weapons and armored autos. “The operation is eliminating dozens of terrorists amid a state of panic, confusion and mass flight among their ranks,” the military stated, in keeping with state information.
Lister stated that “in theory,” the Assad regime has a robust navy and safety presence in Homs. “But the surrounding countryside is far more amenable to the opposition,” notably the cities alongside the M5 freeway, he stated.
“That provides the opposition with a natural advantage, and with the momentum already in place, Homs is almost certain to fall in not too long,” Lister stated.
The Washington Post
Mohamad El Chamaa and Laris Karklis contributed to this report.
Transitional justice in Morocco, image of a qualitative turning level within the nationwide political course of, provides all of the options of a novel and pioneering expertise that paved the best way for a easy and consensual democratic transition and allowed the adoption of finest practices to maneuver in direction of the completion of the rule of regulation and establishments, the Sovereign harassed in a Message addressed to the individuals within the International Symposium on “Transitional Justice”, opened this Friday, December 6 in Rabat.
“Thanks to this experience, which has been widely and strongly acclaimed internationally, Morocco has played a pioneering role in introducing the concept of transitional justice in its Arab and African environment, and in relaying it resoundingly in many countries of the Middle East and North Africa,” harassed HM King Mohammed VI in his Message, learn by the President of the National Human Rights Council, Amina Bouayach.
The Moroccan mannequin has considerably contributed to the event of the idea and experiences of transitional justice, which it has propelled in direction of new horizons on the regional, continental and worldwide ranges, continued HM the King.
The Sovereign recalled that the mannequin of transitional justice adopted by the Kingdom was solidly constructed round a set of concerns, a few of that are historic insofar as they draw on the specificity of the Moroccan character, and others geographical and territorial.
The major goal of this mannequin was to “focus interest on all victims, all backgrounds and all persuasions combined, and to examine all human rights violations, perpetrated since the early years of Independence until the date of creation of the Equity and Reconciliation Commission,” HM the King stated.
This motion made it attainable to determine and analyze every sort of violation that Morocco has skilled up to now, no matter its nature and extent, famous the Sovereign, recalling that investigations and subject surveys had been carried out for this goal and public hearings had been organized, in cities and villages, to be able to gather the testimonies obligatory to determine the reality, to restore particular person and collective hurt.
“Undertaken in accordance with the gender approach, this work ultimately aimed to reconcile the Moroccan people with their past,” recalled HM the King. And the Sovereign added that essentially the most distinctive function of the Moroccan expertise was the involvement of all sensitivities of civil society within the transitional justice course of, from its conception to its completion.
“Indeed, thanks to the decision to implement transitional justice, the public space was opened to societal debates on the various reforms and substantive issues of interest to national public opinion,” assured HM the King, noting that because of a number of and steady initiatives for the promotion of transitional justice, a collective consciousness has strongly crystallized across the combat towards human rights violations.
From this expertise, classes have been realized and the mandatory pursuit of the consolidation of the rule of regulation has been reaffirmed, in order that rights and freedoms are revered and guarded and offered that their train, accountable and imbued with a spirit of dedicated citizenship, is balanced with the achievement of obligations, the Sovereign famous.
Wallidan FC secured a dramatic late victory towards Baalor Sarr, sustaining their excellent begin within the GFF Men’s 2nd Division League. In an exhilarating match the place Baalor Sarr have been determined for his or her first win of the marketing campaign, Wallidan have been desperate to register their second consecutive victory.
The first half was a tense affair, with neither workforce in a position to break the impasse regardless of a number of missed alternatives. Baalor Sarr’s defence stood agency, irritating Wallidan’s attackers and retaining the sport goalless at halftime.
Both groups returned for the second half with renewed vigour, enjoying some lovely, fluid soccer looking for a aim. As the match entered stoppage time, Wallidan’s second-half substitute, Lamin Sarr, struck an outstanding shot previous the Baalor Sarr goalkeeper to safe all three factors for his workforce.
With this victory, Wallidan FC now sit on 6 factors from two matches, whereas Baalor Sarr continues to seek for their first win after two video games.
One Sulayman Camara has denied acquiring D248,000 fromEbrima Jaiteh, Ebrima Jawo and Sajuka Joof on the pretext of taking them to Europe.
He appeared earlier than Magistrate Ok.B Sambou of the BrikamaMagistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
According to the prosecution, Sulayman Camara someday in 2023 and 2024, inside Gunjur and its numerous locations, by false pretence and with intent to defraud, obtained D248,000.00 from the trio on the pretext of taking them to Europe by means of the “Backway”.
The accused pleaded not responsible to the fees once they have been learn to him.
The prosecution, subsequently, utilized for adjournment to safe its witnesses and this was granted.
Sulayman has been granted D300,000 courtroom bail and should present two sureties, who should be Gambians.
The case resumes on 1 January 2024 for the listening to.
Fatoumatta: Today, we pay tribute to Edrissa Mass Jobe, a famend mental and pioneering entrepreneur whose important contributions have profoundly influenced a number of sectors in The Gambia and internationally. Edrissa serves because the Executive Chairman of EMHOLDING, a distinguished social enterprise in The Gambia, with in depth investments and holdings in areas together with Petroleum, Tourism and Hospitality, Agriculture, Banking, and Insurance. I’ve at all times been struck by the ethical and non secular stature of Mr. Eddy Jobe; amongst all of the people I’ve encountered in my life, he was one in every of solely two individuals about whom no adverse phrase was ever spoken.
Fatoumatta: We pause to acknowledge and applaud an distinctive particular person, Mr. Edrissa Mass Jobe, whose steadfast dedication, fervent ardour, and altruistic sacrifices have profoundly impacted quite a few lives and communities. A paragon of humanitarianism, his courageous coronary heart is devoted to the development of humankind. In a world full of complexities, challenges, and uncertainties, Eddy Jobe’s relentless endeavors shine as a beacon, guiding us towards a extra hopeful future. His resolute dedication to the welfare of humanity stands as a strong affirmation of the transformative results of compassion, empathy, and kindness. Day by day, he conjures up us to pursue a world the place each individual has the possibility to flourish, no matter their origin, state of affairs, or beliefs.
Fatoumatta: The position of Mr. Edrissa Mass Jobe as a cheerleader is really outstanding and commendable. Eddy Jobe, recognized for his outspoken advocacy, offered important assist to the unbiased press. Respecting his privateness, it’s acknowledged that he supported media retailers with enterprise, promoting, and printing contracts, regardless of risking his personal enterprise and dealing with potential threats from Yahya Jammeh’s authoritarian regime. At a time when many enterprise leaders and professionals hesitated to assist journalists or the unbiased press, Mr. Jobe adopted his conscience and religion, bravely standing by his convictions. He is a decent particular person, a philanthropist, and a devoted advocate for unbiased journalism. His style in clothes displays his appreciation for magnificence and excellence, which additionally formed his social circle.
Mr. Jobe’s selflessness stands as a beacon of the human spirit’s capability for benevolence. He embodies the essence of a humanitarian, risking his life day by day to impact optimistic change. His steadfast ardour and empathy inspire us to enhance ourselves, intention for excellence, and contribute positively to society.
In honoring such a unprecedented individual, we additionally acknowledge the myriad unsung heroes laboring quietly to reinforce our world. Mr. Edirissa Mass Jobe’s dedication to the betterment of humanity serves as a valuable reminder of our particular person potential to foster significant change.
Fatoumatta: Edrissa’s path displays his relentless dedication, deep experience, and steadfast pursuit of excellence. Possessing a wealth of high-level expertise in hydrocarbons, petroleum, engineering, finance, community planning, and mission administration, he has adeptly guided multinational firms into the petroleum, energy, banking, and insurance coverage sectors throughout Africa. His work as a social entrepreneur highlights his dedication to fostering native manufacturing, producing employment, and selling regional integration as methods to fight poverty. A local of Banjul, Edrissa’s academic journey commenced along with his secondary research in The Gambia, advancing to mechanical engineering within the UK. His pioneering position as the primary Gambian hospital engineer at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital laid the groundwork for his technical and scientific acumen. Moving into the company sphere, Edrissa joined Shell and distinguished himself as a gross sales supervisor earlier than rising to change into the inaugural director of operations and advertising and marketing in Guinea.
Edrissa Mass Jobe’s narrative is a testomony to resilience, innovation, and an unwavering dedication to excellence. His legacy serves as an inspiration to many, proving that with dedication and imaginative and prescient, one can attain greatness and depart a major mark on society. Edrissa Mass Jobe’s life displays a person for whom the ideas of Fatherland, honor, work, loyalty, and dedication have at all times resonated deeply. He held these values expensive all through his profession and life, and most significantly, he exemplified them by way of his day by day actions. Having labored alongside people, I can’t articulate the extent to which my shell has been remodeled.
Fatoumatta: Today, I don’t hesitate to have fun and honor Eddy Jobe in my column devoted to eminent Gambian personalities who’ve made important contributions to nation-building and the mentoring of younger individuals by way of motivation and empowerment in entrepreneurship throughout the hydrocarbon sector. I discover myself torn between the reminiscence of a person who valued discretion above all and a brother recognized for his character and decency. He is a person of few phrases in public, but he tirelessly labored in direction of the pursuit of excellent deeds. His dedication to doing good, anytime and wherever, selflessly, has been a lifestyle he instilled in these inside his circle. The classes he imparted on conducting oneself in society and enterprise are indelibly etched in my reminiscence.
Sometimes you can be praised, different instances you’ll face harsh criticism; at all times try to face agency. These are the essence of his phrases. Edrissa Mass Jobe is a reputation that can eternally be related to diligence, excellence, self-sacrifice, generosity, and humility on this nation. He was a pupil brimming with potential in elementary college and at college within the United Kingdom: an honor pupil, the primary Gambian hospital engineer, a gifted engineer who was desperate to contribute to the event of his nation. He persistently provided assist to the youth, encouraging their dedication to the worth of laborious work.
His engineering background and thirst for information positioned him as an exemplary entrepreneur within the hydrocarbon sector. As a chief and a instructor, he excelled as each a pupil and a mentor, possessing a outstanding skill to hear and provide recommendation that appeared to decipher complicated issues. He is a treasure trove of references and suggestions. Generously, he has contributed to numerous administrations, serving as a member of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and on quite a few authorities parastatal boards.
Fatoumatta: Edrissa’s funding portfolio spans important ventures, together with LOGIX and ATLAS within the Petroleum Industry; Bamboo Village Hotel in Tourism and Hospitality; EMPAS Poultry and EMDIARY within the Agricultural Value Chains; in addition to Fibank and West Africa Takaful in Banking and Insurance. He has held management roles on varied boards inside Banks, Insurance, Telecommunications, and Petroleum sectors throughout West, Central, and East Africa.
Edrissa’s illustrious profession is highlighted by his tenure in high-profile roles equivalent to Group CEO of Elton, B2C Manager for Oryx Addax Group, and Manager for Shell West and Central Africa. Leading EMHOLDING, he has positioned the corporate as a regional frontrunner in Project Origination and M&A, with key tasks just like the ELTON, Total Acquisition in The Gambia, SLOK Air, Vista Bank Group, Atlas Energy, GP Fuel Storage, and EMLOGIX.
Fatoumatta: Pierre de Gasquet, in his dialogue of the Italian enterprise magnate Gianni Agnelli, former head of Fiat, acknowledged that the true measure of a clan’s or a person’s energy isn’t merely within the extent of their wealth. He emphasised that the power for somebody to “stand out from the crowd” and “become a living legend” is what elevates them to the standing of a logo, a generational reference, and finally, a “pillar of a Nation.” Mr. Edirissa Mass Jobe, by way of his expertise, intelligence, and brave enterprise ventures, in addition to his dedication to his work, has established himself as an everlasting icon in our nation. He serves because the epitome of success for any native who aspires to greatness. Unfortunately, Mr. Jobe’s solely misfortune is that he was born and lived in The Gambia, a nation recognized for its tendency to disdain its heroes, to resent those that obtain success by way of laborious work, and to oppose something larger than ourselves.
Fatoumatta: The kleptocratic many years of despot Yahya Jammeh’s rule have been marked by silence over the disappearance of the final titan of our financial system, which speaks volumes in regards to the mindset of a rustic desperate to diminish all greatness and vilify its distinctive residents. With the present eagerness to witness our heroes fall to the flames of bitter failure, the development of a Pantheon to honor the nation’s worthy sons appears removed from right this moment’s agenda. After a life well-lived, one in every of our most esteemed captains of business and a staunch advocate for Gambian entrepreneurship in all its kinds has departed. He was adept at planting seeds of inspiration in lots of minds, guiding them with the persistence of a helmsman, nurturing the best concepts and initiatives for the betterment of Gambia.
One of Marcus Aurelius’ maxims, “Do not look around; follow the straight path; do not scatter your attention,” encapsulates the method Eddy Jobe generously shared with everybody who had the chance to work alongside him. I’m overwhelmed with emotion for not having gathered all of the important parts to craft a story about Gambian capitalism and the enduring pursuit of entrepreneurship throughout varied sectors, wherein he was a pivotal conversationalist and contributor. The poignant realization that the time we imagine now we have is at all times an phantasm except utilized correctly continues to be profound.
Fatoumatta: Today marks the celebration of a outstanding man, a fantastic soul dedicated to Africa and The Gambia, who tirelessly labored to create considerable alternatives for his associates, colleagues, household, and kids. In honoring Edrissa Mass Jobe, we acknowledge his invaluable contributions to The Gambia and past. His efforts have fueled financial progress, fostered social development, and inspired regional unity. Edrissa’s dedication to opening doorways and bettering lives solidifies his standing as a real nationwide icon. There won’t ever be one other colossus just like the brother, father, and chief that Mr. Jobe has been to The Gambia. We can’t think about a extra extraordinary luminary.
Police within the Upper River Region (URR) have arrested a 25-year-old man in reference to the killing of his 60-year-old organic father in Kerewan Badala.
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday (December 4) when the suspect allegedly assaulted the sufferer, inflicting extreme accidents.
The sufferer was rushed to Basse Hospital for pressing medical remedy however succumbed to his accidents early this morning.
Authorities confirmed that the homicide weapon was recovered on the scene.
The suspect is presently in police custody and aiding with the continuing investigation.
Residents are urged to stay vigilant and promptly report any suspicious actions to the closest police station.
If journalism had been a cathedral, Pa Modou Bojang, the proprietor of Home Digital FM and Membekering TV, wouldn’t merely be the graffiti artist scrawling obscenities on its sacred partitions; he can be the torchbearer setting it ablaze, unaware of its magnificence, blind to its sanctity, and totally devoid of regret for the destruction he causes.
He isn’t merely mediocre; he’s the epitome of charlatanism—a tribalist, an opportunist, and a demagogue masquerading as a journalist. His craft isn’t the pursuit of fact or the enlightenment of the general public however a grim spectacle of deceit and divisiveness cloaked within the tattered robes of press freedom. Where the occupation calls for integrity and rigour, Bojang brings mediocrity and malice; the place it requires the pursuit of fact, he gives conjecture.
Like a counterfeit preacher twisting scripture to go well with his whims, Bojang hides behind the noble banner of journalism to push tribal grievances, spew venom, and propagate half-truths. His each broadcast reeks of the unholy marriage between ignorance and conceitedness—a cacophony of lies, insults, and baseless accusations delivered with the conviction of a person totally unbothered by the load of proof or accountability.
Imagine a failed actor stumbling onto the stage of the Royal Shakespeare Company, bellowing incoherent strains in a efficiency so crass it leaves the viewers gasping in disbelief—not at his audacity however at his sheer ineptitude. Or envision a counterfeit banker parading by means of the hallowed halls of the Bank of England, clutching solid notes and railing at those that expose him. Such is the essence of Pa Modou—a determine who errors noise for information, insult for perception, and spectacle for substance.
His newest tirade, a vitriolic assault on LamToro News following the publication of my opinion piece on 27 November 2024, epitomises his ineptitude and malice. The article, which analysed the authorized dispute between Rohey Manjang and The Alkamba Times, was clearly labeled as an opinion piece—a reality as obvious as a firefly at the hours of darkness. Yet Bojang, blind to nuance and deaf to motive, accused LamToro News of bias whereas conveniently ignoring that the article was additionally printed on different platforms resembling Gambiana, Concern TV The Gambia, Mamos TV, and Academia.edu. His outrage was not merely misplaced; it was a carnival of absurdity—a spectacle of misdirected fury that exposed extra about his personal inadequacies than the content material of the piece.
Bojang ought to have identified that LamToroNews dedicated no moral violation by publishing an opinion piece that was well-researched, clearly labeled, and attributed to its writer. His assault on the paper demonstrates not solely a failure to grasp the excellence between information and opinion but in addition a deliberate try to mislead his viewers.
If Bojang had even a shred of journalistic integrity, he would have taken up his grievances with the writer—who, for the file, issued a public disclaimer taking full duty for the views expressed. But no, this grasp of theatrics has as an alternative chosen to wage a futile battle towards a complete media home. One may assume that is an act of technique, however alas, it’s merely a show of his profound ignorance.
Bojang’s ignorance of primary journalistic rules is astonishing, even by the bottom requirements. The distinction between information and opinion—a cornerstone of the craft—is completely misplaced on him. He conflates critique with private assault, reality with fiction, and accountability with animosity. His selective outrage isn’t solely disingenuous however a testomony to his incapacity to have interaction with concepts that problem his slim worldview.
In journalism, the excellence between information and opinion isn’t just vital—it’s sacrosanct, as inviolate because the Bank of England’s gold vaults. News is the pursuit of objectivity, a cautious excavation of information to tell the general public with out bias or agenda. It operates with the precision of a barrister arguing earlier than the High Court, counting on proof, coherence, and transparency. Opinion, alternatively, is the realm of study and critique—an area for views and interpretations, clearly marked to keep away from deceptive readers.
The significance of separating information from opinion can’t be overstated. News builds belief; opinion fosters debate. Both have their place in journalism, however they serve totally different functions. When these two are conflated, journalism ceases to be a pillar of public belief and as an alternative turns into a harmful cocktail of misinformation, propaganda, and polemics.
Bojang’s name for a boycott of LamToroNews is an act of desperation, the hole roar of a person who can not compete on advantage. It is the mark of jealousy masquerading as precept, a juvenile try to tear down what he can not emulate. Such behaviour is paying homage to the petty rivalries that after plagued Fleet Street, the place disreputable editors stooped to slander fairly than elevate their craft. Yet even these rivalries often produced sharp wit and innovation; Bojang’s antics supply solely bile and error.
His statements about LamToro News are so wildly inaccurate and poorly constructed they elevate a profound query: how on earth did this man persuade himself he belongs within the media business? He is to journalism what a drunken pianist is to Beethoven—a loud, clumsy imitation with no sense of timing or tune.
Bojang’s jealousy towards LamToro News is palpable and pathetic. Unable to match its attain or credibility, he lashes out with the desperation of a drowning man clutching at straws. It brings to thoughts the notorious British journalist Robert Pate, whose shoddy reporting throughout the Crimean War made him a laughingstock. Yet even Pate, for all his faults, had the excuse of chaos and hazard; Bojang operates from the consolation of a studio and nonetheless manages to churn out work so flawed it might make Pate appear to be a Pulitzer laureate.
A number of years in the past, Bojang launched a equally vicious and unfounded assault on Freedom Newspaper and its late editor, Pa Nderry Mbai—a person who, by all accounts, did extra for Bojang than Bojang has ever carried out for himself. In a second of desperation, Bojang turned to Freedom Radio, sobbing reside on air as he pleaded with Mbai to intercede on his behalf towards deportation orders from the British Home Office. Mbai, displaying a kindness Bojang would later betray, advocated tirelessly for him. Not solely did he save Bojang from deportation, however he additionally supplied him with a platform on Freedom Radio.
Yet when Bojang launched his personal media outlet, Home FM, he turned on Pa Nderry with venom, hurling insults and fascinating in character assassination towards the very man who saved him from deportation. Such ingratitude is uncommon even among the many most hardened scoundrels and speaks to the depths of Bojang’s ethical chapter.
Perhaps most galling is Pa Modou’s betrayal of Sheriff Bojang Sr., a relative who gave him his first break on the Observer. Sheriff Sr., a revered determine in Gambian media, provided Pa Modou mentorship and a possibility to be taught, solely to change into a goal of his venom later. What was Sheriff’s crime? Accepting a ministerial position within the Jammeh authorities. This, in Pa Modou’s eyes, was an unforgivable act—a choice that one way or the other offended his twisted sense of loyalty. Pa Modou launched baseless assaults towards Sheriff, accusing him of betrayal whereas conveniently forgetting the various occasions Sheriff had lifted him from obscurity. It is the peak of ingratitude, an indicator of Bojang’s character, that he would malign the very one who as soon as gave him a platform to succeed.
As proprietor of Home FM, Bojang’s repute has solely worsened. His broadcasts are a weird amalgamation of unchecked allegations, petty vendettas, and outright fabrications. In April 2023, he was accused of defaming Yassin Bah, a revered businesswoman from Brikama. Rather than issuing a retraction or apology, Bojang doubled down on his baseless claims, proving as soon as once more that accountability is an alien idea to him. Home Digital FM, removed from being a dependable supply of knowledge, has change into a cesspool of sensationalism, the place information are non-obligatory and self-promotion reigns supreme. His venomous rhetoric, typically veering into tribalism, has additional tarnished his repute, making him a determine of division fairly than unity.
Bojang’s penchant for concentrating on revered figures is especially galling. Imam Alhagie Abdoulie Fatty, a revered non secular chief, turned one among his most high-profile victims. Bojang’s assaults on the Imam had been neither factual nor essential, however fairly crude makes an attempt at character assassination. Such behaviour not solely undermines journalism but in addition sows divisions in a society that values unity and respect.
Bojang’s broadcasts, steeped in malice and devoid of proof, signify the very antithesis of what journalism ought to aspire to be: honest, correct, and accountable. His rhetoric is much less about informing the general public and extra about settling private scores, a grotesque misuse of the platform he has been granted.
If there may be any justice, Bojang’s legacy is not going to be that of a journalist however of a person whose ambition far exceeded his capacity. He will probably be remembered not for what he constructed however for what he destroyed—a legacy of mediocrity, malice, and missed alternatives. Journalism deserves higher than him, and so does The Gambia. Let his story function a reminder of the requirements we should uphold and the values we should defend.
Who is Really Pa Modou Bojang?
Pa Modou Bojang is a reputation that conjures up neither admiration nor respect in journalistic circles, however fairly disdain and mock. To name him a journalist is a stretch so absurd it’d make a Victorian penny dreadful editor spit out their sherry. His profession is a rare parade of mediocrity, moral failures, and opportunism, extra akin to a serial character in a lurid tabloid scandal than to a severe media skilled. If journalism is the noble pursuit of fact, then Bojang’s exploits are its grotesque parody, a farce riddled with half-truths, outright lies, and the type of ineptitude that will make even essentially the most scandal-prone Fleet Street hacks of outdated blush.
Much just like the notorious Horatio Bottomley—a conman and pseudo-journalist of Edwardian Britain—Bojang has perfected the artwork of self-promotion whereas contributing nothing of substance to the craft he claims to observe. His lack of schooling is painfully evident in each garbled sentence he utters, his grammar collapsing below the load of its personal incompetence.
At the Daily Observer, the place he slithered his approach in due to nepotism fairly than expertise, he shortly turned the newsroom’s albatross. Pa Modou is a highschool dropout—a stark reminder of the obtrusive gaps in his credentials and capabilities. Let us not overlook that Pa Modou’s schooling was in French, and his English was so deplorable {that a} Nigerian editor as soon as confided in me concerning the lengths they went to decode Pa’s writings. It concerned interpreters—sure, interpreters—to translate his fractured makes an attempt into satisfactory English for publication. The late Sheikh Kanuteh, then anchoring the French information column, typically needed to salvage Pa’s incoherent submissions, reworking them into one thing vaguely readable.
Pa Modou’s laziness and penchant for sensationalism had been legendary. His experiences typically lacked substance, however they brimmed with hyperbole. Had he joined the Daily Observer below a stricter editor, he wouldn’t have lasted a day within the newsroom. However, Sheriff Bojang’s benevolence noticed him tucked below the wings of extra succesful reporters like Kanuteh, who virtually ghostwrote his bylines.
Even with this assist, Pa Modou struggled. His social media posts right this moment are a testomony to his lack of schooling. One solely must learn his Facebook rants to query whether or not this man ever stepped foot in a classroom. His grammar is atrocious, his arguments puerile, and his tone perpetually bitter.
While on the Daily Observer, Bojang claimed to be a correspondent for the Casamance area, however his reporting was an open secret within the newsroom. He would spend days in Mandinary, fabricating tales and attributing fictitious quotes to MFDC rebels, then submit them below his byline. These fabrications had been identified to everybody within the newsroom, together with Sheriff Bojang Sr. and Sheriff Bojang Jr., however he was shielded by familial ties. Despite this safety, his incompetence was obtrusive; his articles had been incoherent, his hygiene abysmal, and his work ethic nonexistent. As such, his departure from the Observer was met not with farewell needs however with sighs of reduction, because the newsroom lastly rid itself of its most notorious legal responsibility.
But Bojang’s ineptitude was not confined to the Observer. He later discovered his strategy to Yiriwa FM, the place his stint was even shorter and extra disastrous. Accusations of doubtful dealings and a basic lack of professionalism led to his swift dismissal, forsaking a legacy of embarrassment and authorized entanglements. His downfall culminated in an arrest and lawsuits that uncovered the total extent of his unscrupulous behaviour. Yet, true to his opportunistic nature, Bojang fled to the United Kingdom, the place he concocted an asylum declare so fantastical it might have graced the pages of The Illustrated London News. Claiming his life was below risk in The Gambia—a declare dismissed by those that knew him as laughable—he sought to evade the implications of his actions. Unsurprisingly, the British Home Office, unimpressed by his melodrama, positioned him on deportation orders.
As for his media credentials, let’s be clear: Pa Modou Bojang is a half-baked practitioner at greatest. Calling him a journalist is an insult to the occupation. He managed to safe a broadcasting license throughout the post-2017 gold rush of opportunists returning to The Gambia. But make no mistake: his “success” was not constructed on talent or expertise however on exploiting the lax requirements of the time. His grovelling adulation of political figures like Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, full with nauseating movies and sycophantic commentary, isn’t journalism—it’s bootlicking dressed up as broadcasting.
To name Pa Modou an “emblematic opportunist” is sort of too beneficiant. He is a relic of the type of sensationalism and ineptitude that Gambian journalism ought to have outgrown. His name for a boycott of Lamtoro News is nothing greater than a determined ploy by a person whose personal credibility is as shaky as his grasp of the English language.
Pa Modou isn’t just a nasty journalist; he’s a shame to the occupation. His profession is a listing of failures, betrayals, and fabrications, making him the poster little one for all that’s unsuitable with Gambian media. If incompetence had been Pa Modou’s solely sin, we’d dismiss him as a innocent buffoon. Unfortunately, his failings run a lot deeper. Lazy, unethical, and perpetually opportunistic, he treats journalism as a automobile for private vendettas and sensationalist drivel.
His broadcasts are usually not journalism however a tragic parody of it. He doesn’t inform or educate; he incites and inflames. His phrases are weapons, wielded recklessly and aimed with out care, leaving a path of damaged reputations and fractured communities of their wake. Pa Modou’s ineptitude isn’t merely a mirrored image of his lack of schooling however of his full disregard for the foundational tenets of journalism. Rather than elevate the occupation, he has chosen to debase it, buying and selling in sensationalism, misinformation, and vitriol.
Pa Modou’s output right this moment, whether or not on social media or his radio programmes, is a testomony to his enduring incompetence. His grammar stays as atrocious as ever, his arguments as flimsy as moist paper, and his tone as bitter as a failed comic booed off stage. His name for Gambians to boycott Lamtoro News isn’t the motion of a principled journalist however the tantrum of a person whose profession has been outlined by failure. His incapacity to differentiate between an writer’s opinion and a platform’s editorial stance solely highlights his full ignorance of journalistic fundamentals—ideas taught within the first week of any journalism course value its salt.
If he needs to salvage even a shred of his repute, he may think about beginning with an English language class—or maybe a course in ethics. But given his monitor file, even that looks as if wishful pondering.
By Arfang Madi Sillah,
Washington, D.C.
Disclaimer:
The views expressed on this article are completely these of the writer and don’t essentially mirror the official coverage or place of any affiliated establishments or organizations. The writer takes full duty for the opinions and evaluation introduced herein. The writer holds a number of educational levels, together with an undergraduate diploma in English literature and literary principle.
The Chameleon Nature of Political Loyalty in The Gambia is such that when in authorities, people typically change into sycophants, demagogues, and courtroom jesters, displaying excessive loyalty and patriotism. However, as soon as out of presidency, they change into harsh critics and show venomous opposition.
Alagi Yorro Jallow.
Fatoumatta: A precept is a elementary reality or proposition that serves as the muse for a system of perception or conduct or for a sequence of reasoning. As for the infamous opportunist “Kakatarr,” also called “Hamadi Masina, Mama Yero Pullo, the Town Crier,” whether or not he embodies character, loyalty, and precept in his DNA is a matter of interpretation primarily based on his actions and repute.
Karl Marx famously acknowledged, “History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce,” whereas Mark Twain supplied a special perspective, noting that historical past doesn’t repeat itself, nevertheless it typically rhymes. George Santayana offered a extra eloquent model, saying, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” An African aphorism provides, sarcastically, that regardless of how a lot you wash a goat, its odor lingers. During Yahya Jammeh’s despotic rule, people like Hamadi Masina, Mama Yero Pullo, and The Town Crier, who as soon as acted dangerously in the direction of Gambian dissidents, turned much more poisonous after falling out with the tyrant. He continued to make use of the identical previous playbook, serving President Barrow for almost eight years with out critique. Only after dropping his job did Masina flip to social media to explain Adama Barrow as worse than Yahya Jammeh, exemplifying the ‘kakatarr’ syndrome.
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines ‘principle’ as a elementary reality or proposition that serves as the muse for a system of perception or conduct or for a sequence of reasoning.. Being principled means adhering to a set of ethical or moral requirements. A principled particular person is guided by their beliefs and values, making selections primarily based on what they consider is correct, no matter private acquire or exterior strain.
The Universe, our world, and life itself function on elementary rules. These rules are akin to pure legal guidelines. They govern human life and our interactions. Principles are fixed, common, self-evident, and timeless. It will not be the rules that fail people; slightly, it’s people who could fail to stick to rules. When people or teams stray from these core rules, life turns into disorienting and troublesome. No particular person or group, no matter energy, can alter rules; one can solely endure penalties by going in opposition to them. For occasion, gravity is a pure precept; what ascends should descend.
Similarly, density dictates that water can’t relaxation above oil. Human rules embody justice, honesty, love, duty, alternative, respect, alternative, service, amongst others. Character is the sum of psychological and ethical qualities distinctive to a person, encompassing values, ethics, and traits like honesty, integrity, and kindness. An individual of sturdy character acts persistently with their ethical values. Loyalty is being devoted and dedicated to somebody or one thing. It means standing by commitments and supporting mates, household, or organizations, particularly throughout robust instances. Loyalty entails belief, dependability, and steadfast help. Thus, an individual of character is each principled and dependable, invariably exhibiting integrity and a agency dedication to their values and relationships.
Fatoumatta: In The Gambia, a troubling sample emerges the place people show staunch loyalty to the federal government and the President when in workplace, solely to shift allegiances like chameleons upon dropping their positions. This entitlement mentality isn’t just disheartening but in addition undermines the integrity of the political system. Once dismissed, these former loyalists typically change into bitter critics, disseminators of misinformation, and rumor mongers. While holding their positions, they might launch vehement assaults on dissenters and lavish reward on the federal government, appearing as griots, demagogues, sycophants, and courtroom jesters. However, as soon as ousted, they readily undertake the function of critics and purveyors of so-called ‘alternative truths.’ This conduct prompts us to think about what classes will be drawn from such a phenomenon.
Fatoumatta: A distinguished instance is a former affiliate and confidant of the tyrant Yahya Jammeh, who reaped the advantages that Yahya’s regime might bestow upon a good friend and ally. Comparable to a chameleon, he was a proponent and enabler for the Gambian dictator. He was acknowledged for using a number of pseudonyms on social media to counteract misinformation, fabricated information, and harsh criticism aimed toward his former leaders and employers. Pseudonyms like “Hamadi Messina,” “Mama Yero Pullo,” and “the Town Crier” are noteworthy. After a fallout with President Yahya Jammeh and dropping his esteemed place, he aligned with pro-democracy activists and assumed a distinguished function within the Gambian struggle to fight dictatorship and reinstate democracy, regardless of having been an confederate in Yahya Jammeh’s oppressive regime. His fluency in a number of nationwide languages and his skillful spin, coupled along with his venomous assaults on people and governments, earned him a distinguished place throughout the diaspora neighborhood the place he was deeply concerned in a major wrestle.
Fatoumatta: While serving below Jammeh, this particular person ready a listing of diaspora dissidents to report back to Immigration for deportation, primarily focusing on undocumented dissidents. After being sacked, he turned bitter and radicalized, shamelessly becoming a member of the wrestle of these he had beforehand labeled unpatriotic.
After Yahya Jammeh was ousted, the brand new administration below Adama Barrow appointed a critic as recompense for his diatribes and harsh criticism of the previous chief. Yet, upon dropping his place as soon as extra, he returned to his earlier ways, utilizing his social media platform to harshly criticize the Barrow authorities, even labeling it worse than Jammeh’s regime in a number of public communications in vernacular.
Such conduct significantly calls into query the character and integrity of those people. Betraying your former principal to achieve a place on the prime desk hardly ensures a welcome with honor and belief intact. Once you’ve gained a repute for betraying those that have supported you, nobody will ponder an enduring alliance with you.
It’s one matter to sever ties with former allies or patrons attributable to political variations; it’s fairly one other to demonize them for offenses that you just as soon as actively supported and from which you benefited. As a clever man as soon as remarked, “May our loyalty never be tested just to satisfy our hunger.” Moreover, regardless of his numerous aliases equivalent to “Hamadi Masina,” “Mama Yero Pullo,” and “The Town Crier,” his talent set is restricted to rudimentary linguistics, missing notable credentials, aside from being a former confidant of the tyrant Yahya Jammeh, who, by way of nepotism, granted him profitable positions.
Fatoumatta: The message is obvious: political loyalty shouldn’t be conditional or self-interested. True loyalty is examined in troublesome instances, not simply when it aligns with private pursuits. Politicians and civil servants in Gambia should stay steadfast of their dedication to their rules and integrity, no matter private benefit. This dedication is the cornerstone of a political local weather constructed on belief, honor, and real dedication to the nation’s welfare. Ultimately, an individual of character reveals precept and loyalty, persistently exhibiting integrity and a agency adherence to their values and relationships. It is questioned whether or not Hamadi Masina, Yero Mama Pullo, and Town Crier embody character, loyalty, and rules.
Sergeant Colley Bunama of the Gambia Armed Forces has returned triumphantly to The Gambia after finishing an intensive 5-week Civil and Combat Engineering coaching course in Brazil.
Held from October 24 to November 22, the course was organised by the United Nations in partnership with the Brazilian Government.
Representing the Gambia Armed Forces, Sergeant Colley was one among simply six navy personnel chosen from throughout Africa to take part on this unique coaching programme.
The course aimed to boost the technical capabilities and human useful resource growth of the collaborating nations.
The coaching introduced collectively individuals from 5 African nations, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Among 19 complete individuals, the Gambia Armed Forces secured a formidable third-place rating within the total efficiency.
