The meeting between the Brufut elders and President Jammeh reveals a very curious face of Gambian politics that few political leaders are trying to change. In this respect, it works against all leaders who depend on it for their political survival. What is that attitude?

In a recent visit that necessitated traveling along the Mandinaba Soma highway, which is under construction by the Kharafi and Son Company, this reporter discovered that work on this particular road has come an abrupt halt.

It was announced on GRTS Radio and Television in their 6pm and 8pm news, respectively, on Thursday 5 February, 2010 that President Jammeh has relieved 4 ministers from their cabinet positions and appointed 6 others.
The ministers who lost their positions included Mr. Ismaila Sambou; formerly minister of Local Government and Lands, Mr Antouman Saho; former minister of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters, Ms. Nancy Seedy Njie; former Minister of Tourism and Culture and Mr. Lamin Bojang; the former minister of Works, Construction and Infrastructure.

Last week the Ecowas Commission, convened a meeting of media personnel from fourteen member states to adopt minimum norms and standards against hate media and for democracy for media practitioners in member states with the main objective of mainstreaming conflict prevention in media practice in member states.

As part of his assignment to monitor the 2009/2010 trade season, this reporter visited the three seccos in Jarra namely Sankuya, Japineh and Bureng in the Lower River Region of the Gambia to find out how they are faring with the trade season.

Lawyers Assan Martin and Edrissa Sissoho, the defence counsels in the trial of the sixteen men on Terrorism related charges, illegal entry into the Gambia and possession of illegal fire arms, on Wednesday 3 February, cross-examined Mr. Tijan Bah, who serves as the independent witness when the statements of the accused persons were taken. Mr. Bah has earlier on given evidence in the “Voire dire” (mini trial or trial within trial) to test the voluntariness of the cautionary statements of the accused persons. The accused alleged that they were forced to make statements and signed them against their will.

Ensa Jassey, the ninth prosecution witness in the Babylon Arson Trial, on Wednesday 3rd February testifies before Magistrate E .A Ahmadi of the Brikama Magistrates’ Court.

By Mohamed Keita/Africa Research Associate
Monitor reporter Angelo Izama, right, went through the courts to gain access to government documents and was denied. (Monitor)

By Awa B. Bah
Concerned observers have raised alarm on what they said is the increasing habit of chewing a clay-like substance, called “Keew”, among women, particularly those who are pregnant. According to them, this habit is becoming rampant among young women.
It is even claimed that babies of mothers who developed the habit when they were pregnant would at the time of their birth have their eyes and nostrils covered with the particles of this substance.

Demba is a widower. He lost his wife Satang in a plane crash about three years ago. He is a business executive. He is blessed with three adorable daughters, Dadoo 17 years, a teenager, Ramou 11 years old and Binet (B.B) 8 years old.
Binet is too smart and matured for her age. She is very fast and thinks like an adult. She wants her dad remarry at all cost. Her Aunty Gooda stays with them since they lost their mom. Binet yearns for a new mom. She discusses with her elder sister Ramou. She supported the idea and is excited about it. “But how can we do it?” She asked Binet. “I’ll do a Research and come up with the best results. Dad must marry this year Ishal Allah! I am fed up hearing girls at school talking about their mums. When they enquire and I tell them mum died, they felt pity for me. No, I hate to be an object of pity. I must act now! I am happy and grateful that you have come along.”Binet expressed joy and happiness. “What about Dadoo? Can we get her in?” “No! She is selfish. She detests dad remarrying again. She argued we are okay like this. Are we?” “No! We are not. “Ramou expressed.
“Okay Rams! Let’s keep it our little secret! Deal?” “Yes! Deal!” They made the deal sign and joked about their little secret. Did their plan work? What is Dadoo’s reaction? Read to find out.