Articles by Abubacarr

Technology

Cash deposit and online betting: how to play on 1xBet with ultimate comfort

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Oct 9, 2025

Technology

GAMBIA, GABON RENEW RIVALRY TOMORROW

The Scorpions will be aiming to defend their Nairobi fortress against Gabon’s Panthers in a crucial World Cup qualifier. The Scorpions are set to feature in Kenya again, this Friday when they host The Panthers of Gabon at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Led by coach Jonathan McKinstry, have turned Nairobi into a terrifying’ home ground, and they will be looking to dampen the celebration of a very determined Gabonese side led by talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. This Group F match will be an action-packed event, and this game will be an intriguing wager for punters. With The Gambia playing free from anxiety and Gabon needing to win at all costs, there is a chance of goals at Kasarani. The Gambia come into this match as home team by default but are doing the best they can on neutral terrain in Kenya since there are no stadiums within their country that are certified by Caf. However, this has been minimal if any encumbrance. Since Jonathan McKinstry took over, who is knowledgeable about Kenyan football with a successful stint at Gor Mahia, the Scorpions have thrived in Nairobi. The Scorpions secured back-to-back wins here in September, with a strong offense and a resolute spirit. Their season may be over, but pride and maintaining their strong record in Kenya will fuel their performance. For Gabon, things could not be more uncertain. They are second in Group F with 19 points, one point behind the group leaders Côte d’Ivoire. A victory is impossible to maintain their automatic qualification prospects or, at least, win a ticket in the inter-confederation play-offs. Having previously had a taste of success in Nairobi this term with a 2-1 win against Kenya, The Panthers will be confident. With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang playing his finest game and chasing his dream of playing at a World Cup, Gabon will be a formidable side to overcome. The two teams’ recent form sets up for a nail-biting and bitter encounter between Gabon and The Gambia. The Scorpions have been dogged and determined on their new home turf, Nairobi, where they have turned Kasarani into some sort of fortress. Their recent run of performances — WWLDW — is testimony to the virtues of consistency and resolve, not least with their ability to recover from defeat. Burning five goals in their previous two home games says a lot about their confidence upfront, and the dynamic forward line of the team has proved able to unsettle even very well-drilled defense lines. Housed on their home turf and blessed with the liberty of playing without the suffocating weight of being bogged down by expectations, The Gambia will look to carry on in glorious style. Gabon, though, come into this game with the serenity and focus of a side who are well in the qualification hunt. Their record — WWWLW — speaks volumes of a side who have competed at advanced levels campaign long, picking up just one blemish on their previous six. The Panthers’ artillery is spearheaded by talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, whose double against Kenya in March 2025 was a timely re-endorsement of his unstinting quality and goal-scorer’s reflex. With their qualification hopes hanging on their shoulders, Gabon enter the game with renewed determination and one clear objective: win three points and stay in the dream. Their attacking skill and flair could be their undoing against a more seasoned but less confident Gambian side. Key statistics and match predictionRecent performance tells a straightforward tale leading into this make-or-break meeting. The Gambia have been scoring for fun in Nairobi, accruing five goals from their last two home matches — three versus Kenya and two versus Burundi — with such an attack line as vibrant and innovative as it has been throughout the entire year. Yet the overall effectiveness and composure of Gabon in such high-stakes games render them an obvious favorite. Aubameyang is the difference-maker, and his two-goal performance in the 2-1 win over Kenya in the campaign this season indicated how he can perform with the pressure. Pressure literally could not have been more vital to Gabon, where a win alone will keep them alive for qualifying to the 2026 World Cup on automatic passes. The naivety of the hosts at home might present opportunities, but their weakness on defence might be vulnerable to Gabon’s quick attack. The maturity and win lust of the visitors could be too much, especially with Aubameyang leading the charge and calling the shots in the box. Though The Gambia are able to locate the net with their current shape, Gabon’s quality going forward and high levels of determination should ensure they battle home a tight but significant win. 1-2 Gabon victory is the forecast that combines The Gambia’s home supremacy with Gabon’s ruthless finishing under duress. Head-to-headPast encounters between these teams have been close and more eventful. Gabon hold a slight 3-2 advantage from their last five encounters with The Gambia. Their recent reverse fixture in this campaign was also an end-to-end, free-scoring thriller of a 3-2 victory for Gabon in June 2025, which says much about the respective attacking philosophies of both sides. Notably, four of the previous five encounters have been both teams to score matches, and so another free-scoring, end-to-end game now looks likely. The fact that there has never been a draw between these two sides in their last six games would mean that there is a high likelihood of yet another conclusive result. Each side has the tendency to approach this game with attack instead of defense tactics, guaranteeing to build goals and momentum changes in the course of the 90 minutes. The Gambia’s increasing belief and Gabon’s thirst for three points ensure that this match is both intense and pivotal. Ultimately, history and recent performance have it that Gabon should once again be able to dominate — narrowly but steadfastly — in what is set to be another thriller chapter of their enduring rivalry. Team newsNorthern Ireland manager Jonathan McKinstry has no new injury concerns and should name a good side to finish off their “home” campaign in style. Having spent over a week away from the football, indulging in it in Kenya with old friends, the Northern Irishman has designated this as a “business trip” and will ensure that his team is properly ready to ruin the plans of Gabon. Search for players like defender Alaigne Saine to make their mark in trying to stem Gabon’s potent attack. Gabon’s skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be the one under the spotlight, with knowledge that a World Cup is the icing on the cake of his fantastic career. The 36-year-old has described it as a “dream come true” to make it to the World Cup and will lead the attack with determination. Coach Thierry Mouyouma has a fit side at his disposal and will certainly field his strongest possible eleven to earn the crucial three points. Predicted line-upsGambiaGaye, Bajo, Sanyang, Saine, Colley (C), Adams, Sidibeh, Barrow, Sinyan, Minteh, Sanneh. GabonNoubi (GK); Oyono, Appindangoyé, Manga, Moucketou-Moussounda; Lemina, Kanga; Bouanga, Allevinah, Babicka; Aubameyang. Source: Pulse, Kenya

Oct 9, 2025

Technology

A 10-point plan for Israel

On Friday, Hamas sent its response to the “20-point Gaza peace plan” put forward by United States President Donald Trump. Importantly, the Palestinian group agreed to hand over the administration of Gaza to a group of technocrats and free all Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The US president welcomed the response and told Israel to “immediately stop bombing”. Yet, in the 48 hours after Hamas submitted its response, Israeli attacks killed at least 94 Palestinians in Gaza. While the Trump plan may bring a temporary respite for the Palestinians, it will not achieve peace. For this to happen, we also need a plan that makes demands of Israel and eliminates its genocidal drive. So here is a 10-point plan for Israel:1. Israeli politics and public sphere need to be deradicalised. Over the past 24 months, the Israeli political elite have been cheerleaders of genocide, publicly celebrating the erasure of Palestinian life in Gaza with complete impunity. Much of the Israeli public has also tagged along. The Israeli state will need to institute programmes that promote values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence within state institutions and within the education system to address this. 2. The Israeli army needs to be reformed. Be it the deliberate targeting of Palestinian civilians or the social media posts by Israeli soldiers from the battleground mocking the destruction of Palestinian homes – the dehumanisation of Palestinians is deeply embedded in the armed forces. Israeli authorities will need to engage in a concerted effort to formulate and implement a new military code of conduct rooted in the dictates of international humanitarian law. 3. Israeli political and military leaders must be tried at the International Criminal Court. Forensic experts, civil society organisations, human rights groups and activists have been collecting evidence of the nature of the Israeli military campaign. This evidence could be the basis of the legal proceedings. 4. Gaza must be opened up. This means there must be an end to the siege by land, air and sea that has been in place since 2007. The free movement of people and goods must be allowed. 5. International observers or a protective force must be deployed in Gaza to make sure there are no violations – either by the Israeli military or by Israeli extremists. 6. Taking the cue from the 2024 International Court of Justice ruling that settlements in the occupied West Bank are illegal under international law, the Israeli authorities must stop and criminalise all settlement activities, including activism, lobbying and fundraising efforts geared towards expanding settlements or establishing new outposts. 7. The West Bank and Jerusalem must be demilitarised and deoccupied. This would entail the dismantling of Israeli military infrastructure, checkpoints, watchtowers and walls that have systematically fractured the land and worked to circumscribe the Palestinian right to a homeland. 8. While the US plan requires Israel to release 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 detainees, thousands of Palestinians remain in custody without trial. There will need to be a swift end to the Israeli policy of administrative detention and a wider plan to release the remaining Palestinians in Israeli prisons. 9. Israel will have to enter into negotiations to address the Palestinians’ right of return. This will need to happen through direct discussions and negotiations with the Palestinians in Palestine and the diaspora as well as representatives of United Nations bodies and civil society groups who have worked closely with Palestinian refugees and are well-versed in the immediate socioeconomic needs of this historically marginalised community. 10. Over the years, Israel has ramped up its public diplomacy efforts to gain global support for its policies. In 2024, these efforts received an infusion of about $150m in public funds. This money has been used for pro-Israel social media campaigns, lobbying efforts, fellowships and trips to Israel for non-Israeli businesspeople, journalists, politicians and decision-makers. Such investments have paid dividends through the crackdown on Palestinian solidarity efforts, especially in the West, since the start of the genocide in Gaza. Israel must, therefore, allow an international panel of experts to investigate the workings of its public diplomacy efforts and whether such efforts violate the sovereignty as well as the freedom of expression laws of other nations. Of course, it is unlikely that the Israeli government would willingly pursue any of these 10 points. But global public opinion is changing dramatically. The Israeli narrative is no longer dominant despite the best efforts of the Israeli government and its allies. A growing number of people around the world are recognising that the Palestinian issue goes well beyond the fate of the Palestinian people. Palestine is deeply intertwined with the issues and challenges that shape life and politics across the Middle East and beyond. And it is only when we address these wider issues and rightfully place the burden of responsibility on the State of Israel, can we hope for lasting peace.

Oct 9, 2025

Technology

When destruction becomes a mission, destruction becomes the end: A reflection on envy, arrogance, and national renewal

By Abdoulie Mam Njie(retired permanent secretary) In The Gambia, brilliance too often dies young not by age, but by envy’s slow suffocation. We are a small nation rich in talent, yet too often that talent flickers out, snuffed by jealousy’s breath and arrogance’s shadow. Scripture warns us. History warns us. Conscience whispers the same truth: envy corrodes, arrogance blinds, and every plot consumes its maker. Pharaoh chased Moses into the sea, and the waters swallowed him whole. Qarun, drunk with wealth, schemed against Moses, and the earth devoured him. Cain killed Abel, only to wander restless all his days. Haman built gallows for Mordecai, but swung from them himself. Herod slaughtered innocents to silence the infant Jesus, yet history remembers only his cruelty. From Pharaoh to Herod, from Cain to Qarun, the lesson is timeless: envy blinds, arrogance corrupts, and destruction destroys its own maker first.The story repeats itself in every age, in every land including ours. Across our politics, rivals are treated as enemies to erase rather than partners to build with. In our institutions, suspicion replaces trust; in our families, pride is mistaken for progress. The result is predictable: our collective energy turns inward, devouring itself. A promotion is met not with applause but with whispers. A new business attracts not support but suspicion. Success becomes an invitation for sabotage. This is the “crab mentality” I once described, each claw pulling the other down until none escape the bucket. We seem to fear the success of others more than our own failure. I have lived these truths in public service. I have seen false accusations fly like poisoned arrows, tempting one to answer bitterness with bitterness. But patience outlasts lies. Restraint preserves dignity. In moments of injustice, silence can feel heavy but time has a way of revealing the truth louder than anger ever could. Those who fed on envy burned themselves hollow. Their victories turned to ash, their names forgotten. When destruction becomes a mission, destruction becomes the end, not only for those who plot, but for the institutions they poison and the nation that allows it to spread. And yet, there is another path. As Ambassador Abdoulie Bax Touray reminds us, Gambians shine across the world leading global organisations, innovating in science and technology, excelling in sports, the arts, and business. Yet this brilliance is not reflected at home. We are energised, but not synergised. Too many achievements become fleeting glory rather than enduring legacy. That is why Bax Touray calls for a Consortium of Conscience, a platform where Gambians at home and abroad pool talent, capital, and conscience to build lasting institutions, invest together, mentor the next generation, and promote good governance. His call is simple: legacy, not vanity, must be our shared mission. So the choice is clear. Shall we keep digging shallow graves for one another’s future, or raise pillars strong enough to carry generations? For a nation ruled by envy will wither; but a nation whose people celebrate one another and turn their brilliance into shared legacy will rise beyond measure. The graves we dig for others are too shallow to hold destiny. Let us build instead pillars of trust, humility, and shared purpose. And when history turns its gaze upon us, may it not remember the bitterness we spread, but the greatness we built together.

Oct 9, 2025

Technology

Saving Africa’s soul through our names

By Tombong Saidy A name is never just a word. It is history, identity, and culture condensed into a single expression. Across Africa, names once spoke volumes: they told of kingdoms, clans, ethnic groups, and regions. They carried deep meanings, often tied to family history, birth circumstances, or ancestral blessings. Before the arrival of Arabs, Europeans, and, more recently, Asians, African names were our universal markers of identity. Today, that heritage is fading. Colonialism, slavery, and religious expansion introduced foreign naming practices that have taken root. Many African Christians bear names like John, Peter, William, or Mary. Many Muslims carry names such as Muhammad, Aziz, Abubacarr, or Zainab. While religion is a matter of personal conviction, it should never demand the abandonment of one’s cultural heritage. Faith and African identity can coexist. We can worship in any religion while still proudly carrying African names. Names such as Fama, Nana, Jewru, Tombong, Kinneh, Pateh, Yateh, Nfansu, Nyima, Karafa, Mpondu, and Olembet are more than just labels. They are cultural treasures, the oral archives of our people. They embody rhythm, meaning, and identity. Each one connects us to our ancestors and grounds us in our heritage. Yet, if we do not actively preserve and pass them on, they risk disappearing into history’s silence. The issue becomes clearer when seen through the eyes of the African diaspora. In the United States, I met African Americans who questioned why Africans today still carry Western names. To them, names such as John or Mary are not neutral; they are reminders of slavery, of ancestors stripped of their true identities and forced into alien ones. They look at us in disbelief, unable to understand why free Africans would willingly exchange their original cultural names for those tied to conquest or bondage. This should give us pause. If those who lost everything in slavery now long for authentic African names, why should we, who still live on African soil, willingly abandon them? As the Kenyan writer Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o once observed, “The biggest weapon wielded and actually daily unleashed by imperialism against that collective defiance is the cultural bomb”. Names are part of that cultural bomb. When we give them up, we accept the erasure of memory and identity. Similarly, the revolutionary thinker Amilcar Cabral reminded us: “A people who free themselves from foreign domination will be free culturally only if, without complexes and without underestimating the importance of positive contributions from the oppressor’s culture, they return to the upward paths of their own culture.” In Africa, preserving our names is part of that upward path. Our names are not trivial. They are acts of cultural preservation, resistance, and pride. Every African name carried forward is a testament that our heritage is alive. Every African child named after their traditions is a victory against cultural erasure. The call is urgent: let us return to our roots. Let us give our children African names that reflect our languages, our histories, and our cultures. Religion may guide our faith, but our names must tell the world who we are and where we come from. In the preservation of our names lies the preservation of Africa itself. To lose them would be to silence the voices of our ancestors. To keep them is to ensure that our identity endures — strong, proud, and unmistakably African.

Oct 9, 2025

Technology

Ebrima Dibba’s departure: A painful reflection on loyalty and future of Gambian politics

By Kebba Nanko When I first heard the news that Ebrima Dibba had left the United Democratic Party (UDP), I was speechless. It was a moment that struck not only me but countless Gambians who have followed his long, loyal, and often sacrificial political journey. For decades, Dibba has been synonymous with the UDP — a tireless defender of its ideals, a passionate communicator of its message, and one of the few who stood firm through the party’s most difficult moments. Ebrima Dibba’s name is woven into the modern history of the UDP. His commitment was not a seasonal one; it was a lifetime dedication marked by personal risk and professional loss. The defining moment of his loyalty came during the fallout between UDP Leader, Lawyer Ousainu Darboe, and President Adama Barrow — a political ruptures that reshaped The Gambia’s post-coalition landscape. When many were uncertain about where to stand, Dibba chose to remain on the side of his party and its leader. That decision cost him his government job and livelihood, but not his dignity. He continued to champion the cause of the UDP and its leadership with courage and conviction. His loyalty was absolute, his dedication unwavering, and his faith in the party unshaken. That is why his departure is not an ordinary political event — it is a moment of deep reflection for all who care about loyalty, integrity, and the human cost of political endurance in The Gambia. For Dibba to walk away from the UDP and from Lawyer Darboe — a man he revered and served with devotion — must have been one of the most painful decisions of his life. It reveals a deeper truth about Gambian politics: that loyalty, no matter how steadfast, can only endure so much disappointment before it collapses under the weight of internal contradictions. Self-perpetuation in power — whether within political parties or governments — inevitably breeds discontent. It narrows the space for renewal, suppresses dissent, and alienates those whose sincerity once gave the institution its moral foundation. Over time, people who once stood as pillars of strength become victims of stagnation, while others mislabel them as traitors. In truth, they are often the ones whose conscience refuses to stay silent. Their departure should not always be read as betrayal but sometimes as an act of liberation — a protest against the silence that suffocates reform. Ebrima Dibba’s exit is a serious blow to the UDP, both symbolically and emotionally. He represented the grassroots connection, the street energy, and the unfiltered voice that resonated with ordinary Gambians. Losing such a figure is not merely a loss of manpower; it is a loss of moral and emotional capital that cannot be easily replaced. For Lawyer Ousainou Darboe — a man who has led the UDP through thick and thin — this moment must be deeply painful. No leader, especially one who has fought for democracy for decades, wishes to see his most loyal companions walk away. But it is also a reminder that leadership renewal is as essential in politics as it is in life. The failure to allow new energy, new perspectives, and new leadership dynamics often leads to moments like this — when history’s most loyal sons feel compelled to leave home. Beyond the UDP, this moment offers a mirror for all political parties in The Gambia. Our political culture too often equates loyalty with silence and discipline with submission. We celebrate those who follow, but we marginalize those who question. Yet, progress is born not from blind loyalty, but from honest dialogue and institutional renewal. The departure of a figure like Dibba should not be a cause for insult or ridicule, but for introspection. It challenges all political actors — from ruling to opposition — to rethink how we treat dissent, how we manage ambition, and how we preserve dignity within our institutions. As I watched the video of Ebrima Dibba speaking at the Talib “Unite Movement for Change” event, it was painful — not because he spoke with bitterness, but because he spoke with the weight of someone who had carried faith, sacrifice, and disappointment all at once. It was a reminder that politics is deeply human, and that behind every resignation or realignment lies a story of loyalty tested to its limit. As I reflect on Ebrima Dibba’s departure, I find it difficult to reconcile the man who once stood so fiercely behind the UDP banner with the one now walking away from it. It feels like watching history take an unexpected turn. For once, I thought this day would never come. But perhaps this moment is not the end of a story — it could be the beginning of a larger national conversation about political maturity, leadership transition, and respect for those who have served with honesty and conviction. Politics, after all, should not be a prison for the loyal. It should be a space where conscience and conviction coexist with party discipline. And maybe, just maybe, this painful moment will remind all of us that true democracy is not sustained by loyalty alone — but by the courage to evolve.

Oct 9, 2025

Technology

Gambian villagers are being priced out of fish

By Mustapha Manneh Fish has long been a source of food for those living along the coast of The Gambia. It is a key ingredient in local dishes such as domoda, a peanut stew, and the country’s version of jollof rice, known as benachin. Now, though, frozen chicken is replacing fish in these traditional dishes as seafood becomes unaffordable. Some locals blame the emergence of the fishmeal industry, which scoops up most of the fish that historically fed local communities. Much of this fishmeal is exported to Asia and Europe, where it is fed to farm animals and salmon in fish farms. “Fish is very expensive now. Before, I could have four or five sardinella and bonga for GMD 10-15 [USD 0.14-0.20], but now, I must spend more than GMD 50 on that,” says Isatou Camara, a resident of Gunjur. In 2016, a fishmeal factory opened in this coastal town and Camara has watched fish prices spike in the years since. Traditionally prized red snapper used to cost D100 but can now go for 10 times that, adds Camara. Even D50 is a significant sum in The Gambia, where many people survive on the equivalent of a couple of US dollars a day. Half a kilogram of chicken may cost D70 but it feeds more people than spending the same on fish. “Imagine a single mum who goes to market with D150, with a hike in fish prices. I can’t afford it, so sometimes I buy half a kilo of chicken [instead],” confirms Camara. Fishmeal brought promise and problemsOver the past decade, West Africa has witnessed a remarkable expansion in the fishmeal and oil industry. The industry promised jobs and economic development in a region struggling with low wages. Gunjur’s fishmeal plants were supposed to use rotten fish or fish waste unfit for human consumption. But concerns have grown that foreign-owned industrial fishing vessels are over-exploiting West African fisheries, in part to feed the fishmeal industry. Several sources have told Dialogue Earth that plants in The Gambia now have contracts with fishing vessels that target small pelagic fish (such as bonga, sardinella and snapper), historically destined for markets that feed local people. The Gambia does not have large fishing vessels capable of going far out to sea, as those that supply fishmeal factories in the region can. This has driven the use of contracts between the factories and fishers, sometimes via middlemen, that guarantee fish from smaller, local fishers for the factories. The Gambia is home to three operational plants, all located on its short Atlantic coast: Golden Lead in Gunjur, Nessim in Sanyang and JXJG in Kartong. These plants have proven controversial and faced accusations of fuelling overfishing, polluting local waters and failing to provide promised levels of employment. The Nessim factory was attacked during social unrest in 2021. Omar is a former employee of Golden Lead in Gunjur. He has been fishing in Gunjur for decades but is originally from Senegal. (Dialogue Earth is not using Omar’s real name as he fears retaliation and the loss of future jobs for speaking about fishmeal operations.) If Gambians can’t afford their own fish and the ocean is exploited for exports, it impacts community wellbeing and national stability – Lamin Jassey, environmental activist “I used to go to Senegal to negotiate a fishing contract between the Golden Lead fishmeal factory and the fishermen,” says Omar. “The factory will pre-finance their fishing season and they will be paying back [the loan] as they land their catches daily. Their primary work here is to supply the factory, nothing more.” Golden Lead factory management could not be reached for comment on these issues. The Nessim factory in Sanyang confirmed it makes contracts with boats (fishers), while JXJG is not using them at present. Experts are sounding alarms over the repercussions of these agreements for fish availability, and particularly for public health. They warn of growing dietary deficiencies among vulnerable populations. They want to see the local fish prioritised for local people, not for the factories. “This issue goes beyond fish scarcity; it concerns justice, health and sovereignty,” says Lamin Jassey, an environmental activist who works on the impacts of the fishmeal industry in The Gambia. “If Gambians can’t afford their own fish and the ocean is exploited for exports, it impacts community wellbeing and national stability. Fishmeal factories compete with locals for affordable species like bonga and sardinella, which are vital sources of protein.” Worries over chickenA national nutrition policy covering 2021 to 2025 states “the majority of Gambian women, especially those living in rural areas, are in a constant state of energy deficit due to poor dietary habits.” Unicef has also highlighted the problem, which it says heavily impacts children in rural areas. People living on The Gambia’s coast have traditionally consumed significantly more fish than inland regions: twenty-five kilograms per year compared to nine kilograms, according to a 2022 NGO report. This highlights the crucial role fish plays in the local diet. Many Gambians raise their own chickens. But some of those who live along the coast and previously relied heavily on fish say they – just like Isatou Camara – have begun adapting their diets using frozen chicken. Its source and quality is often unclear. Local production meets less than 10% of demand, so the market is “flooded” with cheap imports from Brazil, the Netherlands and the Middle East, according to a 2023 study. “In the past five years, more people have been resorting to cheap, imported chicken from Europe,” agrees Ahmed Manjang, a microbiologist working at the University of The Gambia. Local fish is healthier than imported, frozen chicken, he stresses. Health and dietary problems are already a major concern in The Gambia. In 2020, a community group checked the health of 485 people in Gunjur. Manjang says 26% of those tested were found to be hypertensive, diabetic, or both. He puts much of this ill health down to dietary changes driven by the high price of fish. He also fears low quality poultry products may be contaminated with campylobacter and salmonella, both significant food safety hazards. Lamin Sambou, a public health researcher in the country, says replacing fish with frozen chicken is not disastrous since chicken provides protein and calories. But its role in a healthy diet depends heavily on food safety. This, in turn, relies on a sufficiently cold supply chain and proper handling practices. This is difficult in The Gambia, due to frequent electricity shortages that leave resellers without ice to keep products cold. Sambou also notes that some already disadvantaged groups, such as women, are potentially more at risk if they miss out on fish. “Public health guidance recommends pregnant and breastfeeding women aim for about two to three servings per week of lower-mercury seafood,” says Sambou. “When fish disappears from the diet and is not replaced by equivalent DHA sources [omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil] such as fortified foods or supplements, there is real risk of a reduced intake of the nutrients that support brain, eye and skeletal development.” A factory manager responds“We don’t use all kinds of fish; we use only sardinella, bonga and grunt,” says Saidou Sey, general manager of the Nessim fishmeal factory in Sanyang. “We contracted fishing boats from Senegal, but some are from Tanji, in Gambia.” Sey started working at the factory after the 2021 incident, when the factory was at the centre of violent protests. Sey says Nessim pre-finances fishing vessels so operators can buy outboard engines, fishing nets, fuel and other materials they need to fish. It also sets prices for fish with those who catch them. He adds that the factory is what attracts fishers to Sanyang, and these boats contracted to supply the factory often give fish to locals for free. None of the locals Dialogue Earth spoke to had received free fish from these boats. Saidou says such agreements are made via third-party agents who seek fishing boats to work for the factory and the agreements are typically verbal, and non-legally binding. Nothing about these arrangements is illegal and there is no suggestion factories making such arrangements are breaking the law. ‘Justice, health and sovereignty’Jassey says the limited fish available will reduce dietary variety. Traditional dishes that rely on local fish, like benachin or domoda with smoked fish, will be prepared less often. “The Gambian government should protect local food security first, strictly regulate fishmeal factories, support small-scale fishers and processors, and ensure that natural resources benefit Gambians, not just foreign markets,” he says. “The problem is that the factory contracts boats that only give fish to the factory, not the community, and this is what is causing all the problems of accessing the fish.” If the government cannot regulate the fishmeal factories, they should shut them down, says Jassey. Other activists, as well as medical practitioners such as Ahmed, urge the government to focus on promoting the consumption of local fish. They say it is vital that West Africa’s fish are utilised to nourish communities before they feed the fishmeal industry.

Oct 9, 2025

Technology

The people’s house must remain open to the people

Dear Editor,The National Assembly of the Gambia is no ordinary building. It is the seat of our sovereignty, the home of the people’s representatives, and the arena where laws that shape our lives and destiny are debated and decided. It is a sacred institution, a symbol of our democratic republic. As citizens, we must approach it with respect and dignity. Yet, respect must never be mistaken for exclusion. Recently, the Clerk of the National Assembly announced new restrictions: citizens will no longer be allowed to enter with their mobile phones unless for “official work,” and a dress code will be enforced for all visitors. These measures, while perhaps well-intentioned, risk turning the people’s house into an exclusive space that alienates the very citizens it serves. Phones are not the enemy — misuse isThere is no denying that the Assembly deserves decorum. Inside the chambers, especially during sittings, it is right to insist on silence and to prohibit disruptive phone use. No one should interfere with proceedings. But to outright ban citizens from bringing phones unless they are on “official duty” is excessive. The National Assembly is not just a working space for lawmakers, it is also a historical and national symbol. Citizens should have the right to document their visit, to take pictures and short videos of the building and its surroundings, and to share their democratic experience with pride. A clear rule against disturbing sessions would suffice; a blanket phone ban undermines transparency and accessibility. Dignity in dress should not become discriminationEqually troubling is the imposition of a general dress code for all citizens wishing to enter. Certainly, citizens should make an effort to dress decently when visiting their legislature. It is a place of national importance and deserves respect. But dignity in dress is subjective. One person’s “proper” is another’s “inadequate.” In a country where many live in poverty, the idea that a citizen could be turned away because their best outfit doesn’t meet someone’s undefined standard is unjust and undemocratic. The Assembly is not a private club. It is funded by the people’s taxes and belongs to all people, including the poor, the marginalised, and those whose best clothing may be worn jeans or a faded traditional kaftan. If dress standards are to exist, they should apply to those attending in an official or professional capacity: public officials, journalists, witnesses, and invited experts. Ordinary citizens visiting THEIR HOUSE should not be denied access based on subjective judgments about clothing. Democracy thrives on inclusion, not barriersOur National Assembly should be a place that welcomes citizens, not one that puts up invisible gates of privilege. The strength of a democracy is measured by how it treats the ordinary person seeking to witness governance in action. The poor farmer, the struggling market woman, the curious student, all should feel free and proud to enter, observe, and learn. The Clerk’s office should reconsider these measures. Protect the dignity of the Assembly, yes but do so in a way that upholds openness, transparency, and inclusion. Let phones be allowed under clear rules. Let dress codes be limited to professionals on duty, not ordinary citizens. Above all, let us never forget that the National Assembly belongs to the people, and every Gambian, rich or poor, suited or simply dressed has a right to walk through its doors. A people’s house must feel like the people’s house. Anything less weakens our democracy. For The Gambia, Our Homeland Madi JobartehKembujeh

Oct 9, 2025

Technology

A crowded political field and the promise of democracy

The Gambia’s political landscape is once again undergoing transformation. The recent proliferation of political parties and movements — each promising change, justice, or renewal — reflects both the vibrancy and the volatility of our democracy. Barely a decade after the fall of Jammeh’s authoritarian rule, the country has seen a surge in political pluralism unmatched in its history. While this development carries both opportunities and risks, it ultimately signals a maturing democracy — one where political participation is no longer confined to the few. At the heart of this political awakening is the growing belief among citizens that power can and should change hands through the ballot. The emergence of new parties is evidence that Gambians are not content with traditional political establishments that have failed to deliver on promises of reform and good governance. Young people, in particular, are increasingly rejecting old political narratives and seeking new voices that resonate with their aspirations. However, the challenge lies in whether these movements can move beyond rhetoric to offer credible policies and unity of purpose. Too many fragmented parties could divide the opposition vote, strengthening incumbency rather than challenging it. The coming 2026 elections will therefore serve as a test — not only of the ruling government’s grip on power, but also of the opposition’s ability to cooperate in the national interest. Ultimately, democracy thrives not on the number of political parties but on the quality of their ideas, their integrity, and their respect for the rule of law. As Gambians prepare for 2026, they must demand more than slogans. They must seek leaders who offer solutions — not just ambition. If managed well, this political diversity could become the strongest pillar of The Gambia’s democratic future.

Oct 9, 2025

Technology

UDP KINGPIN VOWS TOUGH STANCE AGAINST ‘FOREIGNERS’ IN GAMBIAN ELECTIONS

The regional chairman for the main opposition United Democratic Party in North Bank, (bordering Senegal) Sainey Sabally, has warned that foreigners who try to meddle in Gambian elections will put themselves in trouble. Speaking to The Standard on next year’s presidential elections, Sabally said the stakes are too high this time round and any attempt by any foreigner to vote in Gambian elections would be resisted as it is illegal. Asked why such a warning is necessary, Sabally said the controversial issuing of Gambian ID card abroad is not helping in building confidence in the election process since an ID card can get one a voter’s card. “But we are waiting for them and we have written letters to most nations around here to ask their citizens to to stay away from Gambian elections. We want to make sure that they would not vote in this country because it is illegal,” Sabally said. The UDP regional head also advised village heads and district chiefs to ensure that only Gambian citizens are endorsed for attestations to acquire a voters’ card. “We would vigorously monitor every attestation this time round. The bottom line is, no Gambian should allow a foreigner to vote in our elections. That should be the duty of every citizen,” he said. Sabally urged the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and members of tthe security forces to be neutral and professional in their work. Resignations from UDPAsked about Talib Bensouda and his allies who have resigned from the party, Mr Sabally reacted: “I would not waste my time and energy on those people. Their exit did not shake us even an inch. Our main focus now, is to defeat President Barrow in 2026.”

Oct 9, 2025