Latest news with #Banjul
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
27 people arrested in a protest in Gambia over the sale of a former dictator's assets
BANJUL, Gambia (AP) — Protests in Gambia over the sale of a former dictator's assets led to the arrests of at least 27 demonstrators and two journalists, who were later released, police said Monday. The protests in the West African country's capital of Banjul began after an investigative report by local media that accused the government of selling former dictator Yahya Jammeh 's assets at below market value. A group called the Gambians Against Looted Assets, or GALA, led the protest. According to a government statement Monday, the sale went through a 'legally grounded process.' 'At all times, the government acted within the confines of the law and in the public interest,' the Ministry of Justice said. 'We condemn the (Inspector General of the Police) denial of our rights to protest and we will take none of it. We call on all Gambians to stand in opposition to this unlawful behavior of the police and come out in the thousands to take to the streets,' GALA spokesperson Omar Saibo Camara said at a news conference earlier this week. Camara was responding to the government's announcement that it had denied their request to protest. A government commission was created in 2017 with the goal of looking into the financial dealings of former President Jammeh and his advisers. The commission concluded on Sept. 13, 2019 with a report indicating that the former president had stolen up to $362 million from the country. His two-decade-long rule was marked by arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, according to rights activists. Along with political opponents, Jammeh also targeted journalists and members of the gay community. Jammeh now resides in Equatorial Guinea.
Washington Post
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
27 people arrested in a protest in Gambia over the sale of a former dictator's assets
BANJUL, Gambia — Protests in Gambia over the sale of a former dictator's assets led to the arrests of at least 27 demonstrators and two journalists, who were later released, police said Monday. The protests in the West African country's capital of Banjul began after an investigative report by local media that accused the government of selling former dictator Yahya Jammeh 's assets at below market value. A group called the Gambians Against Looted Assets, or GALA, led the protest.
Associated Press
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
27 people arrested in a protest in Gambia over the sale of a former dictator's assets
BANJUL, Gambia (AP) — Protests in Gambia over the sale of a former dictator's assets led to the arrests of at least 27 demonstrators and two journalists, who were later released, police said Monday. The protests in the West African country's capital of Banjul began after an investigative report by local media that accused the government of selling former dictator Yahya Jammeh 's assets at below market value. A group called the Gambians Against Looted Assets, or GALA, led the protest. According to a government statement Monday, the sale went through a 'legally grounded process.' 'At all times, the government acted within the confines of the law and in the public interest,' the Ministry of Justice said. 'We condemn the (Inspector General of the Police) denial of our rights to protest and we will take none of it. We call on all Gambians to stand in opposition to this unlawful behavior of the police and come out in the thousands to take to the streets,' GALA spokesperson Omar Saibo Camara said at a news conference earlier this week. Camara was responding to the government's announcement that it had denied their request to protest. A government commission was created in 2017 with the goal of looking into the financial dealings of former President Jammeh and his advisers. The commission concluded on Sept. 13, 2019 with a report indicating that the former president had stolen up to $362 million from the country. His two-decade-long rule was marked by arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, according to rights activists. Along with political opponents, Jammeh also targeted journalists and members of the gay community. Jammeh now resides in Equatorial Guinea.
Zawya
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
In Banjul, Special Representative Simão reaffirms United Nations's support to The Gambia to consolidate peace and democracy
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simão, concluded yesterday, a three-day visit to The Gambia. The mission was part of the Special Representative's continued engagements in the region and aimed to reaffirm UNOWAS support to The Gambia's efforts to consolidate peace and democracy. During his visit, the Special Representative was received by H.E. President Adama Barrow. Mr. Simão commended the ongoing constitutional reform process, as an important step consolidating The Gambia's democratic transition and national reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of national ownership and inclusivity to ensure its legitimacy and broad acceptance by the people of The Gambia. Mr. Simão also met with Mamadou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad as well as with Hussein Thomasi, Solicitor General at the Ministry of Justice. Additionally, he held discussions with Fabakary Tombong Jatta, Speaker of the National Assembly; Emmanuel D. Joof, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC); political parties and the Inter-Party Committee as well as its women and youth branches. He also met with civil society members, Ambassadors of West African countries and the ECOWAS representative based in Banjul, as well as development partners and the UN Country Team. The Special Representative reiterated the United Nations' commitment to continue working with the Gambian people and government to consolidate democracy in the country and the region. He called on all stakeholders to ensure constructive dialogue in the constitutional and other democratic reform processes, essential for the stability and development of the Gambia. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).
Zawya
08-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria's aviation industry: A struggle for growth
Recently, one of Nigeria's fledgling airlines, ValueJet, announced that it would open a Lagos to Banjul, route, come May 15, 2025. This proposed launch, expected to kick off a week from now, has however, raised concerns about the viability of this venture, given the challenges faced by Nigerian carriers on local routes. The airline's decision to embark on the route despite the apparent passenger drought raises questions about its sustainability. One major issue plaguing the aviation industry in Africa is protectionism, with many governments viewing aviation as a significant revenue source rather than a means to open their countries to larger markets. African countries need to shift their perspective and recognise that more people travelling in and out of their countries can boost local economies. Instead of seeing airlines from other African countries as threats, they should strive to create a more favourable environment for air transport growth. The Yamoussoukro Decision and the Single African Air Transport Market initiative aim to liberalise air transport services in Africa, but their effectiveness is hindered by protectionist policies in many countries. Nigerian airlines face significant challenges, including high operating costs, taxes, and charges, which ultimately affect passengers. The cost of aviation fuel, coupled with high taxes and the devaluation of the naira, make it difficult for airlines to maintain competitive pricing. Nigeria, in particular, seems to favour foreign airlines while imposing high charges and taxes on local carriers. This disparity discourages growth and makes it difficult for Nigerian airlines to compete. Inadequate infrastructure at airports, outdated facilities, poor maintenance, and limited capacity at major airports often lead to flight delays and cancellations, which negatively impact customer satisfaction and the overall efficiency of the sector. For instance, bird strikes have become a disturbing phenomenon at our airports in recent times. The result is a colossal debt burden which the affected airlines must bear alone. A case of an airline recording three of such bird strikes in a spate of 24 hours is worrisome. The burden of such attacks is that the ill-fated aircraft would be grounded for a period of time for checks by the affected airline, thus scaling down operational efficiency, with the attendant negative effects on hapless air passengers who will have to go through unavoidable delays and at times, cancellations. To ensure the long-term sustainability of airlines like ValueJet, the Nigerian aviation industry needs to address these broader issues. This can be achieved through a combination of measures, including reducing protectionism, investing in infrastructure, streamlining regulations, and promoting competition among airlines. By adopting a more collaborative approach and reducing protectionism, African countries can promote air transport growth and economic development. Upgrading airport infrastructure and investing in modern facilities can also improve passenger experience and increase the efficiency of air travel. Streamlining regulatory processes and reducing bureaucratic hurdles can help airlines operate more efficiently and reduce costs while encouraging competition among airlines can lead to better services and lower prices, ultimately benefiting passengers. The success of ValueJet's new route will depend on various factors, including passenger demand, competition from existing carriers like Overland, and the airline's ability to manage costs and provide reliable services. By working together, African countries can unlock the full potential of air transport and promote economic growth and development across the continent. The Nigerian aviation industry's struggles highlight the need for a more supportive environment for air transport growth, and addressing these challenges can help ensure the long-term sustainability of airlines like ValueJet. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
