Banjul magistrate Muhammed Krubally found Alagie Dicko guilty of stealing $170,000 from American resident Ousainou Mahanera. The court ordered Dicko to pay back $180,000 or face two years behind bars. He must also pay a fine worth D100,000 or spend another year locked up.
From 2021 until 2024, Dicko pretended to be various religious leaders, including Imam Fatty and Imam Cham. He even faked being President Barrow, asking for cash to help Quranic schools, orphans and land purchases for religious schools. The victim sent money 66 separate times before discovering the scam. Court records showed receipts for all transactions.
Dicko admitted guilt after meeting his victim at an Arabic school in 2018. During their investigation, police...
The Gambia's top court needs more time before deciding if they can hear a case about female cutting. Chief Justice Jallow plus four judges listened as government lawyers claimed the Supreme Court cannot rule on this matter. Several people want changes to the female genital mutilation ban, including lawmaker Almameh Gibba plus groups like the Islamic Enlightenment Society.
The challengers asked to fix their paperwork during the hearing. Their lawyer, Lamin Darboe, fought back against government objections. He said refusing to hear the case would stop the court from protecting basic rights found in parts 18, 33, and 36 of the Constitution. Everyone must wait until Tuesday for judges to announce if they'll hear the full case.
This legal...
The Supreme Court heard a case yesterday about the timing of last year's budget presentation. Chief Justice Hassan Jallow presided as four citizens—Sait Matty Jaw, Madi Jobarteh, Pa Samba Jaw, and Bubacarr Nyang—challenged government officials. They claim the finance minister delivered the 2025 budget outside legal timeframes.
These citizens argue that the National Assembly Speaker broke the law by allowing the budget presentation on November 15, 2024, which they say violated Section 152 of the Constitution. Their lawyer, Abdoulie Fatty, stressed his clients' care about the rule of law and democratic values. He claimed that parliament must follow constitutional rules just like everyone else.
Fatty argued that the Speaker made a...
Families left homeless after recent demolitions in Salagi refuse to back down against government actions they call unjust land-grabbing. Physical Planning Department tore down structures they claimed were illegal on state land, affecting more than 17 families who insist their properties were legally obtained. Many victims invested huge sums into building homes, with some saying the land came from their ancestors.
Victims gathered for a press event following the government's April 8 statement. People like Dawda Cham and Mariama Bojang described losing homes built through years of sacrifice without warnings or payment offers. Several organizations have spoken against these demolitions. The affected residents want justice, compensation...
The Gambian Foreign Ministry has just named Ms Fatou Kinneh Jobe as their new Permanent Secretary II. She started her job on Monday after building an impressive 15-year career across several countries.
Ms Jobe previously worked as deputy head at The Gambia's missions in Senegal, where she handled relations with Mali plus Burkina Faso. She also served at the embassy in Beijing, covering China, Japan, South Korea, North Korea, plus Mongolia. For over a year, she stepped up as the main representative at the Beijing Mission during important talks with Asian nations.
Her government work includes top roles at the President's Office and stints at the Information Ministry. She earned a master's degree in international affairs from a Taiwanese...
MEC will open voting centers next Tuesday for just 19 people who missed their chance to transfer during the main registration period. These folks couldn't complete their transfers because their names weren't on the early voters' list.
The Electoral Commission plans to reopen only specific centers where these people tried to register before. Andrew Mpesi from MEC made it clear: Show up on April 15th or lose your chance forever! The Commission won't give extra time or accept any new transfer requests during this special day.
MEC wants all political parties, independent candidates, and civil society groups to send the same people who watched the centers before. These observers need to monitor everything happening during this...
ANPPCAN Lifeline Malawi is thrilled about the new Mental Health Bill's passing. The organization believes this will help address mental health problems across the country. Deputy Country Director Henderson Mhango praised the bill for taking a human rights approach to mental health issues.
The bill stops punishing people who attempt suicide, which makes a huge difference. Research from ANPPCAN showed that earlier laws hurt rather than helped those struggling mentally. Last year saw 366 deaths from suicide, mostly affecting men. The situation demands quick action from everyone involved.
Mhango thinks passing the bill is just the first step. People need better awareness about mental health topics nationwide. Everyone should have access...
Standard Bank has thrown a huge MK10 million behind the Art in the Park event as part of their "Joy of the Arts" program. This cash boost kicks off what they promise will be many donations to help grow Malawi's arts scene. The Wildlife and Environmental Society of Malawi runs this important showcase where local artists can display their work, celebrate Malawian culture, and make money from their creations.
Organizers want to attract 1,500 visitors to this year's festival at Four Seasons in Lilongwe from May 9-11, 2025. They plan to add exciting new activities, especially for families. Artists will have chances to show their work, attend workshops, and meet art buyers and industry contacts throughout the three-day event.
The bank...
Tanzania arrested opposition leader Tundu Lissu on Wednesday after he spoke at a rally. Police brought him to court Thursday facing treason charges - which carry the death penalty. The government claims he tried to encourage rebellion during a recent speech about disrupting upcoming elections. Officials quoted him saying, "We will inspire rebellion" and "We are going to spoil this election."
Lissu runs the main opposition party, CHADEMA, and finished second in the 2020 presidential race. The court denied him a chance to enter a plea for treason but allowed him to plead not guilty to spreading false information. His lawyer called the charges political, saying Lissu was simply educating supporters during campaign activities. The...
