Hijab Beauty with Brains! Meet Alkamba Native who joined the US Air Force! Khadijah Ceesay, a Gambian-born American and native of Alkamba, made history by becoming a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. She becomes the first female officer from The Gambia to enlist in the U.S. Air Force, overcoming the challenges associated with a male-dominated field. Congratulations to 2nd Lieutenant Ceesay on her notable achievement.

𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐭𝐬 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚 via @TheAlkambaTimes

Eagles Rout Chiefs to Win Super Bowl LIX! The Philadelphia Eagles delivered a commanding performance in Super Bowl LIX, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs with a final score of 40-22. The Eagles showcased their dominance from the outset, controlling the game offensively and defensively. The Eagles' top-ranked defense effectively shut down Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, limiting his effectiveness and forcing multiple turnovers. This victory marks the Eagles' first Super Bowl title since 2018, highlighting their resurgence as a formidable force in the league. The Eagles' comprehensive win underscores their strength and resilience. They celebrated a decisive championship victory over the defending champions, the Kansas City Chiefs.

Here is the latest update on twin Robbery incidents! POLICE INVESTIGATE ALLEGED ARMED ROBBERY IN BANJUL AND PROVIDE UPDATE ON ACCESS BANK CASE DATE: February 9, 2025 The Gambia Police Force has made significant progress in its investigation into a recent armed robbery in Banjul, leading to the arrests of the suspects and ongoing efforts to bring all perpetrators to justice. A case of armed robbery was reported at the Banjul Police Station involving an attack on El Hella Shop, located on Hegan Street, Banjul, at approximately 09:08 hrs. The complainant, Muhammed Seedy Hydra of Brikama, stated that he had traveled to Banjul with D1,245,000.00 and 1,650,000.00 CFA to purchase goods. Upon arrival, he noticed a BMW, ash in color, with no number plate, parked opposite the shop. Moments after entering, two armed individuals stormed the shop, held him at gunpoint, and forcefully took the cash before fleeing the scene. Following the robbery, the suspects abandoned the vehicle in Banjul and used a commercial vehicle to escape to Sting Corner, where they divided the stolen money. Through intensive investigations, police arrested the suspects. Ousainou Jobarteh, an Ivorian national residing in Busumbala, was apprehended in the early morning of Sunday, February 9, 2025. Officers recovered D70,250 and 465,000 CFA from him. During interrogation, he admitted to conspiring with Abdoulie Jallow, a 24-year-old resident of Barra, and used his BMW with registration number BJL 4871B to execute the operation. He further disclosed that Amadou Wurry Jallow, a mechanic, was instructed to drive the vehicle out of Banjul for maintenance and repainting to conceal evidence. The vehicle was later identified and intercepted at Bond Road at about 21:00 hrs. Later that day, police arrested Abdoulie Jallow along with his girlfriend, Bella James, at Serekunda Villa around 16:30 GMT. During the search, officers recovered D198,000 from Jallow. Additionally, his Wave account contained D24,000, but no CFA currency was recovered from him. After the operation, the stolen money was divided among the suspects. Ousainou Jobarteh admitted to entrusting D70,250 and 465,000 CFA to his wife, Tida Nyang, while giving her an additional D3,000 for personal use. He further revealed that he handed over D304,000 to Odile Secka, a female resident of Banjul, bringing the total money entrusted to third parties to D377,250 and 465,000 CFA. In a separate case, authorities in Guinea-Bissau have arrested Ansu Jarju, a Gambian national, in connection with the Access Bank robbery in Brusubi. The suspect has been handed over to The Gambia Police Force through security bilateral, to ensure his swift extradition and prosecution. Police have recovered firearms and other incriminating evidence, further strengthening the case against the arrested individuals. Investigators are working to determine whether the suspects are linked to other armed robberies in the country. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The Gambia Police Force commends its officers for their swift and decisive action and reassures the public of its commitment to maintaining law and order. Please note that this is an ongoing investigation, further updates on progress of the investigation will be provided as and when available.

DLEAG Weekly Report: 28 Arrests and Seizure of Over 120,000 Ecstasy Pills via @TheAlkambaTimes

Op-ed: Youth As Migration Commodities: What are the intended and unintended consequences of Gambia’s Circular migration agreements with Spain and Saudi? via @TheAlkambaTimes

In the CRR, which has a population exceeding 226,000, there are only seven major health centers, 12 minor health centers, and 396 village health posts. The URR, with approximately 182,000 residents, faces similar circumstances. However, these facilities’ ability to meet the needs of the dispersed and remote population is limited. The shortage of equipment, medicine, and qualified staff further complicates the situation. While these health centers are intended to provide necessary medical care, they often fall short of meeting expectations. Rural areas, hindered by inadequate infrastructure and a lack of trained healthcare workers, struggle to keep pace with urban centers such as Banjul and the Western region, which receive the bulk of medical resources and attention. A Daily Struggle for Health Care Access to healthcare in rural regions of The Gambia, such as the Central River Region (CRR) and Upper River Region (URR), presents significant challenges for the residents. The journey to the nearest clinic or hospital can be arduous and costly, particularly for those in critical need, such as women in labor. Reliance on basic transportation means, like donkey carts, and poor road conditions, especially during the rainy season, exacerbate the situation. Healthcare centers in these areas often face resource constraints and lack essential medicines and equipment. Facilities like Bansang Hospital in CRR and Basse Hospital in URR are overwhelmed and struggling to meet the rural population’s healthcare demands. A shortage of qualified healthcare professionals further complicates this situation.

TAT Exclusive: Health Crisis in Rural Gambia: A Battle for Survival via @TheAlkambaTimes

Namibia's Founding Father Sam Nujoma Passes Away at 95 Sam Nujoma, revered as Namibia's 'founding father' and a significant architect of the nation's democracy, has died at the age of 95. Nujoma, who played a pivotal role in Namibia’s struggle for independence, is survived by his wife and children. He was admitted to a hospital in the Namibian capital of Windhoek three weeks ago for treatment, where he remained under observation. Despite medical efforts, he ultimately succumbed to his illness. Nujoma's contributions to Namibia's political landscape have left a lasting legacy, and his passing marks the end of an era for the nation.

Kagame Defiant at EAC/SADC Summit: "Nobody Can Tell Us to Shut Up" on DRC Crisis At the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) joint summit, Rwandan President Paul Kagame took a firm stance against criticism from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), asserting Rwanda's right to address the ongoing security issues at its borders. "DRC cannot just tell us to keep quiet when they are mounting a security problem against our country. Nobody can tell us to shut up," Kagame stated emphatically. He highlighted a history of unheeded pleas from Rwanda to the DRC, urging them to tackle the brewing ethnic tensions and human rights issues within their borders which have spillover effects into Rwanda. Kagame criticized the cycle of unproductive meetings, saying, "Let us not just have another meeting like the many we have had. We can’t go on forever massaging problems." He described the situation in DRC as an "ethnic war" that has been long in the making, accusing the DRC of both denying people's rights and instigating conflict. He refuted any notion that Rwanda instigated the conflict, claiming, "This war was started by DRC and not anything from Rwanda. It was just brought and put on our shoulders and we were told to own it. We can’t own it. There is no question about it." Kagame called for a serious approach to the summit, advocating for a resolution that acknowledges the underlying issues and works towards a lasting peace rather than temporary appeasement. "Let us use this meeting in a manner that will put into account all these matters seriously, and find a lasting solution," he concluded, urging for immediate and impactful actions from the regional bodies.

Celebrating the Academic Achievements of Aminata Jaiteh: A Champion for Gender Equality! Aminata Jaiteh stands as a remarkable example of dedication to gender equality advocacy, boasting over seven years of experience in this critical field. Her grassroots activism has made a significant impact in The Gambia and beyond, where she has collaborated with The Girls’ Agenda on substantial projects funded by international donors such as UNFPA, AmplifyChange, Global Fund for Women, and UNICEF. Through these initiatives, Aminata has focused on investing in girls' leadership and education, advocating for the eradication of gender-based violence, and promoting societal changes that protect the rights of women and girls. In 2023, her exemplary contributions to the women's rights movement earned her the prestigious Chevening Scholarship, a UK government initiative aimed at empowering global change-makers. This opportunity allowed her to pursue a Master’s degree in Gender and Development at the University of Sussex. Aminata's thesis, which explored the scope of inclusive education policies in Africa with a particular emphasis on girls with disabilities and their access to education in The Gambia, underscores her commitment to addressing critical issues in gender equality. Today, Aminata proudly celebrates her achievements as a Spirit of Sussex (Gold) Awardee, recognizing her impactful contributions to student social life and extracurricular activism. As a Chevening Alumna and a Gender and Development Expert from one of the world’s leading institutes for development studies, her journey is an inspiring narrative of determination and advocacy in pursuing gender equity.

CGI President Calls for Elimination of Trade Barriers Between Gambia and Senegal via @TheAlkambaTimes

President Trump Announces Revocation of Security Clearances for Joe Biden In a surprising development, President Donald Trump announced that his administration is moving to revoke the security clearances of former President Joe Biden. This decision significantly escalates the political tensions between the Trump administration and Biden. President Trump declared, "We are immediately revoking Joe Biden’s security clearances.” The move is seen as unprecedented, given Biden's long history in government service and his previous access to highly sensitive information. The revocation of security clearances for former officials is typically rare, often reserved for situations involving national security concerns. However, the administration has not publicly detailed the specific reasons behind this decision. As of now, Joe Biden or his campaign have not officially responded to the announcement. The development has sparked widespread discussion and analysis among political commentators and experts, raising questions about its implications for national security and the political landscape.

The Spain-Gambia Circular Migration Agreement, designed to offer employment opportunities for Gambian youths in Spain, is being scrutinized due to concerns over the Gambian government’s transparency. While Spain has been clear about the program’s structure, many Gambian youths remain unaware of critical details, leading to confusion and unrealistic expectations. Yahya Sonko, Co-Founder of the Gambia European Center for Jobs, Migration, and Development Agency in Stuttgart, expressed concerns about the government’s failure to communicate the program’s limitations adequately.

Spain-Gambia Circular Migration Agreement Faces Criticism Over Lack of Transparency via @TheAlkambaTimes

The Final Take with MK is Back after a short break! Guest: Madi Jobarteh, Executive Director of the Edward Francis Small Center for Rights and Justice Topic: President Barrow's Third Term Ambition and Gambia @60 Diamond Jubilee: An Examination of Independence. In this episode, MK will engage with Madi Jobarteh to explore the implications of President Barrow's ambition for a third term in office, alongside the reflections on Gambia's 60th Diamond Jubilee.

"Heartbreaking Tragedy": Gambian Migration Activist Ebrima Drammeh Responds to Migrant Deaths off Mauritanian Coast! In a tragic incident, nine lifeless bodies of migrants were discovered in the sea off the coast of Nouadhibou, Mauritania, as they attempted to reach the Canary Islands. Official sources confirmed that the deaths resulted from a shipwreck, though details regarding the date of the accident or the total number of individuals on board remain unspecified. The discovery of nine lifeless bodies of migrants has raised concerns about the nationalities of those involved in the tragic shipwreck. While official details about the accident remain sparse, sources suggest that the deceased may include migrants from The Gambia, Senegal, and Mauritania. The deceased were laid to rest in the local city cemetery, with members of the Malian and Senegalese communities present to offer prayers for their souls. Gambian migration activist Ebrima Drammeh expressed his sorrow over the incident: "This heartbreaking tragedy is a stark reminder of the perilous journeys migrants endure in search of better opportunities. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families affected by this loss." The incident highlights the ongoing risks migrants face in their quest for safety and prosperity, underscoring the need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of migration. A viewer's discretion advice for the photo.

TAT Inspiring Quote of the Day!

After earning her undergraduate degree, Dr. Barrow briefly worked as a biotechnologist at Cargill. However, she soon realized that she wanted to return to academic research and further her studies. Within six months of starting a research program, her advisor encouraged her to apply for a Ph.D. program. “I was fascinated by how understanding the underlying causes of diseases is fundamental to developing treatments,” she explains. Dr. Barrow’s current research focuses on the immune system’s role in MASH, a disease that affects nearly 38% of the global population and has no approved treatment. She was drawn to this area of study because of its widespread impact and the urgent need for solutions. “The immune system is meant to protect us, yet it can sometimes contribute to disease progression. I wanted to understand why and how we could intervene,” she says. Publishing in scientific journals is no easy task, but Dr. Barrow has successfully authored several research papers in top journals. She explains that research requires patience, persistence, and resilience. Many experiments fail multiple times before yielding results, but each setback is a learning opportunity. “Many experiments don’t work the first time—or even the tenth time—but each failure is a lesson that refines the approach,” she reflects. Her hard work has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship, which provided financial support for her research. “These fellowships validated the significance of my work and fuelled my motivation,” she says. Beyond her research, Dr. Barrow has taken on leadership roles in student organizations, helping to create spaces for international students and African scholars in STEM. These experiences have helped her develop leadership and advocacy skills, allowing her to support students facing similar challenges. “It taught me how to communicate effectively and think strategically about how programs can support the next generation of researchers,” she explains. Being an international student in STEM is not always easy. Dr. Barrow has faced financial struggles, self-doubt, and the reality of often being the only Black woman in the room. However, she remained focused, leaned on her mentors, and reminded herself that she had worked hard to earn her place.

TAT Women in STEM: US-Based Gambian Scientist Dr. Fanta Barrow Makes Great Strides in STEM via @TheAlkambaTimes @fanta_barrow

In a candid press conference on Wednesday, January 5th, former presidential aspirant and Social Democrats leader Marie Sock voiced her concerns over President Adama Barrow’s intention to seek a third term in the upcoming 2026 election. Despite the current Constitution’s lack of term limits, Sock urged President Barrow to step down to safeguard his integrity and legacy. Sock argued that pursuing another term could jeopardize President Barrow’s dignity and respect as a former leader. She cautioned him against taking advantage of the Gambian people’s support and warned that those encouraging him to run might not have his or the nation’s best interests at heart. “They are not there for you, nor for Gambians,” Sock stated, drawing parallels with former presidents Sir Dawda Jawara and Yahya Jammeh, who faced similar circumstances. She suggested that the people surrounding President Barrow might be manipulating him for their gain rather than strengthening his party. Sock reminded President Barrow of his predecessor’s fate, who is currently in exile. ” You also want to go into exile?” she asked, emphasizing the importance of considering life after the presidency. She urged President Barrow to critically assess his advisors and their motivations, suggesting that he and his family would ultimately bear the responsibility and consequences.