Gabon’s fourteenth dynasty was toppled by coup d’état, led by someone close to the ruling family. Exited by the 40-year-old dynasty, many Gabonese decided to galvanise around the coup leader as he resigned from the security service to become a presidential candidate. Those who close to power at the time of Bongo regime also decided to support him. Now that he has won an election, Oligui Nguema will be divided between the camp of those who were close to power in the past and those who were kept away from power. The future will tell how far he will go to serve the interest of the people.
One thing is clear. The lack of citizenship education in many countries in Africa is working against liberating the minds of the people to enable them to take charge of their destiny so that they will ensure that when they vote, those they vote for would exist for them rather than exist for leaders to live at their expense.
American, Senegalese and Gambian Nationals Arrested for Drug Offenses
By Louise Jobe
The Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG), has confirmed the arrest and detention of three individuals — an American citizen, a Senegalese national, and a Gambian drug dealer — in separate operations linked to narcotics trafficking across different parts of the country.
In the most high-profile of the arrests, DLEAG’s Airport Command apprehended Djenebou Kone, an American citizen and security officer residing in Kololi, at the Banjul International Airport on April 9, 2025. Kone had arrived in The Gambia from the United States via Air Maroc. Upon inspection, officers discovered 65 packages of suspected Cannabis ruderalis (commonly known as skunk) hidden in two suitcases — one white and one black — as well as in black nylon bags. She is currently in custody pending further investigation.
In a separate operation two days earlier, on April 7, 2025, DLEAG’s Amdalai post arrested Ousman Faye, a Senegalese national and welder by profession, at the Amdalai border. He was found in possession of 630 pills of ecstasy, which were concealed in a newspaper, transparent nylon wrapping, and black plastic bags. Authorities say Faye was attempting to traffic the drugs into the country and is now facing charges under The Gambia’s narcotics laws.
Meanwhile, in a different but related incident, notorious Gambian drug dealer Ousman Jatta, popularly known as Eto, was once again taken into custody. A familiar figure to anti-narcotics officers, Jatta was arrested in Brufut with 12 stones of crack cocaine along with additional quantities of cocaine. The drugs were concealed in yellow plastic bags and hidden inside the interior roof light of an ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz with registration number WCR 1113C.
Jatta has a long history with the law, having previously been arrested, charged, and convicted on multiple counts of drug possession, trafficking, and dealing. Despite past convictions, he has continued to engage in the illicit drug trade, according to DLEAG. He has since been arraigned and remanded at Mile 2 Central Prison as legal proceedings continue.
“The Agency remains resolute in ensuring that he is brought to book for his actions so that our communities remain safe, secure and drug-free,” a DLEAG spokesperson said. “We aim to protect our youth from harmful substances and ensure they grow up in an environment where they can realize their full potential.”
