By Fatou Touray
The Kuntaur Area Council is currently grappling with the unexplained and prolonged absence of its Chairperson, Saihou Jawara, who left for the United States in September 2023 for what was supposed to be a 14-day official conference. Four months have passed, and the chairman remains in the United States, causing widespread speculation and confusion.
The saga began when the CEO of the council returned to the Gambia immediately after the conference, leaving Jawara behind. When questioned by the press about his extended stay, the chairman claimed to be engaged in meetings with potential investors in the United States, exploring opportunities for various sectors within his jurisdiction.
However, concerns escalated when the council passed a resolution demanding Jawara’s return within 14 days. The deadline has since expired, and the chairman has yet to return, leaving many in the community and political circles baffled.
Reporters, seeking clarity, turned to the deputy chairman and the CEO, only to find their explanations added more confusion to the situation. Frustrated with the lack of transparency, Kerr Fatou decided to delve deeper, reaching out to sources within the Ministry of Local Government, Lands, and Religious Affairs.
According to these sources, the ministry is aware of Jawara’s absence and has sent a letter urging him to return promptly, warning that his salary could be withheld if he fails to comply. The finance team was allegedly instructed to carry out this measure, although it remains uncertain whether this directive has been implemented. Notably, the council was reportedly not copied on this communication.
Addressing the potential removal of the chairperson, sources within the ministry pointed to Section 20(1)(2) of the Local Government Act of 2002. This section outlines a political process for the removal of a chairperson, placing the responsibility squarely on the council’s shoulders. The council, according to the ministry, has the authority to pass a vote of no confidence or follow the outlined process in the Local Government Act if the chairperson is found derelict in their duties.
“If you have a chairman who is not around, you remove him. All we can do is to provide an oversight function, but it is left to the council to take steps to remove the chairman,” stated an anonymous source within the ministry.
With the ball now back in the Kuntaur Area Council’s court, Section 20(1) of the Local Government Act of 2002 specifies the grounds for removal, including abuse of office, corruption, misconduct, or physical or mental incapacity preventing the discharge of duties.
As the mystery deepens, residents and stakeholders anxiously await clarity on the fate of the absent chairperson and how the council will navigate this unprecedented situation.