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Mai Ahmad Fatty Files for Nomination

The Leader of the Gambia Moral Congress (GMC) Mai Ahmed Fatty has presented his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral Commission in Basse Mansajang in URR. Mr. Fatty is contesting for the Wuli West National Assembly seat. He told waiting journalists that he is the choice of the people. Ebrima Conteh of the GMC also presented his documents for Wuli East Constituency. Mr. Conteh said was contesting because the people of his constituency were neglected for so many years. He promised to bring development to his constituency if given the chance. Meanwhile, IEC officials handed over an acceptance receipt to Hon Alhagie H.Sowe of The Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC). 

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First Lady applaud Binti Period

The First Lady, Her Excellency Madam Fatou Bah Barrow received Binti Period, a UK based charity organisation with offices in India, US and The Gambia at her office in Banjul. Binti was leading the way to eradicate period shame whilst normalizing the menstrual conversation so that women do not suffer needlessly with menstrual health issues. The organisation conducted trainings for 100 teachers in Region 1 and 2 on menstrual education. The Chief Executive Officer and founder of the Binti Period Manjit K Gill MBE told the first lady that the trainings of teachers will be extended to all 7 Regional Education Directorates. She said the organization’s first training objective was to smash the stigma and shame attached to menstruation in line with this year’s theme for International Women’s Day2022. She also shared with the first lady Binti’s plan to introduce menstrual pads accessible to all girls in The Gambia. This will further ensure that girls do not drop out of school during puberty and instead finish their education. Manjit is also campaigning globally for the provision of period products to be available in all public places.Honourable Alagie Jawara, the National Assembly member for Lower Badibu Constituency said that Binti  signed an MOU with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to deliver and include Menstrual Health as part of its school curriculum. Baba S Touray, a representative of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education shared with the First Lady the partnership between the organization and the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.First Lady Fatou Bah Barrow thanked the team for visiting her office and promised to continue to support Binti. She applauded them for all the work they have been and continue to do in the country. First Lady said the idea of having reusable period products is welcoming as this will ensure access to period products for many girls and women.Apart from its teacher trainings Binti refurbished its adopted school, Latrikunda Yiringaya Lower Basic School including a school library, and a kitchen feeding 1500 children. It donated books worth 25, 000 pounds sterling distributed to a number of schools. Binti also constructed a building at Kerewan Health Centre in the North Bank Region.

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Lamin Waa Juwara passes away

The death has been announced of Lamin Waa Juwara, politician and former minister of local governments and lands. Mr Juwara was 78 and died at his home in Brikama after a long illness. Juwara was local government minister in the APRC administration, a Member of Parliament for the Niamina constituency and served as Divisional Commissioner in every region of the Gambia in the PPP regime. Lamin Waa Juwara was national organising secretary for the UDP before he formed his own political Party, the National Democratic Action Movement (NDAM). Juwara was arrested and detained several times during the APRC administration. He appeared before the Tuth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission and  in his testimony he said he was tortured.

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Only One aspirant appeared on Nominations Day One in CRR

Only one aspiring candidate from the lower Saloum Constituency appeared before election officials in the central river region on nomination day one. The All people's Party's Ebou K. Gaye arrived at the regional Independent electoral office to present his credentials for the April 6th National assembly elections. Gaye's nomination papers were quickly accepted, allowing IEC officials to vet his credentials pending a public scrutiny. APRC and ANRD party were also expected to present Nomination bids but the two parties didn't file any candidate in the Central River Region.After presenting his documents, Gaye told waiting journalists that he is the right candidate to represent Lower Saloum Constituency. He claimed to have the will and capacity needed for the job.

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JORDAN FACES ROBEL AGAIN

Jodan of Club Nema Saku Ham Ham  will take on Robel of Club Jabang Mbolo in mouth watering rematch Sunday 6th  March 2022, at the Serekunda West Mini Stadium. The two were made to face each other by Chart Promotions following a free style bout three years ago that Jordan won. This clarification encounter is however going to be wrestling mixed with boxing and pundits say it can go either way. This brand of wrestling that emanated in Senegal has taken foot in the Gambia which was for only free style traditional bouts. The event will feature eleven other encounters.

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IEC commences Nominations for 2022 National Assembly Elections

Aspiring candidates for the 2022 National Assembly Elections have been filing in their credentials at IEC offices across the country. With a record number of political parties, this year's polls will pose the biggest challenge to election officials. The IEC had earlier indicated that it preferred the ballot paper to the traditional marble currently being used. This is mainly due to the huge logistical arrangements for ballot drums and marbles.Several outgoing national members have either pulled out of the race or replaced by their parties.  The NPP and the UDP are likely to fill in the most candidates this year. Many aspiring independent candidates have also emerged partly as a result of a split in the APRC. Other aspirants run on the independent ticket after failing to get the backing of major political parties.

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UNIVERSITY OF THE GAMBIA GRADUATES 1,134 STUDENTS IN 14TH CONVOCATION

The University of The Gambia has graduated 1,134 students in its 14th convocation ceremony. The event was presided over by Gambia’s President Adama Barrow who also the chancellor of the University of the Gambia.Abdourahman Barry graduated as the overall best student [valedictorian] with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (Summa Cum Laude).Other recipients of awards included Juldeh Jallow who won a goal medal as she came out as the overall best graduating student with BSc in Chemistry [Summa Cum Laude]. Saikou Jeng won silver with BSc in Economics [Summa Cum Laude] and Paul Sanyang BSc in Mathematics [Summa Cum Laude] with bronze. In the field of Medicine, Victoria Alex came out as the most outstanding student, followed by Muhammed Gaye and Adama Sumbunu third.In Mathematics, Abdourahman Barry [valedictorian] was the overall best graduating student with BSc in Mathematics [Summa Cum Laude], Cherno H. Barry came out second BSc in Mathematics [Summa Cum Laude] and Bunja Komma won bronze with BSc in Mathematics [Summa Cum Laude].Presiding over the ceremony, the chancellor of the University of The Gambia H.E Adama Barrow said the University of The Gambia has been contributing greatly to national development as it continues to produce graduates serving at various government and private institutions. The president further reiterated his governments' commitment to ensuring quality improves at the institute. Professor Herbert Robinson who was appointed the vice-chancellor of the University of The Gambia on 4th January 2022, in his first convocation address, assured the graduates of the University's continuous support. The vice-chancellor further said he is ready to build on the foundation laid by his predecessors.This 14th convocation ceremony means the University of The Gambia now graduated 8,610 students since its establishment in 1999. Eight GRTS staff also graduate this year.

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FISHERIES OPERATORS TAKE ACTION TO PROTECTI GAMBIA'S FISHERIES RESOURCES

Fisheries experts are projecting that the Gambia risks the extinction of her limited marine resources unless and until strong legal instruments are put in place for effective regulation. The concern prompted a round table discussion of the national association of fisheries operators and key players in the fisheries industry. The convergence is aimed at creating awareness on the fisheries act and legal instruments to ensure effective protection of marine resources. The president of the association Fatou Pierre Choye outlined the necessity of the gathering, and underscored strategies needed to regulate the sector. The representative from the department of fisheries explained the unprecedented exploitation of fisheries resources. He attributed it to the absence of inappropriate legal instruments in place to ensure sustainable management of marine resources. The officials reviewed the legal fisheries instrument and act making them appropriate for the sustainability of fisheries resources  

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More Pfizer vaccine arrive in The Gambia

The United States government has donated over 100,000 Pfizer vaccine to the Gambia to help vaccinate more people against covid-19. The consignment was received by the minister of health Dr Ahmadou Lamin Samateh at the Banjul international airport. This the latest consignment of vaccines donated by the US government. The deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Banjul said the vaccine has been proven safe for use against covid-19. The WHO and UNICEF country representatives, Dr Desta Tiruneh and Gardon Jonathan Lewis applaud the supply of vaccines especially in Africa which is said to have the lowest vaccination coverage. The diplomats said there is need to increase the vaccination coverage in the Gambia as supply is no longer an issue. The Minister of Ahmadou Lamin Samateh said the Pfeizer vaccine can now be stored in the country and disclosed that over 20 percent of the population has been vaccinated. He said covid-19 cases and mortality have gone down, and warned that COVID is still present and requires safety measures.  

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GAMBIA BEACH VOLLEYBALL TEAM RANKED TOP IN AFRICA

Gambia beach volleyball male team of Sainey Jawo and Mbye Babou Jarra are ranked first in Africa and 92nd in the world in the latest FIVB ranking. This is the first time for any Gambian team in any sporting discipline to top any ranking in the continent. Qatar based Sainey Jawo and Mbye Babou Jarra are the Champions of African games and bronze medallist of CAVB continental cup finals. The two will represent The Gambia in the Commonwealth Games beach volleyball qualifiers in Ghana later this month.Abie Kujabie, the most capped female beach volleyball player, will pair with debutant Anna Marie Bojang, for the Gambia in the volleyball 2 aside competition. Anna had represented The Gambia at the World beach games 4 aside beach volleyball in Qatar in 2019.The Commonwealth Games beach volleyball qualifiers will be held in Accra, Ghana from March 25th to 29th 2022. The winner will qualify to the Commonwealth Games Birmingham 2022 in July.  

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FSQA sensitises policy makers on CODEX Alimentarius

The vice president Dr. Isatou Touray took part in a high level sensitization workshop for policy makers on codex Alimentarious held at the sir Dawda conference center in Bijilo. Codex Alimentarious is the body responsible for the development of international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice.  The sensitization workshop aims to ensure international acceptance of food in terms of safety and quality to ensure fair trade practices.Public concern over food safety puts CODEX at the centre of global debates and has far reaching implications in resolving trade disputes. The Gambia has applied for Codex Trust Fund II based on the assessment of the existing Codex situation.   

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Gambian cares for dozens of orphans in Kinshasha, DRC.

Kinshasa, a city of nearly 20 million inhabitants, one man from The Gambia is making a difference. Bouna Batchilly, a native of Garawol who arrived in the DRC nearly 30 years ago to search for greener pastures was moved by the plight of children in this huge and bustling city. Bouna singlehandedly adopted over 500 abandoned children and orphans, through his foundation, giving them hope and a future.Many of them have now traveled to Europe, the US and Middle East. For him giving back to a country that gave him so much gives him great personal satisfaction. As he beams with happiness and satisfaction, Bouna believes every child deserves an opportunity to realise their potential. Nearly 30 years running the foundation, Bouna has won praise from several humanitarian organisations and embassies in Kinshasa who often render help. There are currently more than 30 children living with him, cared for by his wife and staff employed by the foundation. His efforts have drawn admiration from the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Gambians Abroad Dr Mamadou Tangara who visited the orphanage accompanied by the Secretary General and head of the civil service Noah Touray and the Honorary Consul Ansumana Tunkara.  Bouna is also the President of the Gambia Association in Kinshasa, working with likeminded Gambians to promote the interests and welfare of the community in Congo. His wish is to leave a legacy in the Congo, and believes that Gambians wherever they are exhibit that humane spirit of love, care and solidarity.  

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2026 COMMONWEALTH GAMES OPEN IN GLASGOW AS TEAM GAMBIA JOINS PARADE OF NATIONS 

The 2026 Commonwealth Games officially got underway in Glasgow, with Team Gambia joining athletes from 74 nations and territories at a spectacular opening ceremony at the Hydro.His Majesty King Charles III formally declared the Games open, alongside Queen Camilla, in front of thousands of spectators.In a surprise entrance, King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived from the iconic TARDIS to cheers from the crowd inside the Hydro.The ceremony celebrated Scotland’s culture with music, dance, and stunning visual displays. Glasgow’s heritage was honoured through performances by Scottish artists, while the Scottish Baton made its final journey before being presented to the King.Athletes from all 74 Commonwealth nations and territories took part in the Parade of Nations.Among them was Team Gambia, proudly marching alongside more than 3,000 athletes set to compete in 10 sports and six Para sports over the next 10 days.For The Gambia, the ceremony marks the start of another opportunity for its athletes to compete on the international stage and inspire supporters back home.Officially declaring the Games open, King Charles welcomed the Commonwealth family to Glasgow and praised the city for hosting the event for the fourth time.Competition now begins as athletes chase medals and national pride in what promises to be 10 days of sport across Glasgow. 

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VP JALLOW OPENS ATAF MASTER CLASS IN BANJUL, URGES STRONGER DOMESTIC RESOURCE MOBILISATION 

The Vice President, Mohammed B.S. Jallow, on Wednesday officially opened the African Tax Administration Forum in Banjul on behalf of President Adama Barrow.Tax administrators from across the continent gathered for the 7th Heads of Tax Administrations Master Class to discuss ways to strengthen revenue collection in Africa.Delegates came from different countries with diverse legal systems and institutional backgrounds, but share a common goal: to strengthen Africa’s capacity to mobilise domestic resources to improve lives.Delivering the President’s statement, Vice President Jallow said domestic resource mobilisation has been a central pillar of The Gambia’s national development agenda.“Since the inception of my administration in 2017, domestic resource mobilisation has featured prominently on The Gambia’s national development agenda,” he said. “This strategic focus is informed by the growing realisation that African governments cannot achieve sustainable prosperity, economic resilience, and true sovereignty by relying indefinitely on external loans, grants, and development assistance.”The Vice President noted that African economies have faced devastating calamities, global supply chain disruptions, and uncertainties arising from conflicts around the world. He said that these challenges have forced many countries to undertake major reforms to modernise their revenue administration, and that The Gambia has been a beneficiary of those reforms.“Today, The Gambia is reaping the benefits of these reforms through improved efficiency, enhanced transparency, stronger revenue performance, and increased domestic resources to support our national development aspirations,” he said.Vice President Jallow also commended the leadership of the Gambia Revenue Authority, saying it reflects the theme of the Master Class.“The Commissioner General’s leadership stature stands as a practical example of the theme of this Master Class, that great institutions are built by leaders who have the courage to embrace change and the determination to see it through,” he said.For his part, the Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority, Yankuba Darboe, said the Master Class has been a source of inspiration for his leadership.“When I say this Master Class has had a profound impact on my own leadership journey. Since the launch of this initiative, I have had the privilege of participating in several editions, often accompanied by my Deputy Commissioner General,” Darboe said. “Every year, we return home with new ideas, fresh perspectives, and practical lessons from fellow Commissioners General who have faced challenges similar to those confronting us in The Gambia.”After the deliberations in Banjul, the tax administrators are expected to leave with renewed strategies to combat base erosion, profit shifting, and illicit financial flows that deprive Africa of much-needed development resources.Participants of the 2026 ATAF Master Class are also expected to adopt a communique outlining key recommendations for tax administration across the continent.

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PRESIDENT BARROW JOINS ECOWAS LEADERS TO INAUGURATE JULIUS MAADA BIO INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE IN SIERRA LEONE

On the eve of the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Sierra Leone inaugurated a state-of-the-art International Convention Centre named after President Julius Maada Bio on Saturday.The inauguration ceremony in Lungi was attended by several sub-regional leaders, with His Excellency Adama Barrow attending as Special Guest of Honour.The new facility is being hailed as a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s modernisation drive.President Barrow arrived at Lungi International Airport Saturday morning to join other West African leaders for the ECOWAS Summit.  He was received by Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, who escorted him through airport formalities reserved for visiting Heads of State.The two leaders held a brief tête-à-tête in the VIP lounge before President Barrow was driven to the nearby convention centre.Located a few metres from the International Airport, the Julius Maada Bio International Convention Centre is one of several infrastructure projects undertaken by the Bio administration to position Sierra Leone as a hub for sub-regional, continental, and global diplomacy.The ceremony was attended by Heads of State, ECOWAS officials, and other dignitaries.In his remarks, President Barrow praised President Bio for the ambitious initiative, describing it as a testament to visionary leadership.“One can safely and boldly conclude that it is a testament to the visionary leadership and statesmanship of President Bio. No wonder the centre proudly bears his name,” President Barrow said.  “This edifice vividly symbolises what is attainable when leaders dedicate their lives to their nations and toil not only for the present, but also for generations to come.”President Barrow noted the special significance of the occasion for The Gambia.“For The Gambia, the occasion carries unique significance. Sierra Leone and The Gambia are bound not merely by geography and membership of ECOWAS, but equally by a shared history marked by resilience, resourcefulness, and an unwavering commitment to democracy, peace, and regional integration,” he said.He added that the new convention centre will create opportunities for Sierra Leone and position the country as a hub for diplomacy, dialogue, and investment.“A convention centre of such magnificence is more than a physical structure. It is a public space to generate and share ideas, knowledge, and expertise. It is an avenue for constructive diplomacy, a venue for commerce, and a platform from which Africans can present their viewpoints to the world with dignity,” President Barrow stated.“I am confident that the centre will host insightful dialogues to influence our region’s future, moderate negotiations for our shared prosperity, and hold many celebrations of success.”The President reassured Sierra Leone of The Gambia’s pride in the achievement and urged both countries to continue working together to transform their nations.President Barrow later joined his host and fellow leaders from Senegal, Ghana, Mauritania, Cabo Verde, and Liberia to cut the ribbon and officially open the Julius Maada Bio International Convention Centre.For President Bio, the inauguration marked a proud moment as Sierra Leone welcomed ECOWAS leaders for the 69th Ordinary Session.

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PRESIDENT BARROW RECEIVES ATAF DELEGATION, HAILED AS MODEL FOR TAX REFORMS

President Adama Barrow on Thursday received officials attending the annual African Tax Administration Forum Masterclass at State House.The delegation was led by the Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority, Yankuba Darboe, who briefed the President on the objectives and outcomes of the three-day meeting in Banjul. The Masterclass brought together tax administrators from across Africa to deliberate on tax administration, revenue collection, and the challenges and opportunities facing the continent.Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Commissioner General Darboe described the engagement as "very productive," noting that discussions centred on tax administration, revenue collection, and common challenges facing authorities in Africa.He commended President Barrow for the government’s support to GRA’s reforms, which he said have transformed revenue collection in The Gambia over the last 10 years.“As a result of these reforms, revenue collection has increased significantly. We have moved from collecting D3 billion in one year to now collecting D3 billion in one month,” Darboe said.The Executive Secretary of ATAF, Mary Baine, commended President Barrow for receiving the delegation. She said ATAF wants him to champion the call for stronger and more resilient tax administration systems across Africa, drawing on The Gambia’s model.The Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of ATAF also praised The Gambia for its political will and commitment to financing development through domestic revenue. They described the approach as more sustainable, noting that Africa cannot continue to depend on external financing for its development needs.The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy Keita, congratulated the GRA for hosting a successful ATAF Masterclass. He said the event is a vote of confidence in The Gambia’s tax administration system, which continues to serve as a model for others on the continent.The meeting was attended by senior tax administration officials and experts who are using the forum to strategise the way forward for tax administration and revenue mobilisation in Africa. 

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PRESIDENT BARROW CALLS FOR STRONGER ECOWAS UNITY TO TACKLE SECURITY AND CLIMATE CHALLENGES

The President, Adama Barrow, has called for stronger regional solidarity to confront terrorism, violent extremism, climate change, and other pressing challenges facing West Africa.President Barrow made the call on Saturday at the opening of the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Leaders at the summit pledged to accelerate efforts toward a fully integrated West Africa.The meeting is being described as a historic moment for ECOWAS as the bloc refocuses on democracy, good governance, security, trade, and infrastructure.ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray said the summit provides a historic opportunity for leaders to deliver on their pledge to integrate the sub-region into a single bloc capable of addressing shared challenges.He described ECOWAS as a critical platform for dialogue, regional cooperation, and democratic consolidation.Dr. Touray also expressed gratitude to President Barrow for supporting his candidature four years ago, which led to his appointment as President of the Commission.Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, said the summit calls for reflection on the past and future of the organization.He noted that the world is undergoing profound changes and increased competition for resources, and urged ECOWAS to adapt to remain relevant and competitive."West Africa carries greater weight when it speaks with one voice," President Bio said.President Barrow reiterated the need for concerted sub-regional action on terrorism, violent extremism, and climate change, warning that these threats require urgent attention.On The Gambia, President Barrow thanked ECOWAS for its support during the country’s transition. He reassured the bloc that his government will conduct a free, fair, and credible election in December.He also reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to regional integration and to ECOWAS institutions.At the close of the summit, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye succeeded President Bio as Chairman of ECOWAS. He will lead the bloc for the next two years.Dr. Touray also concluded his four-year term as President of the ECOWAS Commission. He thanked leaders for their support during what he described as a "very tough and challenging" period.

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THE GAMBIA CHAIRS 121ST OACPS COUNCIL OF MINISTERS IN BRUSSELS

The Gambia Chaired the 121st Council of Ministers of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), 15-16 July 2026, Brussels.The Council of Ministers, being the decision-making body of the 79 Member States of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), held its 121st Session in Brussels from 15th -16th July 2026. Over 200 delegates, including 25 Ministers of Finance, Trade and Economic Development, were in attendance, with Honourable Seedy K.M. Keita, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs of the Republic of The Gambia, chairing in his capacity as President of Council. In his opening statement, Hon. Minister Keita underscored that the strength of the OACPS lies in the common identity and shared cultural values that unite its Member States across three continents. He reaffirmed the Organisation’s collective vision of improving the lives of its peoples through economic transformation, increased trade and investment, a stronger private sector, and improved opportunities for youths and women.Hon. Seedy K.M Keita also called on Member States to maintain the momentum generated by the Malabo Summit by providing the political leadership and ownership necessary to implement the decisions of the Heads of State and Government. He further emphasised the importance of strengthening the Organisation’s governance system, financial sustainability and institutional effectiveness.Key achievements during The Gambia’s Presidency include the successful convening of the 11th Summit of Heads of State and Government in Malabo, the adoption of the Malabo Declaration and its Implementation Matrix and the progress made in advancing the OACPS Transformation Agenda.Honourable Justice Veronic Wright, The Gambia’s candidate for election as a Judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC), had the singular opportunity to present her candidature to the Council of Ministers for their support.

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