AGP Executive Report

WAEC Leadership Change: Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut has been appointed WAEC’s new Registrar and CEO for a five-year term (Oct 2026–Sept 2031), succeeding Alhaji Pateh Bah of The Gambia, with a background in exam administration and digital reforms like Computer-Based WASSCE and digital marking. Tourism & Public Life: The Gambia Tourism Board faces backlash after suspending beach parties, concerts and festivals in the Tourism Development Area, while the DG says safety concerns and investigations are underway after videos of attacks on visitors. Regional Culture & Diplomacy: Guinea-Bissau marked its 53rd independence anniversary in The Gambia with a reception in Bijilo, highlighting shared ties and upcoming elections. Education & Rights: Minister Sarah Al Amiri joined a Geneva Human Rights Council event on girls’ right to education, stressing safe, inclusive, quality learning for at least 12 years. Migration & Community Impact: The Gambia’s appointment as Non-Permanent Co-Chair of the Global Alliance for the Missing (GAM) puts missing persons linked to migration on the international agenda—calling for stronger action at home.

GFA Football Politics: Ghana’s Black Stars slump is fueling fresh calls for accountability, with NPP and NDC both accused of turning football governance into party politics after defeats to Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia. Education & Gender Rights: In Geneva, Gambia’s Minister of Education Sarah Al Amiri joined a high-level event on girls’ right to education, urging safe, inclusive, equitable learning so every girl can complete at least 12 years. Regional Exams Leadership: WAEC appointed Nigerian Dr Amos Josiah Dangut as Registrar/CEO for a five-year term (Oct 2026–Sept 2031), succeeding Alhaji Pateh Bah of The Gambia. Tourism Safety & Culture: Gambia Tourism Board officials raised alarms over attacks on visitors in the Tourism Development Area and said investigations are underway, while GTBoard’s beach-party and entertainment suspension faces pushback from rights advocates. Missing Persons Diplomacy: The Gambia takes on a two-year co-chair role on the Global Alliance for the Missing, aiming to strengthen information-sharing and support for families affected by disappearances during migration.

Education & Regional Leadership: WAEC has appointed Nigerian education administrator Dr Amos Josiah Dangut as its new Registrar/CEO for a five-year term (Oct 2026–Sept 2031), succeeding Alhaji Pateh Bah of The Gambia, with the role confirmed after ratification at WAEC’s Accra meeting in March 2026. Girls’ Education (Global, with Gambia link): Minister Sarah Al Amiri joined a high-level Geneva event marking the 12th anniversary of the UN Human Rights Council resolution on girls’ right to education, urging safe, inclusive, equitable learning for every girl. Tourism & Safety in The Gambia: The Gambia Tourism Board raised alarm over security after attacks on visitors in the Tourism Development Area, launching investigations and warning violators will face action under Gambian law. Tourism Policy Pushback: Activists and stakeholders are questioning GTBoard’s suspension of beach parties, concerts and festivals in the TDA, arguing the board must clearly explain the threats and assessments behind the decision. Missing Persons (International role): The Gambia was named Non-Permanent Co-Chair of the Global Alliance for the Missing (GAM), starting Oct 1, 2026, with a call for real action at home and abroad. Culture & Community (Diaspora): Bradford’s BRAVE event is set to bring live music, dance, drumming and workshops celebrating Black roots and voices, including Gambian dance.

Tourism & Safety: The Gambia Tourism Board says it’s investigating attacks on visitors in the Tourism Development Area after disturbing videos circulated online, warning violators will face action and urging the public to report threats. Missing Persons & Migration: The Gambia has been named Non-Permanent Co-Chair of the Global Alliance for the Missing, a role starting Oct 1 that could strengthen information-sharing and support for families affected by disappearances during migration. Local Politics & Debate: Change Front will unveil its 100-page manifesto “The Salvation” on Friday in Kanifing, covering healthcare, education, agriculture, security, energy, local government, gender and diaspora priorities. Culture & Community Tech: Mozilla Festival returns to Barcelona (Oct 28–30) under the “Wilding” theme, spotlighting community-led technology and creative activism. Sports & Identity: Gambia coach Jonathan McKinstry credits Ghanaian football culture for The Gambia’s 4-2 AFCON qualifier comeback, while Ghana’s football leadership faces renewed calls for resignation amid the fallout. Democracy Watch: International IDEA says The Gambia’s democratic performance has improved since 2017, with gains in credible elections, integrity and freedom of expression.

Tourism & Safety: GTBoard DG Ida Jeng-Njie says it’s investigating attacks on visitors in the Tourism Development Area, warning violators will face action, while the Board’s earlier beach-party and entertainment suspension has drawn pushback from human rights activist Madi Jobarteh over unclear security reasons. Missing Persons: The Gambia becomes Non-Permanent Co-Chair of the Global Alliance for the Missing (GAM), starting Oct 1, with a chance to turn migration experience into better information-sharing and support for families. Democracy Watch: International IDEA reports The Gambia’s democratic performance has improved since 2017, citing credible elections, integrity, security, and freedom of expression ahead of the Dec 2026 presidential vote. Football Culture: Ghana’s Black Stars crisis deepens after a 4-2 home loss to The Gambia; Ghana figures including Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe renew calls for GFA President Kurt Okraku to resign, while Gambia coach Jonathan McKinstry credits Ghanaian football culture knowledge for the comeback. Education & Language: MoBSE plans to teach early learners in local languages (Mandinka, Pulaar, Wolof, Manjaku, Serer, Jola, Sarahule) to boost literacy and numeracy. Politics & Unity: Opposition supporters in the UK call for reconciliation between UDP and Unite ahead of the 2026 election, arguing unity could strengthen their front.

Gambia–Ghana Football Culture: The Gambia’s head coach Jonathan McKinstry says his side’s 4-2 comeback win over Ghana in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers wasn’t a surprise, crediting his deep familiarity with Ghanaian football culture and the Black Stars’ likely reaction after going 2-2. GFA Leadership Pressure: Former Ghana FA chair Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe renewed calls for Kurt Okraku to resign after Ghana’s poor start, including the home loss to The Gambia. Education in Local Languages: The Gambia moves to teach in local languages at nursery and primary level, rolling out a structured foundational learning programme using Mandinka, Pulaar, Wolof, Manjaku, Serer, Jola and Sarahule. Democracy & Elections: International IDEA says The Gambia’s democratic performance has improved since 2017, while peace negotiator Dr Muhammad Ibn Chambas urges political actors to compete with ideas, not violence, ahead of the December 2026 presidential election. Power & Daily Life: A report highlights how electricity outages are disrupting clinics, schools, businesses and even life-saving oxygen supply. Culture Event: Bradford’s BRAVE festival returns with live music, dance, drumming and workshops celebrating Black roots and voices. Sports Talent Abroad: Gambian basketball player Fatoumata Jaiteh turns pro in Portugal.

Immigration & Human Rights: In New York, African families say ICE crackdowns are spreading fear after detentions at checkpoints, with advocates calling it racist and pointing to steep cuts in legal immigration for majority-Muslim countries. Rohingya Justice: The ICJ is set to rule soon in The Gambia v. Myanmar, a landmark genocide case tied to the Rohingya crisis. Gambia Education & Language: The government plans to teach in local languages at nursery and primary levels, aiming to boost early literacy and numeracy. Democracy & Elections: International IDEA reports improved democratic performance since 2017, while local election-watch groups and opposition voices push for peaceful, inclusive campaigning and condemn ethnic or divisive rhetoric. Tourism & Culture: World Tourism Day in The Gambia spotlighted AI and digital transformation, alongside efforts to diversify tourism through ecotourism, festivals and gastronomy. Sports & Identity: Gambia coach Jonathan McKinstry says Ghana’s football culture helped fuel the Scorpions’ 4-2 AFCON qualifier comeback in Accra, recalling Asamoah Gyan’s 2010 penalty miss. Health & Community: Pharmacists marked World Pharmacists Day with free screenings, and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing association urged sign-language access and inclusive education.

Tourism & Culture: The Gambia marked World Tourism Day 2026 with a focus on AI and digital transformation, while the Gambia Tourism Board also pushed plans to diversify tourism beyond the main areas—into ecotourism, culture, festivals and gastronomy. Visitor Safety: GTBoard condemned attacks on tourists and visitors in the Tourism Development Area, warning “bumsters” and others to expect action with the Tourism Security Unit. Disability & Inclusion: GADOH marked the International Week of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, urging parents to learn sign language and calling for accessible communication in schools and public services. Land Governance: The Ministry of Lands inaugurated the National Land Policy Implementation Steering Committee and Mansa Bengo Committee to improve land administration and reduce disputes. Politics & Social Cohesion: UNITE Party and election-watch groups condemned divisive “foreigner/tribe” rhetoric ahead of the December 5 election, warning it could inflame hostility. Sports (Culture of Football): Gambia coach Johnathan McKinstry said the Scorpions’ 4-2 comeback win over Ghana in AFCON qualifiers wasn’t a surprise, citing his understanding of Ghana’s football culture.

Tourism & Culture: The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) marked World Tourism Day with a focus on AI and digital transformation, then rolled out plans to diversify tourism products beyond the usual hotspots—pushing ecotourism, culture, festivals and gastronomy. Visitor Safety: GTBoard also condemned attacks on tourists and visitors in the Tourism Development Area, warning “bumsters” and others to follow the law or face action. Health & Inclusion: The Pharmacists Society of The Gambia observed World Pharmacists Day with community screenings, while the Gambia Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (GADOH) marked International Week of the Deaf by urging early sign-language learning and stronger access to services. Governance & Land: The Ministry of Lands inaugurated the National Land Policy Implementation Steering Committee for 2026–2035, aiming to reduce land disputes and improve land administration. Politics & Unity: Multiple groups condemned ethnic and divisive election rhetoric, warning it threatens national cohesion. Education & Heritage: Fourah Bay College Alumni launched a Gambia chapter ahead of the college’s bicentenary in 2027.

Digital Child Safety: A Türkiye-organized UN panel at UN headquarters urged stronger international rules to protect children online, warning that fast-moving AI is outpacing safeguards and calling for tougher accountability from tech companies. Rohingya Human Rights: UN officials, including the Special Envoy and the new Special Rapporteur, renewed calls for durable solutions as the ICJ prepares to rule in The Gambia v. Myanmar, with Rohingya children still born into displacement. Gambia Election & Hate Speech: Local monitoring flagged remarks by Lands Minister Hamat Bah at a political rally as dangerous ethnic-exclusion rhetoric ahead of The Gambia’s December 5 presidential election. Football & Youth Development: Ahead of Ghana’s AFCON qualifier vs The Gambia, coach Carlos Queiroz stressed squad stability, better pitches, and coach education to build a sustained football culture. Migration at Sea: A dinghy capsized in the English Channel, killing two women and a child, while West Africa-linked rescue efforts continue to pull migrants from dangerous routes. Local Governance: Kuje area council marked 100 days with promises of transparent, inclusive grassroots service delivery.

Diplomacy & Culture Ties: Sweden reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with The Gambia after a high-level courtesy visit to Gambian Ambassador Dr Fatou Bensouda in London, highlighting dialogue on international law, migration, development, education and tourism. Football & Youth Development: Ahead of Ghana’s AFCON qualifier vs The Gambia, Carlos Queiroz urged squad stability, better pitches, youth development and coach education—arguing that “seeds of the future” matter as much as results. Election Rhetoric & Social Cohesion: As The Gambia heads toward the Dec 5, 2026 presidential election, a minister’s “no foreigners” and “Gambia will never be Lebanon” remarks sparked condemnation over ethnic and exclusionary politics. Migration & Safety: A Channel dinghy capsized with 105 people, killing two women and a 10-year-old; meanwhile, Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 260 irregular migrants off Nouakchott, including Gambians. Gambia’s Legal History: A National Archives feature revisits the 1967 Dissolution of Marriage (Special Circumstances) Act, showing how interfaith and inheritance disputes shaped early Gambian legal reforms. Public Finance Watch: Commentary on the 2027 budget warns that rising debt service must be matched with disciplined spending and credible delivery in areas like health, education and infrastructure.

Local Governance: Kuje Area Council chair Danjuma Samuel Shekwolo marked 100 days in office, promising transparency, inclusive governance, better infrastructure, youth empowerment, sanitation, healthcare, and improved water and service delivery. Human Rights & Refugees: The UN Special Envoy on Myanmar warned that the Rohingya crisis is worsening, with shrinking funding threatening food, healthcare, and protection for women and girls; the ICJ is also set to rule soon in The Gambia v. Myanmar over alleged genocide. Public Health: African leaders at UNGA pushed for stronger domestic financing and multisectoral action to accelerate malaria elimination, warning progress is stalling amid funding gaps and rising resistance. Migration & Safety: Mauritanian Coast Guard rescued 260 irregular migrants off Nouakchott after boats reportedly sailed from Banjul, including Gambians and Senegalese. Culture & Youth: In The Gambia, Rohey Camara was named Miliket Noodles brand ambassador, while Njundu Badjie (SORRA) became National Director of African Music Icons Gambia. Sports: SuperSport secured rights to beam AfCON Pamoja 2027 qualifiers and finals across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Youth & Diplomacy: UAE hosted a Youth Dialogue at UNGA 81 in New York, bringing 52 young delegates from 10 countries including The Gambia to discuss conflict, climate, AI, and future education and jobs—emphasizing youth as partners in shaping today, not just tomorrow. Migration & Safety: Mauritanian Coast Guard rescued 260 irregular migrants off Nouakchott, including Gambians and Senegalese, after boats reportedly left Banjul and spent about a week at sea—highlighting ongoing maritime risks in West Africa. Justice Watch: The ICJ is set to deliver a landmark ruling in The Gambia v. Myanmar, the Rohingya genocide case filed in 2019, as UN officials stress the need for lasting solutions for refugees. Gambia Culture & Media: Rohey Camara was unveiled as Miliket Noodles’ brand ambassador in The Gambia, while Njundu Badjie (SORRA) was appointed National Director of African Music Icons (AMI) to boost African music visibility. Local Rights Battle: A Supreme Court challenge could overturn The Gambia’s FGM ban, with Imam Abdoulie Fatty and MP Almameh Gibba arguing the law violates constitutional rights to culture and religion. Sports Broadcast: SuperSport secured rights to beam AfCON Pamoja 2027 qualifiers and finals across Sub-Saharan Africa, with matches running through late 2026 into 2027.

Gambia’s FGM Ban Under Threat: Imam Abdoulie Fatty and MP Almameh Gibba have taken The Gambia’s 2015 FGM ban to the Supreme Court, arguing it violates constitutional rights to culture and religion, with the state defending the law as the case continues. Local Culture & Media: Rohey Camara (“Rohey The Actress”) has been named Miliket Noodles brand ambassador in The Gambia, following the brand’s launch and a promotional “Miliket Show” featuring Gambian and Senegalese entertainers. Music Industry Growth: Njundu Badjie (SORRA) appointed National Director of African Music Icons (AMI) in The Gambia, tasked with running the national phase of a Pan-African music platform that culminates in televised awards. Tourism Push: Gambia Tourism Board DG Ida Jeng Njie urges more Nigerians to visit, positioning “come to the Gambia” as a mix of learning, experience, and leisure. Regional Business Rules: The Central Bank of The Gambia has directed commercial banks to phase out non-Gambian employees, a move analysts say signals tighter compliance expectations across West Africa. Climate & Security Warning (ECOWAS): ECOWAS lawmakers warn that shrinking land and water are intensifying farmer-herder conflicts and migration-driven insecurity across the region.

Gambia’s FGM ban challenged in court: Imam Abdoulie Fatty and MP Almameh Gibba have taken The Gambia’s 2015 FGM ban to the Supreme Court, arguing it violates culture and religion—setting up a major test for women’s rights and religious authority in the country. Tourism push with Nigerian ties: Gambia Tourism Board DG Ida Jeng Njie urged Nigerians to “come to the Gambia” to explore, learn and experience the destination, as the country works to grow visitor numbers. Local entertainment spotlight: Rohey Camara was named Miliket Noodles brand ambassador in The Gambia, with a promotional launch featuring Gambian and Senegalese entertainment. Music industry leadership: Njundu Badjie (SORRA) appointed National Director of African Music Icons Gambia, aiming to boost African artists’ visibility and professionalism. Regional banking compliance: Analysts say The Gambia’s move to phase out non-Gambian bank staff mirrors wider pressure on foreign-owned lenders across Africa to meet local rules. Rohingya burden-sharing: Malaysia urged greater international responsibility for Rohingya refugees and backed Gambia’s case against Myanmar at the ICJ. Culture on tour (UK): Gambian kora player Sura Susso and Malian guitarist Habib Koité announced a Manding Melody Tour in the UK, celebrating griot storytelling through music.

Gambia & Banking Jobs: The Central Bank of The Gambia has told commercial banks—including Nigerian lenders like Access Bank, FirstBank, GTBank and Zenith—to start phasing out non-Gambian employees, as regulators across Africa tighten rules for foreign-owned firms. Climate & Security: ECOWAS lawmakers warn that shrinking water, degraded farmland and land pressure are turning climate stress into farmer-herder conflict and displacement, creating a wider regional security risk. UN Reform & Africa’s Voice: Nigeria’s Tinubu and VP Shettima used UNGA to push for a radical Security Council shake-up—at least two permanent African seats with veto power—plus stronger diplomacy, climate finance and anti-terror cooperation. Gambia FGM Court Fight: Imam Abdoulie Fatty and MP Almameh Gibba are challenging The Gambia’s 2015 FGM ban at the Supreme Court, arguing it violates culture and religion. Tourism & Culture Spotlight: Rohey Camara was named Miliket Noodles brand ambassador in The Gambia, while Njundu Badjie (SORRA) was appointed National Director of African Music Icons Gambia.