AGP Executive Report

Public Sector Leadership: ACBF says Africa’s public sector reforms often stall not from lack of ideas, but from leadership gaps, fragmented institutions, and resistance to change—urging stronger change leadership to turn policy into better services. Migration & Human Cost: Spanish rescuers found 44 survivors and five bodies after a boat believed to have left The Gambia in early August drifted for about 27 days near Spain’s Canary Islands; survivors report dozens more deaths, including a baby, as rough seas blocked recovery. LGBTQIA+ Hate Crime Shock (US): In Tucson, a Muslim gunman identified as Ousman Ceesay shot two patrons at a gay bar, with police investigating as a hate crime after notes allegedly listed other LGBTQIA+ targets. Gambia Politics & Unity: President Barrow renewed calls to reject tribalism ahead of the 2026 election, warning that ethnic appeals weaken national unity. Education & Youth Mobility: A Gambian student’s US visa rejections pushed him to study in Japan, highlighting how visa barriers reshape study plans and global talent flows. Higher Education Support: The Students Revolving Loan Scheme opens applications Sept 15 for interest-free tuition financing at public universities. Science & Innovation Policy: MoHERST advances a new National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (NSTIP 2027–2035) to strengthen research, innovation, and women’s participation. Culture & Governance: NCAC supports the Gambia–Senegal border demarcation with historical maps and archival records to clarify colonial-era boundary lines. Sports Administration (Ghana): Ghana’s President dissolved the National Sports Authority board—an example of how sports governance can shift quickly.

US Immigration Update: A federal judge struck down the Trump-era pause on immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries, including The Gambia, and immigrant visa processing is back in effect as of Aug. 21. Women’s Empowerment: In Abuja, stakeholders urged bigger investment in women’s leadership and skills for the “future of work,” with a programme already operating in Gambia and planned expansions. Sports & Governance: President Mahama dissolved Ghana’s National Sports Authority board with immediate effect, keeping management running while new boards are reconstituted—highlighting how sports administration can shift fast. Gambia–Senegal Border Demarcation: The NCAC is supporting the renewed border demarcation with historical maps and archival records, stressing transparency and community awareness. Rights & Accountability: A rights body warned that a decade after dictatorship, implementation gaps and politicised enforcement still weaken services and trust. LGBTQ+ Violence in the Diaspora: A Gambian-born suspect was identified in a Tucson gay bar shooting investigated as a possible hate crime, renewing calls for protection and justice. Local Court Case: Two women in Farato were charged over a child’s hot-water burns, with the case set for legal proceedings.

Sports Governance Shake-Up: President Mahama has dissolved the National Sports Authority (NSA) governing board with immediate effect, as part of a wider directive affecting boards of several state institutions; management stays in charge day-to-day while major policy and contracts are paused pending reconstitution. Border & Heritage: The Gambia–Senegal border demarcation is back on track, with the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) supporting the process using historical maps and archival records to clarify colonial-era boundary lines. Youth & Livelihoods: An EFF Gambia launch renewed the push against poverty, with promises including Freedom Stores, a National Food Buffer Stock, and plans for cooperatives and a national fishing company to create jobs. Rights & Accountability: A rights body warns that a decade after dictatorship ended, implementation gaps and politicization of enforcement still weaken services and accountability. Community Safety & Hate Crime: In the US, a Gambian-born suspect is being investigated over a deadly shooting outside a gay bar in Tucson, Arizona, treated as a hate crime. Religion & Unity: Imam Fatty urges Islamic groups to stop challenging the Supreme Islamic Council and to coordinate on sensitive issues like moon sighting and fasting. Regional Leadership: Gambian economist Mam Cherno Jallow has assumed office as GIABA Director-General, strengthening West Africa’s fight against money laundering.

New GIABA Leadership: Gambian financial economist Mam Cherno Jallow has assumed office as Director-General of ECOWAS’ GIABA, tasked with strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing across West Africa. LGBTQIA+ Culture & Rights: A Gambia-linked Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer WorldPride programme was featured in Outright International’s global LGBTQIA+ human rights report, highlighting community care, disability justice, and land-back calls. Women’s Rights Under Pressure: Ahead of UNGA81, a SHE & Rights session warned that “family, values, culture, religion, sovereignty” narratives are being used to dilute women’s and girls’ rights, stressing accountability and implementation. Justice for Enforced Disappearances: Special Prosecutor Martin Hackett pledged to pursue prosecutions for victims of Jammeh-era crimes, while the Reparations Commission flagged limited funding. Election Peacebuilding: Religious leaders, women, and youth in The Gambia’s West Coast Region trained in peacebuilding and dialogue to reduce election-related conflict. Hate Speech Warning: NDI warned that rising hate speech and ethnic tensions could threaten the December 2026 presidential election, urging transparency and IEC communication. Tourism Push: The Gambia Tourism Board plans to expand its tourism footprint in Nigeria through Akwaaba 2026, including a Destination Gambia promotional reception. Parliament Resumes: The National Assembly is set to resume sessions Monday, with bills including cyber crime and immigration on the agenda.

Women’s Rights & Accountability: Ahead of UNGA81, a SHE & Rights session warned that “family/values/sovereignty” narratives are being used to dilute women and girls’ rights, stressing that implementation and community accountability are key to stopping reversals. Gambia Justice & Memory: Special Prosecutor Martin Hackett pledged to pursue justice for victims of enforced disappearances from the Jammeh era, while the Reparations Commission flagged limited funding. Election Peacebuilding: Religious leaders, women and youth in the West Coast Region trained on peacebuilding and dialogue to reduce election-related conflict ahead of the 2026 polls. Parliament Watch: The National Assembly resumes Monday for sessions including bills on cyber crime, immigration, and former presidents, plus responses tied to Jammeh assets. Public Health & Markets: Ministers inspected major markets over poor sanitation, warning it can’t be treated as a temporary clean-up and calling for shared responsibility. Regional Culture & Law: ECOWAS unveiled strategic publications on peace support operations, and a Gambian-linked leadership story highlighted Mam Cherno Jallow taking charge of GIABA. Tourism Push: The Gambia plans to expand its tourism footprint in Nigeria through Akwaaba 2026, with a Destination Gambia promotional reception.

ECOWAS Justice: Liberia’s Charlyne Brumskine has been selected as one of five judges for the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice (2026–2030), becoming the first Liberian woman on the bench and urging wider public access to the court. Election Culture & Rights: Ahead of The Gambia’s 5 December presidential election, the National Democratic Institute warns that hate speech and ethnic tensions could inflame identity politics, while also urging the IEC to boost transparency and proactive communication. Political Transparency: A rights group calls on election coalitions to publish their agreements so voters can see real commitments, not just campaign promises. National Identity: The government begins enrollment for the new biometric national ID (GAM ID) around Greater Banjul with scheduled registration dates in September. Tourism & Lifestyle: The Gambia Tourism Board will join Nigeria’s Akwaaba Travel Trade Expo (Sept 13–15) to grow its tourism footprint, including a Destination Gambia promotional reception on Sept 12. Security & Mobility: Interpol-linked border checks around Banjul helped intercept 74 stolen vehicles after more than 13,000 database queries. Hate Crime Spotlight (Diaspora): In the US, a shooter originally from The Gambia is being investigated for a targeted hate crime against LGBTQ+ venues in Tucson.

Elections & Unity: NDI warns that hate speech and ethnic tensions could threaten The Gambia’s 5 December presidential vote, urging parties and IEC transparency while calling for peaceful participation. Political Culture: A commentary argues the opposition and political theatre risk becoming more about rivalry than serious policy, calling for cleaner, more accountable leadership. Hate Speech Push: Another op-ed calls for criminalising tribalism and hate speech to protect national cohesion as identity politics creeps into media and social platforms. Football After Polls: Writers urge reconciliation and unity to restore credibility and ambition in Gambian football after the election. Democracy Watch: EFSCRJ’s Election Watch asks coalitions to publish their agreements so voters know what they’re endorsing. Digital Life: The Gambia begins nationwide rollout of the new biometric national ID (GAM ID) with enrollment dates around Greater Banjul. Tourism & Culture: Team Gambia will attend Nigeria’s Akwaaba Travel Trade Expo (Sept 13–15) to grow tourism links, including a Destination Gambia reception on Sept 12. Migration Reality: Mauritania intercepted a boat carrying 161 migrants from Senegal, Guinea and Gambia, including 17 children, highlighting the ongoing dangers of the Atlantic route.

Fashion & Culture: Off-White creative director Ib Kamara has mutually parted ways with the brand, ending a long collaboration that began in 2022. Immigration & Security: The US released an updated deportation list naming 427 people from 16 West African countries, including 15 from The Gambia. Tourism & Regional Business: ECOWAS adopted a framework to strengthen tourism business associations across West Africa, with The Gambia among participating stakeholders. Gambia Tourism Abroad: The Gambia Tourism Board will join Nigeria’s Akwaaba Travel Trade Expo (Sept 13–15) and host a Destination Gambia promotional reception to boost visitor traffic, especially for MICE. Digital Identity: The Gambia begins a nationwide rollout of its new biometric national ID (GAM ID) around Greater Banjul, with registration dates set for early September. Safeguarding & Women’s Rights: Buzz Women Gambia seeks a Safeguarding Consultant to strengthen child and safeguarding systems, policies, training, and reporting. Migration Reality Check: Mauritania intercepted a boat carrying 161 migrants (including 17 children) after a failed engine; the group had left Banjul eight days earlier. Ethnicity & Facts: A fact-check says Mandinkas remain The Gambia’s largest ethnic group in the 2024 census (34.4%), not a shifting majority. Politics & Transparency: Election Watch urges political coalitions to publish their agreements ahead of December’s presidential election.

Tourism & Culture Diplomacy: The Gambia Tourism Board is set to boost its tourism footprint in Nigeria through the 2026 Akwaaba Travel Trade Expo in Lagos (Sept 13–15), with a Destination Gambia promotional cocktail reception on Sept 12 and a delegation led by Minister Abdoulie Jobe. National Digital Life: The Gambia begins a nationwide rollout of the new biometric national ID card (GAM ID) around Greater Banjul, with enrollment dates starting Sept 7 and fees set for first-time applicants. Security & Mobility: Gambian security forces, using Interpol-linked checks under Project Identity, flagged 74 stolen vehicles after more than 13,000 database queries around Banjul. Politics & Rights: Presidential aspirant Mariama Khan says police delays are blocking her permit for a nationwide grassroots mobilisation tour. Community & Identity: A fact-check reaffirms that Mandinkas remain The Gambia’s largest ethnic group in the 2024 census (34.4%), while UNITE condemns tribal remarks attributed to an imam. Safeguarding Call: Buzz Women Gambia opens applications for a Safeguarding Consultant to strengthen safeguarding systems, training, and reporting. Regional Human Stories: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 161 migrants at sea, including 17 children, after a boat left Banjul aiming for Spain’s Canary Islands. Culture Industry: AfroPix expands its pan-African and Caribbean cinema streaming push with creator-first compensation and new distribution pipelines.

National Digital ID Rollout: The Gambia has begun enrollment for the new biometric national ID card (GAM ID) around Greater Banjul, with registration set for Sept 7, Sept 11 and Sept 21 and applicants required to bring a passport, birth certificate, or existing ID. Tourism & Culture Abroad: The Gambia is pushing for a bigger tourism footprint in Nigeria through the 2026 Akwaaba Travel Trade Expo in Lagos (Sept 13–15), with a Destination Gambia promotional reception on Sept 12 led by the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. Safeguarding for Women’s Programs: Buzz Women Gambia has opened applications for a Safeguarding Consultant (Sukuta), aiming to strengthen safeguarding policies, training, and reporting systems. Ethnicity & Facts: A fact-check says Mandinkas remain the largest ethnic group in The Gambia (34.4%) based on the 2024 census, correcting claims that the majority has shifted. Politics & Transparency: Election Watch urges political coalitions to publish their coalition agreements ahead of December 2026, arguing voters deserve to see the real terms behind alliances. Migration Reality Check: Mauritania reports rescuing 161 migrants at sea, including 17 children, after a boat left Banjul and struggled with food, water and engine failure. Research Governance Debate: A public discussion questions whether the NaRDIC bill will deliver real innovation or become another “false hope,” calling for full bill access and better media reporting.

Tourism & Culture Diplomacy: The Gambia is pushing for a bigger tourism footprint in Nigeria through the 2026 Akwaaba Travel Trade Expo in Lagos (Sept 13–15), with Minister Abdoulie Jobe leading Team Gambia and hosting a Destination Gambia cocktail reception on Sept 12, spotlighting the country as an emerging MICE destination. Migration Reality Check: A survivor account describes a deadly Gambia-to-Europe boat attempt where more than 200 set sail and only 36 survived, underscoring the desperation behind the Atlantic crossing. National Digital Life: The government has begun a nationwide rollout of the new biometric national ID (GAM ID), starting around Greater Banjul, with enrollment dates set for Sept 7, 11 and 21. Public Safety & Identity: Security forces intercepted 74 stolen vehicles after 13,000 Interpol checks around Banjul, flagging cross-border theft networks. Community & Inclusion: UNITE Movement for Change condemned tribal remarks by an imam targeting its leader, calling for unity and responsible religious leadership. Education Links: The Chinese Embassy hosted a Bantaba for Gambian scholarship recipients and returning scholars, announcing more study opportunities and lab cooperation.

Migration & Safety: Mauritania says it rescued 161 migrants off its coast, including 17 children, after a boat left Banjul and suffered engine trouble on the way to Spain’s Canary Islands. Rohingya Justice & Diplomacy: As Rohingya mark nine years since the 2017 expulsion, The Gambia-linked ICJ case remains in focus, with Bangladesh urging OIC states to fund the trust fund supporting accountability and safe, voluntary return. Local Governance & Identity: The Gambia begins a nationwide rollout of the new biometric national ID (GAM ID) around Greater Banjul, with registration dates set for early September. Politics & Transparency: A rights group calls on election coalitions to publish their agreements ahead of December polls, arguing voters deserve to see commitments before choosing candidates. Culture & Creativity: CRAFTARA Festival opens in Accra with exhibitors from across Africa including The Gambia, spotlighting African crafts and cultural exchange. Safeguarding Call: Buzz Women Gambia invites applications for a safeguarding consultant to strengthen child and women protection systems.

GAM ID Rollout: The Gambia has started a nationwide rollout of its new biometric national ID (GAM ID), with Greater Banjul registration set for early September and applicants asked to bring passport, birth certificate, or an existing ID. Election Transparency: Ahead of the December presidential election, the Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice urges political coalitions to publish their signed agreements so voters can see real commitments, not just public statements. Security & Mobility: Gambian security forces flagged 74 stolen vehicles after more than 13,000 Interpol database checks in a two-week border operation around Banjul. Politics & Permits: Presidential aspirant Mariama Khan says police delayed issuing her permit for a nationwide mobilisation tour, despite submitting her request in February. Culture & Craft: Ghana’s CRAFTARA Festival opened in Accra with exhibitors from across Africa, including The Gambia, promoting African creativity and artisan opportunities. Safeguarding Call: Buzz Women Gambia has opened applications for a Safeguarding Consultant to strengthen safeguarding systems, training, and reporting at its Sukuta office. Education Links: The Chinese Embassy hosted a Bantaba for Gambian scholarship recipients and returning scholars, highlighting 10 years of renewed ties and new study plans. Tribalism Debate: Multiple opinion pieces and a UNITE Movement for Change statement push back against tribal remarks and warn that tribalism can corrode governance and national unity.

OIC Diplomacy: Qatar’s Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met Saudi and also The Gambia’s foreign minister in Jeddah, focusing on boosting bilateral ties. Rohingya Accountability: Bangladesh urged OIC states to fund The Gambia’s ICJ Rohingya case and pushed for safe, dignified, voluntary repatriation, as the ICJ verdict is expected in October 2026. Local Fact-Check: A claim that Mandinkas are no longer The Gambia’s largest ethnic group was challenged with 2024 census figures showing Mandinkas still lead at 34.4%. Migration & Safety: Mauritania intercepted a boat carrying 161 migrants (including 17 children) after engine failure; the group included people from Senegal, Guinea and The Gambia. Culture & Education Links: The Chinese Embassy hosted a Bantaba for Gambian scholarship recipients and returning students, marking 10 years since diplomatic ties resumed. Community Opportunity: Buzz Women Gambia opened applications for a Safeguarding Consultant to strengthen safeguarding systems in Sukuta.

Migration & Safety: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 161 migrants off its coast, including 17 children, after a boat left Banjul eight days earlier with people from Senegal, Guinea and Gambia; authorities say the engine was worn out and the group was short on water and food. Ethnicity & Facts: A Gambia census fact-check pushes back on claims that Mandinkas are no longer the largest ethnic group, citing the 2024 Population and Housing Census: Mandinkas lead at 34.4%, followed by Fulas at 25.0%. Foreign Relations: Gambia’s foreign minister met Saudi-based OIC talks counterparts, while the Chinese Embassy hosted a Bantaba for Gambian scholarship students and returning graduates, including plans for more study links. Culture & Leadership: UNITE condemned tribal remarks attributed to an imam against its leader, calling them divisive and inappropriate for religious influence. Women & Protection: Buzz Women Gambia opened applications for a Safeguarding Consultant to strengthen safeguarding systems, training and reporting. Energy & Development: ISA unveiled its Solarising Africa strategy and Africa50 DRE Fund initiatives to scale solar across the continent. Health at Work: A West Africa survey found 62% of workers get no workplace malaria prevention support, including in The Gambia.

Gambia-UK Cultural Diplomacy: After the Voice Achievers Awards 2026 in London, organisers led a diplomatic courtesy visit to the Ghana High Commission, thanking Ghana’s mission for support and exploring deeper UK-Gambia-Ghana cooperation. Maritime Skills & Inclusion: West and Central African maritime officials, including from The Gambia, are in Accra for training to improve seafarer assessment and certification, with gender-sensitive teaching and stronger quality assurance. Fulani Heritage in Focus: A feature spotlights bhoylé (kwottenai) earrings—golden Fulani symbols of nobility, family wealth, and wedding tradition. Health & Prevention: A West Africa survey marks World Mosquito Day with a worrying finding: 62% of workers in 10 countries, including The Gambia, get no workplace malaria prevention support. Community, Faith & Leadership: Gambian political life stays active with UDP’s 30th anniversary call for unity and accountability, and presidential aspirant Mariama Khan urging an end to corruption and a “healing” of national life. Education & Opportunity: The Chinese Embassy in The Gambia hosted a Bantaba for Gambian students studying in China, encouraging new and returning cohorts. Gambia in the World: A UK Ancestry Visa update lists The Gambia among eligible Commonwealth countries for a heritage-based route to live and work in Britain.