AGP Executive Report

Eid-ul-Adha & Unity: Barrow and Darboe urged Gambians to keep peace as the election year begins, framing the festival as a time for reconciliation, charity, and community ties. Halal & Trade: A SMIIC delegation is training stakeholders in Banjul to strengthen The Gambia’s halal quality assurance, aiming for internationally recognized certification and export-ready systems. Power Crisis Update: NAWEC blamed maintenance and equipment rehabilitation for prolonged outages, saying spare parts delays are the main hurdle and improvements are expected within two weeks. Teachers’ Pay Upgrade: MoBSE and teachers reached consensus after delayed salary upgrades, with promises to clear remaining attestations and address grade concerns. US Visa Processing Shift: Gambians may now need to travel to Senegal for US visa processing as routine services are consolidated into regional hubs. Local Leadership Spotlight: A documentary tribute celebrates Rohey Malick Lowe’s transformation of Banjul, highlighting sanitation, youth, women’s empowerment, and community participation. Sports & Culture: The Gambia will host the 2026 AUSC Region 2 Games in Banjul, while wrestling federations signed an MoU to promote traditional wrestling as cultural exchange. Community & Lifestyle: Jollof Care Center brought Tobaski joy to Mile 2 inmates with a chef-led care programme, and three women shared their journey into coffee roasting and pouring. Business Recognition: Africell won Gambia’s Largest Taxpayer Award for the 7th time.

US Immigration Crackdown: The U.S. confirms deportation plans for 355 West Africans, including 110 Nigerians and 14 Gambians, with names and photos released under its West Africa Operations Watch. Gambia Sports & Youth: The Gambia is set to host the 2026 AUSC Region 2 Games in Banjul (7–13 June), bringing under-20 athletes and cultural exchange through sport. Power & Daily Life: The World Bank says West Africa’s power integration is expanding electricity access across the region, including The Gambia, with millions gaining power since 2019. Culture in Schools: St. Therese’s Cultural Day keeps traditions alive with student showcases of heritage and unity. Heritage Through Food: Turkish Community in Gambia marks Cuisine Week under “The Heritage Table,” celebrating hospitality and shared culture. Media & Sports Journalism: GNOC’s sport journalists’ admin course wraps up, training 25 participants on Olympic values, governance, and sports medicine. Faith & Reflection: Eid-ul-Adha messages highlight sacrifice, righteousness, and community reformation. Migration Stories: Mauritania’s coast guard reports rescuing 181 Gambians among 911 migrants over five days off the Atlantic route. Women in Newsrooms: A study argues gender inequality in Gambian journalism is about “exit from power,” citing promotion gaps and workplace barriers. Local Leadership Spotlight: A tribute marks Rohey Malick Lowe’s public service and the growing role of women in Banjul’s leadership.

Sports & Youth: The Gambia is gearing up to host the 2026 AUSC Region 2 Games in Banjul (7–13 June), bringing together under-20 athletes across Southern and Eastern Africa, with events ranging from athletics and boxing to 3×3 basketball, beach volleyball, and traditional African sports. Migration & Safety: Mauritania’s coast guard says 181 Gambians were among 911 migrants rescued or intercepted over five days along the Atlantic route, including a 110-person rescue after a boat left Banjul. Culture, Faith & Community: Eid-ul-Adha messages in The Gambia stress reflection, righteousness, and unity—urging forgiveness and charity as election year tensions rise. Media & Gender: A new study highlights why women “exit” power in Gambian newsrooms, pointing to opaque promotion, gendered assignments, harassment, and weak protection. Diaspora Pressure: The US confirms deportations of 355 West Africans, including 14 Gambians, as part of a wider crackdown. Local Leadership Spotlight: A tribute marks Rohey Malick Lowe’s public service and the growing role of women in Banjul’s local governance.

Maritime Safety & Trade: The US disabled a Gambia-flagged tanker, Lian Star, and later a Hellfire strike hit its engine room; now Iran and the US keep trading missile claims, while MSC says its container ship MSC Sariska V was struck near Umm Qasr and all crew were safe. Power & Rights: Gambian rights activist Madi Jobarteh says the government’s response to the electricity crisis is too slow, arguing outages reflect deeper planning and investment problems. Local Governance: A Central River Region move to “retire” an alkalo in Nyangen is being condemned as politically motivated persecution. Education & Fairness: Research on WASSCE warns cultural bias in exam questions can disadvantage students across West Africa, including The Gambia. Diaspora & Mobility: The US plans to cut visa processing across Africa to fewer hubs, and reports also highlight deportations of West Africans, including 14 Gambians. Culture & Music: Ezra Collective’s new album track “Only Love” features Pa Salieu, spotlighting Gambian heritage through modern UK sound. Sports & Identity: Iran’s World Cup squad faces visa delays, with the team still preparing to travel via Spain and Mexico.

Gambia–South Korea Talks: The Gambia is pushing for deeper economic cooperation with South Korea in Seoul, with focus on trade, investment, infrastructure, agriculture, technology and digital transformation. Power Crisis Accountability: Rights activist Madi Jobarteh says the electricity crisis is political, not technical, and challenges claims of quick fixes while noting heavy dependence on Senegal’s power. Local Governance Dispute: A letter to the editor condemns the Central River Region’s move to “retire” Alkalo Baboucarr Nyang, alleging politically motivated persecution disguised as administration. Maritime Tensions Affecting Gambian-Linked Shipping: MSC Sariska V was hit near Umm Qasr after Iran-linked claims tied it to a U.S. strike on the Gambia-flagged bulk carrier Lian Star, escalating fears for seafarers and regional trade. Immigration Pressure: The U.S. plans to cut visa processing across Africa by reducing many missions to a smaller number of hubs, meaning longer travel for applicants. Culture & Youth Spotlight: Ezra Collective and Pa Salieu’s “Only Love” video drops from Lagos ahead of the album release, highlighting West African musical roots in contemporary sound. Water & Faith: Tobaski celebrations in Bundung were hit hard by severe water shortages, leaving families paying for water and struggling with daily needs. IP & Schools: Liberia won a regional WIPO-ARIPO intellectual property high school club competition, with The Gambia placing as runner-up. Politics at a Crossroads: Commentary argues the opposition must unite ahead of next year’s elections, warning that fragmentation could keep President Adama Barrow in power.

Judicial & civic life: The Gambia’s Chief Justice Hassan Jallow announced he will retire on 1 August 2026, thanking the Bar for a decade of collaboration and urging continued vigilance to protect judicial independence. Community & culture spotlight: The Fatu Network’s 6th Heroes Awards honoured Magistrate Isatou Jallow as Person of the Year, with awards also going to figures across justice, health, security, education, agriculture and STEM, including Professor Pierre Gomez. Governance & accountability: The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) called for an independent, transparent investigation after the resignation of Chief of Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Mamat Cham, urging findings to be made public and acted on. Identity & travel documents: The Gambia Immigration Department warned of inconsistencies found in some biometric passport applications processed in Spain, advising affected applicants to contact the designated officer to resolve discrepancies. Everyday hardship: NAWEC reported major electricity disruptions in Greater Banjul and the West Coast, citing reduced imports and fuel and maintenance constraints, with emergency load management and a gradual return expected by mid-June. Water & faith: Tobaski celebrations in Bundung were hit hard by severe water shortages, leaving families walking for water and paying for deliveries just to cook and keep sanitation going. Politics & public debate: UDP media secretary Saikou Camara criticised the Barrow government over alleged corruption and mismanagement across multiple sectors, arguing audit findings have not led to enough accountability. Diaspora & education: A Gambian student visa rejection story highlights how ECOWAS passports can still fail to protect travellers at checkpoints, fueling frustration over freedom of movement.

Political Pulse: The Gambia is at a crossroads as reports warn a fractured opposition could let President Adama Barrow secure another term, despite criticism over broken promises and economic strain. Governance & Accountability: The UDP’s media secretary Saikou Camara hits back at the government, alleging corruption and mismanagement across sectors from energy to education. Armed Forces Scrutiny: EFSCRJ is calling for an independent, transparent investigation after the resignation of Chief of Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Mamat Cham, urging findings be made public. Identity & Travel: Gambia Immigration flags biometric passport enrolment issues in Spain, advising affected applicants to contact the designated officer to resolve biodata inconsistencies. Daily Life: Water shortages in Bundung have severely disrupted Tobaski celebrations, with families paying for water and walking long distances. Power Crisis: NAWEC and the government both address electricity disruptions in Greater Banjul, with officials urging unity and warning against misinformation. Judiciary Update: Chief Justice Hassan Jallow announces retirement effective 1 August. Culture & Recognition: TFN’s Heroes Awards (6th edition) honours Gambian achievers including Magistrate Isatou Jallow and chef Bojang’s Spice Hub. Diaspora & Mobility: A Gambian’s ECOWAS passport story highlights repeated bribe demands at checkpoints, raising questions about freedom of movement in practice.

Power & Public Trust: The Gambia government warns that misinformation about recent electricity supply challenges is spreading online, urging citizens to stay united and rely on credible institutions instead of politically driven distortions. Gambia in the Middle East: The US says it disabled a Gambian-flagged ship, the Lian Star, with a Hellfire missile after repeated warnings as it tried to breach the Iran blockade near the Strait of Hormuz—while Iran and the US trade accusations amid stalled talks. Diplomacy Under Pressure: US-Iran negotiations continue with Trump pushing tougher terms tied to Iran’s nuclear commitments and Strait of Hormuz access, as both sides signal uncertainty and military options remain on the table. Culture & Community: A feature highlights the jembe drum’s Mandé roots across West Africa, including Gambia, explaining its rope-tuned construction and role in dance-and-drumming ensembles. Sports & Identity: Iran’s football federation seeks FIFA clarity on World Cup visas after relocating its training camp, while a separate report notes the USMNT’s friendly win over Senegal—an echo of regional football ties. Diaspora & Family Life: A Gambian woman is granted permission to move to the UK to live with her German husband after an immigration tribunal accepted a civil marriage despite doubts about an earlier African ceremony.

Gambia in Global Headlines: The U.S. says it disabled a Gambian-flagged vessel, the M/V Lian Star, with a Hellfire missile after more than 20 warnings as it tried to breach the Iran-linked Strait of Hormuz blockade, while Iran and the U.S. trade accusations over drones and retaliation. Diplomacy Under Pressure: Iran’s lead negotiator says no U.S.-Iran deal will be approved unless Iran’s people’s rights are secured, as Washington warns it is “more than capable” of restarting war if red lines aren’t met. Migration & Family Life: A Gambian woman has been allowed to move to Britain to live with her German husband after an immigration tribunal accepted that a civil marriage took place, despite doubts over an earlier “African wedding.” Regional Human Stories: The U.S. also sent another group of West Africans to Ghana under its “third country” approach, with a lawyer saying at least one deportee had protections. Culture & Learning: A Gambian-linked education story highlights reading access work in Serrekunda, while a separate feature spotlights the jembe drum as a Mandé cultural thread across Gambia and West Africa. Sports & Identity: Iran’s football federation is asking FIFA to clarify World Cup visa timing after relocating its training base due to visa problems.

Gambia in the news: The IMF says it reached staff-level agreement with The Gambia on the fifth review of its reform programme under the ECF and the second review under the RSF, despite missing two fiscal targets tied to higher 2025 spending. Regional security & shipping: The US stopped a Gambia-flagged bulk carrier, “Lian Star,” trying to breach the Hormuz blockade, disabling it in the Gulf of Oman—another step in a crackdown that has halted six ships. World Cup admin drama: Iran’s football federation has asked FIFA to clarify 2026 World Cup visa timelines after relocating its training camp from Arizona to Tijuana, following visa delays and diplomatic friction. Culture & heritage: The jembe drum is highlighted as a Mandé-linked West African instrument found across Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Senegal—and Gambia—played in ensembles with dance and call-and-response drumming. Education & community: Homewood’s Davis Bunn visited Serrekunda to support The Unique Foundation’s library expansion for vulnerable children and communities in The Gambia. Media spotlight: Enyeh Julius Akpovire of The Witness Newspaper is set to receive an African Media Personality Award in London.

Education & Community Giving: Homewood’s Davis Bunn visited Serrekunda to help The Unique Foundation expand mobile and classroom libraries, focusing on sustainable funding and stronger support for vulnerable youth, women, and underserved communities. Sports & Travel Rules: Iran asked FIFA for clarity on when World Cup tournament visas will be issued after relocating its training camp to Mexico, with Gambia named in a recent warm-up result. Health & Parenting Support: A new review highlights that “immediate” kangaroo mother care for premature and low-birth-weight babies may improve outcomes, but says hospital adoption still varies widely. Gambia in the Diaspora: A 26-year-old Gambian migrant was arrested in Spain after an alleged knife attack on police during a callout, with reports citing religious shouting during the incident. Culture & Sound: The jembe drum is spotlighted as a Mandé cultural treasure across Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Gambia, tied to dance, ensemble performance, and community participation. Media Recognition: The Witness Newspaper’s Enyeh Julius Akpovire is set to receive an African Media Personality Award in London. Global Economy Watch: IMF talks in Banjul ended with staff-level agreement on extending The Gambia’s reform program under the ECF and RSF.

Maternal & Child Health: A new review highlights that kangaroo mother care for premature and low-birth-weight babies may work best when started immediately after birth, but hospitals struggle with timing, staffing, privacy, and follow-up. Gambia in the News: A 26-year-old Gambian migrant was arrested in Spain after allegedly stabbing a police officer during a callout, reportedly shouting “Allahu Akbar.” Media & Culture: The Witness Newspaper’s Enyeh Julius Akpovire is set to receive the African Media Personality Award at The Voice Achievers Awards in London on August 21, 2026. Youth & Civic Life (Gambia): Gambian youth concluded a nationwide voter awareness caravan as supplementary registration for the December 2026 presidential election ended, with the IEC compiling the final voters’ roll. Music & Identity: London jazz group Ezra Collective announced its fourth album, “Here Because Of Hope,” with a Pa Salieu collaboration, “Only Love.” Global Human Rights: A report alleges the Trump administration is ramping up denaturalization efforts, raising concerns about rule of law and citizenship security.

Gambia Special Justice: A new special prosecutor, Martin Hackett, begins a nationwide “charm offensive” after his swearing-in, as questions swirl around the funding and the wider justice process. Local Governance & Accountability: The same coverage highlights the appointment of Yankuba Sonko to chair Gambia’s Local Government Commission despite Truth Commission recommendations to bar him for alleged roles in the 2005 migrant massacre aftermath. Cultural Memory: Banjul mourns Imam Alhaji Ebou Njie, remembered for decades of community leadership and the call to prayer shaping daily life. Youth & Civic Life: Gambian youth conclude a voter awareness caravan as supplementary registration for the December 2026 presidential election ends, shifting focus to lasting civic engagement and peace. Mandinka Music Abroad: Susso’s Mandinka-focused concert is set for the UK, bringing griot traditions to new audiences and supporting a wider tour. Diaspora Culture: A dance performance in Charlotte celebrates Africa Day and the African diaspora, with vendors and spoken word spotlighting Gambia-linked fashion. Global Crime Watch (Gambians named): Italy reports a 72-hour gang-rape and kidnapping case involving five suspects, including two Gambians, after a tourist was lured under the pretext of hashish.

Immigration & Identity: Canada’s border agency says it arrested a Nigerian woman, Nnenna Oketa, after a shipment from Nigeria to Toronto hid seven falsified passports (five Gambian, two South African) inside sandals. Gender-Based Violence: A migrant gang of five in Italy is accused of abducting a foreign tourist and holding her for 72 hours before repeated gang rape. Gambia Politics & Justice: A British lawyer, Martin Hackett, has begun a nationwide tour as special prosecutor, amid questions around funding and the wider push for accountability. Community & Civic Life: Gambian youth wrapped up a voter awareness caravan in Banjul as supplementary registration for the December 2026 presidential election ended. Culture & Faith: A eulogy marks the passing of Imam Alhaji Ebou Njie, remembered for shaping Banjul’s call to prayer and community life. Education & Youth: AIUWA graduated 322 students and announced new postgraduate programmes, urging graduates to create opportunities beyond white-collar jobs. Regional Mobility: Ghana launched an e-visa and visa-free access for all African passport holders, joining a growing wave of open-border policies.

Youth Civic Update: Gambian youth have wrapped up a nationwide voter awareness caravan in Banjul as supplementary voter registration for the December 2026 presidential election ends, with the IEC now compiling the final voters’ roll. Human Rights & Women’s Leadership: Youth for Human Rights DC and Miss Africa USA held events in Washington, DC—art displays, embassy visits, recognitions, and petition drives—to spotlight human rights advocacy for young African women. Culture & Faith in Focus: A tribute marks the passing of Imam Alhaji Ebou Njie, remembered for shaping Banjul’s spiritual life through the adhan and community leadership. Education & Capacity Building: AIUWA’s 10th convocation in The Gambia graduated 322 students and announced new postgraduate programmes, including public health expansion. Civic Tone in Politics: UDP urges restraint and civility in Gambian political discourse, warning that insults and toxic rhetoric can fracture unity and democratic culture. Tourism & Mobility: The Republic of Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from 2027, adding to a growing wave of open-border policies across Africa. Water, Nutrition & Youth Action: AfriCAN launched Africa Day 2026 campaign activities linking water, sanitation, nutrition, and environmental responsibility, with youth initiatives already underway in Cameroon, The Gambia, and Ghana.

Climate & Cities: African leaders at the World Urban Forum in Baku warned that extreme weather and fast urban growth are overwhelming housing systems, with flooding destroying homes and livelihoods and draining public health capacity. Community Sports & Youth: Masai Ujiri’s Giants of Africa hit the halfway mark of its Built Within initiative by opening its 50th basketball court in Lagos, giving young people more space to play, lead, and grow. Gambia Civic Life: Gambian youth completed a nationwide voter awareness caravan as supplementary registration for the December 2026 presidential election ended, with IEC compiling the final voters’ roll and organisers pushing first-time voters toward lasting civic engagement. Human Rights Through Culture: Youth for Human Rights DC and Miss Africa USA held events in Washington, DC combining art, embassy visits, and petition drives to spotlight human rights and leadership for young African women. Mandinka Music Abroad: Gambian superstar Susso is set for a UK performance celebrating Mandinka musical traditions, blending griot heritage with contemporary sounds. Open Borders Trend: The Republic of Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from January 1, 2027, joining a growing wave of African countries easing travel rules.