AGP Executive Report

Journalism & Democracy: CJID’s DUBAWA summit in Accra urged West African media to rebuild around data skills and regional cooperation, warning that old newsroom models can’t defend democracy in the age of AI-driven misinformation. US Travel Curbs: A new 2026 update shows 11 West African countries facing US entry bans or tougher visa checks, with The Gambia listed among those under partial restrictions. Women’s Rights in Court: The Supreme Court’s FGM case continues as proceedings adjourned to July 14, with the dispute framed as far more than law—touching gender equality, bodily autonomy, health, and child protection. Healthcare Access: FaBB Foundation commissioned The Gambia’s first Accident & Emergency Unit at Bansang General Hospital, aiming to cut dangerous delays for emergency care. Inclusive Childhood: SOS Children’s Villages and the Remembering Reuel Foundation pushed for stronger inclusion of children with disabilities, launching new support initiatives. Heritage & UNESCO: NCAC Director Jarju was selected for a UNESCO World Heritage mentorship programme in Paris, with a focus on better heritage governance for countries including The Gambia. Education & Safety: Teachers accused MoBSE of abandoning a colleague after an attempted murder case ended in conviction and sentencing. Culture & Sports Abroad: TMT FC captain Kaddy Jallow and defender Fatou Fatty left for Bhutan’s Paro FC, marking a historic international club move for the women’s team. Youth Innovation: UNICEF-backed showcase highlighted young Gambians’ digital solutions for children, including sign-language learning tools and an AI virtual teacher pilot. ECOWAS Integration: ECOWAS launched School Clubs in The Gambia to promote regional integration and youth leadership.

Art & Culture: ART27 Gallery is set to become a permanent home for Gambian artists, with a new 360-square-metre space in Kartong designed for exhibitions, workshops, and a sustainable café/bar model. Youth & Innovation: A UNICEF-backed showcase highlighted young Gambians’ digital solutions for children’s needs, including sign-language learning videos, disability inclusion work, and a WASSCE prep app. Education & Skills: The government unveiled a US$13M plan to build two Centres of Excellence for agribusiness and fisheries training under the RISE project, aiming to boost innovation and jobs. Governance & Rights: The Supreme Court dismissed a challenge to the president’s expanded amnesty powers, while another case on the FGM ban continues with the plaintiffs’ evidence phase moving forward. Sports & Mobility: TMT FC captain Kaddy Jallow and defender Fatou Fatty have joined Bhutan’s Paro FC, bringing more Gambian women’s football talent abroad. Security & Migration: EOCO and INTERPOL stepped up regional action against trafficking, smuggling, and scams, as immigration authorities reported interceptions of would-be irregular migrants and arrests of suspected smugglers. Global Health: The UN Human Rights Council adopted a landmark resolution linking neglected tropical diseases to human rights, with The Gambia among the leading African states.

Youth & Sports: Morocco’s Ghita Melalka and Hafsa Bouysfi, both 15, opened their U18 beach volleyball World Championship run with a 2-0 win over Gambia’s Fatou Bah and Mariam Sanyang, and now face tougher pool matches in the Netherlands. Arts & Culture: ART27 Gallery is set to become a permanent Kartong home for Gambian artists, with a new exhibition space, workshops, and a plan to build financial sustainability within three years. Tech for Children: Young Gambians showcased digital innovations from a UNICEF-backed mentorship programme, including sign-language learning videos and an AI virtual teacher pilot. Education & Skills: Government validated designs for two Centres of Excellence under a $13M TVET plan, targeting agribusiness and fisheries training. Law & Rights: The Supreme Court dismissed a challenge to the President’s expanded amnesty powers, while another case on the FGM ban moves forward. Migration & Safety: EOCO and INTERPOL stepped up regional action against trafficking, smuggling, and scams; meanwhile, Gambia’s Immigration intercepted 91 would-be irregular migrants and arrested four suspected smugglers. Public Health: The UN Human Rights Council adopted a landmark resolution linking neglected tropical diseases to human rights, with The Gambia among key supporters.

Human Rights & Health: The UN Human Rights Council adopted a landmark resolution linking neglected tropical diseases to dignity and justice, with The Gambia among the African states that led the push. ECOWAS Youth Integration: ECOWAS launched School Clubs in The Gambia to strengthen regional integration, peace and sustainable development, while urging critical thinking over misinformation. Irregular Migration at the Community Level: ECOWAS Parliament held a community interface in Bakau where survivors of irregular migration and trafficking shared ordeals, as the ECOWAS outreach continues to Dakar. Court Watch—FGM Ban: The Supreme Court closed the plaintiffs’ case in a constitutional challenge to The Gambia’s FGM ban, moving the matter to the defendants’ side. Immigration Enforcement: Gambia Immigration intercepted 91 would-be irregular migrants and arrested four suspected smugglers in Tanji, highlighting risks for women and minors. Culture & Leadership: Kanu Godwin Agabi marks 80, celebrated for decades of public service and community influence. Trade & Development: ITFC signed a $250m three-year framework with The Gambia to support trade finance, energy imports and private sector growth. Youth & Skills: The Gambia’s National Career Fest 2026 featured a push for discipline and skills alongside education for young people.

ECOWAS Youth Integration: ECOWAS has launched School Clubs in The Gambia to spread regional peace, unity and sustainable development, with youth leaders and students urged to build ownership of ECOWAS ideals and avoid misinformation. Women’s Health & Leadership: Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation, was named among “100 Most Impactful Voices 2026,” spotlighting her work on women’s empowerment, girls’ education and equitable healthcare. Irregular Migration Crackdown: Gambia Immigration intercepted 91 would-be irregular migrants (including women and minors) and arrested four suspected smugglers in Tanji, stressing the dangers of false promises abroad. Landmark Human Rights Health Move: The UN Human Rights Council adopted its first-ever resolution on neglected tropical diseases, linking them to inequality and social exclusion and calling for action on water, sanitation, housing and education. Youth Justice Initiative: A Jali Young Women’s Justice and Legal Immersion programme is sending fellows back to communities to tackle child marriage, teenage pregnancy and gender inequality through mentorship and practical projects. Digital Payments for Growth: ITFC signed a $250m framework deal with The Gambia for trade finance, energy imports, food security and private sector development, reinforcing regional economic links. Travel & Culture Spotlight: TUI Musement is rolling out short “Multi Day Experiences,” including Gambia, blending local guides, culture and overnight stays.

FGM Court Challenge: The Gambia’s Supreme Court is set to rule on a challenge to the national ban on female genital mutilation, with survivors fearing legal protections for girls could weaken. Youth Justice & Rights: A Jali Young Women’s Justice and Legal Immersion initiative ended with fellows returning to communities to tackle child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and gender inequality through projects and mentorship. ECOWAS Migration Push: The ECOWAS Parliament begins a week-long citizen engagement in Banjul on safe choices and fighting irregular migration and trafficking, bringing together youth, returnees, and justice stakeholders. Border Security Warning: The Gambia Immigration Department says irregular migration persists despite crackdowns, citing smuggling networks exploiting border and coastal vulnerabilities. National Identity System: President Barrow continues rolling out the national ID management system, positioning it as a digital leap that needs public trust. Governance & Courts: Gambian legal debate continues after a court order temporarily halts the deportation/expulsion of Muhammad Rene Schwarze, highlighting tensions in immigration and court processes. Plastic Ban Reality Check: Questions are raised after reports of heavy spending to enforce the plastic bag ban, while plastic bags remain widely visible. Career & Education Drive: GRA Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe urged youth at the National Career Fest to build discipline and skills alongside education. Labour Diplomacy: China’s ambassador met FLUG leadership, discussing cooperation on vocational education and capacity-building.

Youth & Justice: Young women in The Gambia are set to return to their communities after a Jali Young Women’s Justice and Legal Immersion, aiming to tackle child marriage, teenage pregnancy and gender inequality. Human Rights in Court: The Supreme Court is preparing to rule on the FGM ban, with survivors in Wellingara warning the decision could shape whether daughters stay protected. Security & Governance: Commentators and a public letter condemn the reported manhandling of NDP leader Kebba Madi Bojang by immigration officers, calling for an independent investigation and security-sector reform. Migration Pressure: ECOWAS Parliament begins a week-long citizen engagement in Banjul on irregular migration and trafficking, while immigration reports warn smuggling networks exploit border gaps. National Identity & Documents: A debate continues over passport integrity and identity management as government pushes biometric national ID systems. Career & Education: GRA Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe motivates students at the National Career Fest, stressing discipline, skills and youth empowerment. Regional Finance: President Barrow urges stronger Africa–IMF/World Bank partnership at the African Caucus Meeting, focusing on investment, innovation and inclusion. Tech & Payments (Regional): BanffPay launches Liberia’s unified digital payments API after securing a Central Bank of Liberia PSP license.

Irregular Migration & Human Trafficking: ECOWAS Parliament kicks off a week-long citizen engagement in The Gambia (then Senegal) to warn youths and communities about the risks of irregular migration and modern slavery, with IOM and NAATIP set to brief on trends and trafficking patterns. FGM Ban Court Case: As The Gambia’s Supreme Court prepares to rule on the FGM ban, survivors in Wellingara say the decision could decide whether daughters stay protected or face renewed trauma. Document Integrity & Passport Fraud: A court-focused identity warning is echoed by reports of recycled Gambian passports used in UK attempts, underlining the need for stronger biometric identity management and tighter controls. Plastic Ban Enforcement: Questions are raised after the government spent about D1.2 million in five days to enforce the plastic bag ban, while plastic remains visible—suggesting enforcement alone may not shift habits. Youth, Education & Jobs: President Barrow pledges decisive education funding and youth empowerment at an NPP students’ bantaba, while GRA’s career fest push links education, skills, and tax culture to opportunity. Health & Culture Links: A Chinese medical team arrives in Banjul for a 12-month mission at EFSTH, and UCAD lecturers/students visit the National Library to strengthen library and information science cooperation.

UN Genocide Prevention: The UN General Assembly plans a plenary on Monday on nations’ responsibility to prevent genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity, with critics warning protocols won’t help victims on the ground. Judicial Heritage & Tourism: Ghana’s Judicial Service is moving to renovate the historic WACA building into a museum and research centre, preserving a court that once served the region including The Gambia. Migration Safety in Focus: ECOWAS Parliament launches a two-phase campaign in Banjul and Dakar to warn youths about irregular migration, modern slavery and “One Journey, Many Risks. Ask First, Move Safely.” Airport Security Contract: The National Assembly urges government to review and possibly terminate the Securiport contract at Banjul International Airport after complaints about the $20 security fee. Education & Youth Empowerment: President Barrow pledges decisive education funding and youth skills support at an NPP Students’ Wing “Bantaba,” including scholarships, teacher recruitment and apprenticeships. Plastic Ban Enforcement Debate: New claims that the government spent about D1.2m in five days to enforce the plastic bag ban raise questions about cost and whether enforcement alone can change behaviour. National Identity Rollout: The Interior Ministry announces the nationwide schedule for new national ID cards, starting with a pilot registration for Immigration Department personnel from 6–10 July. Women’s Economic Power: Barrow certifies 730 women under SWEDD+ and confirms business grants of D50,000–D75,000 to help grow enterprises. Library & Media Exposure: UCAD students visit the Gambia National Library, while Banjulinding students tour media houses to inspire journalism careers.

National Identity Rollout: The Ministry of Interior announced a nationwide rollout schedule for The Gambia’s new National ID cards, starting with a pilot registration for Immigration Department personnel (6–10 July), then notaries public (13–17 July), followed by community and vouching registrations, with continuous registration beginning 4 August at designated centres and via mobile teams. Women’s Economic Empowerment: President Adama Barrow certified 730 young women under SWEDD+ and handed out D50,000–D75,000 business grants, with D32 million earmarked for the first cohort to start or expand enterprises. GBV in Schools: Gambia Teachers’ Union training in Brikama equipped 100 teachers to identify, prevent, and respond to gender-based violence, strengthening reporting and support for survivors. Education Access: Access Bank donated 8,400 sanitary pads to support schoolgirls and tackle period poverty, aiming to reduce absenteeism and protect girls’ dignity. Disability Rights Push: NODO leaders renewed calls for full implementation of the Disability Act 2021, warning that key provisions like the 3% public-sector job reservation are not being enforced. Security Update: Police IGP Seedy Mukhtar Touray defended police response to violent crimes and outlined arrests and investigations during an emergency briefing in Banjul. Court Protection for Deportation Case: The High Court in Banjul granted an interim injunction stopping the Director General of Immigration from deporting or repatriating Muhammad Rene Schwarze pending a substantive hearing. Global Culture Note: A European award for malaria vaccine research highlights how The Gambia-linked science continues to inspire public health stories across Africa.

Gender & Media: A seminar in Kigali urged media outlets to challenge gender stereotypes, warning that digital harassment and misinformation are blocking women journalists and leaders from full public participation. National Identity Rollout: The Gambia’s Interior Ministry announced a new National ID Card rollout, starting with a pilot for Immigration staff (6–10 July), then notaries (13–17 July), with continuous nationwide registration beginning 4 August and mobile teams serving remote communities. Women’s Economic Empowerment: President Barrow marked the SWEDD+ graduation of 730 young women (15–24), with D50,000–D75,000 business grants and D32 million earmarked for the first cohort. Disability Rights Push: NODO leaders called for full implementation of the Disability Act 2021, including enforcing the 3% public-sector job quota. Education & Dignity: Access Bank donated 8,400 sanitary pads to support Gambian schoolgirls and tackle period poverty. School Access in Rural Areas: A youth parliamentarian highlighted how long walks threaten the education of Nianija children, urging bicycles to improve safe mobility. Police Accountability: The IGP defended police response to violent crimes, saying fuel and deployment are managed despite public concerns. Court Update: The High Court temporarily halted deportation of Muhammad Rene Schwarze pending a substantive challenge.

National Identity Rollout: The Gambia’s Interior Ministry announced a nationwide schedule for new National ID cards, starting with a pilot registration for Immigration personnel (6–10 July), then notaries public (13–17 July), followed by regional registration phases, before continuous registration begins 4 August with mobile teams to reach communities beyond fixed centres. Women’s Empowerment: President Adama Barrow certified 730 young women under SWEDD+ and said no country can reach its potential without empowering women and girls, as graduands received entrepreneurship training and D50,000–D75,000 business grants. Education & Literacy: GES and UMA-Subika held a reading festival competition in Asutifi North to boost literacy, with circuits competing in English and Twi and winners receiving learning materials and tablets. Disability Rights Push: NODO leaders called for full implementation of the Disability Act 2021, urging government to enforce the 3% public sector job quota and expand inclusion in education and healthcare. School Access in Rural Areas: A youth parliamentarian raised alarms over long, unsafe walks to school for children in Nianija, calling for bicycles to protect students and improve attendance. Gender-Based Violence in Schools: Teachers in Brikama received training to identify, prevent, and respond to gender-based violence, strengthening reporting and support for survivors. Security Update: The IGP defended police response to violent crimes, saying fuel and deployment are managed and arrests are being made, while urging public cooperation. Court Moves on Deportation: The High Court temporarily halted deportation of Muhammad Rene Schwarze pending a substantive hearing challenging his persona non grata declaration. Health & Science Spotlight: An Irish scientist, Adrian Hill, won the European Inventor Award for developing the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, citing his early experience in The Gambia as shaping his research drive.

Literacy & Youth Learning: GES and UMA-Subika held the fifth annual reading festival in Asutifi North, with circuits competing in English and Twi; Kenyasi Mmooho won and received learning materials and tablets. Women’s Economic Empowerment: President Barrow certified 730 young women under SWEDD+, awarding D50,000–D75,000 grants to help graduates start or expand businesses. Education Access for Girls: Access Bank donated 8,400 sanitary pads to support Gambian schoolgirls, aiming to cut period poverty and keep girls in class. Disability Rights Push: NODO leaders renewed calls to fully implement The Gambia’s Disability Act 2021, stressing the need to enforce the 3% public jobs quota. National ID Rollout: The Interior Ministry announced a nationwide schedule for new National ID cards, starting with a July pilot and moving to continuous registration in August. Security & Justice: The IGP defended police response to violent crimes, while courts continued handing down sentences, including a 10-year robbery-with-violence case in Gunjur.

National Identity Rollout: The Interior Ministry announced a nationwide schedule for new National ID cards, starting with a pilot for Immigration Department personnel (6–10 July) and continuous registration from 4 August, with mobile teams to reach communities beyond fixed centres. Women’s Economic Empowerment: President Barrow backed SWEDD+ with a D32m grant, celebrating 730 young women graduates who received D50,000–D75,000 business grants after entrepreneurship training. Disability Rights Push: NODO leaders renewed calls to fully implement the Disability Act 2021, warning the 3% public-sector job quota for persons with disabilities is not being enforced. School Access in Rural Areas: A youth parliamentarian highlighted how long walks to school in Nianija are harming students’ health and learning, urging bicycles to reduce risk. Girls’ Dignity Support: Access Bank donated 8,400 sanitary pads to tackle period poverty and help girls stay in school. Police Accountability: The IGP defended police crime response and later briefed the public on recent killings, saying suspects are in custody. Court Stops Deportation: The High Court temporarily halted deportation of Muhammad Rene Schwarze pending a substantive challenge. Workplace Safety Training: A workshop trained stakeholders to improve occupational health and safety and curb injuries, including risks from counterfeit safety products.

ICC Withdrawal Watch: Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have begun the one-year process to withdraw from the Rome Statute, with the ICC warning the move could weaken efforts against impunity. Sudan Humanitarian Crisis: A new Sudan timeline highlights siege-like conditions in El Obeid, with reports of drone strikes, water shortages and grave abuses. Women’s Economic Empowerment: President Barrow says no country can reach its potential without empowering women and girls, as SWEDD+ graduates over 730 young women with training and D50,000–D75,000 grants. Disability Rights Push: NODO calls for full implementation of The Gambia’s Disability Act 2021 and stronger inclusion in education, healthcare and public jobs. Education Access: Rural students in Nianija face long, unsafe walks to school; leaders urge support like bicycles. Girls’ Dignity Initiative: Access Bank donates 8,400 sanitary pads to tackle period poverty and keep girls in class. Justice Update: High Court halts deportation of Muhammad Rene Schwarze pending a substantive challenge. Digital Tax Reform: GRA launches a pilot electronic invoicing system to modernize tax administration and improve compliance. National Identity & Data Sovereignty: A call is made to overhaul ID data systems to protect national data sovereignty and ensure everyone is registered. Crime & Policing Debate: The IGP says crime is declining based on police reports, while officials respond to calls for stronger action. Malaria Vaccine Win: Irish scientist Adrian Hill receives a major award for the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine, exceeding WHO protection targets.

National Identity & Digital Services: President Adama Barrow launched The Gambia’s National Identity Management System (NIMS), with instant biometric enrollment and cards, aiming to cut delays, reduce fraud, and improve access to services. Telecom Upgrade: PURA announced a major shift to nine-digit phone numbers starting 4 September 2026, keeping existing SIMs and numbers but adding prefixes for Africell, QCell and Comium. Women’s Empowerment: Barrow approved over D32 million for the SWEDD+ project, graduating 738 out-of-school girls and young women from entrepreneurship training. Health & Human Capital: A Human Capital Trust Fund spotlight highlighted Gambia-linked work against FGM using national data and policy advocacy. Crime & Justice Debate: The IGP said crime is declining based on police reports, while officials and public discussion continue around punishment, including the death penalty. Court Updates: A High Court in Banjul sentenced a man to 10 years for violent robbery in Gunjur. Culture & Community: Merck Foundation marked World Art Day with its Pan-African “Art and Fashion with Purpose” community, supporting health and social causes.