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PRESIDENT BARROW TAKES TOP HONOUR AT MEDAYS 17TH EDITION  

The Gambian leader, President Adama Barrow, globally acclaimed as a man of peace and tolerance has been awarded the Grand Prix MEDays 2025 at the 17th Mediterranean Conference on global cooperation and dialogue. The citations on President Barrow recognised and acknowledged his commitment to cooperation and dialogue in strengthening peace and stability both at home and globally.  President Barrow is the 3rd Head of State for the Smiling Coast of Africa, The Gambia, a magnificent West African country within the ECOWAS bloc.   As he affirms, size is not important; it is what we do to promote dialogue, peace, and democracy that counts for us to advance as developing states. In his statement, President Barrow highlighted the importance of collaboration and collective action in achieving Africa's development goals including opportunities for economic growth. The Gambian leader praised Morocco’s leadership in South-South cooperation. He reiterated The Gambia’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty over the Moroccan Sahara, citing The Gambia as the first country to open a Consulate General in Dakhla in 2020. This gesture underscores the strong bilateral ties between The Gambia and Morocco, built on shared values and cooperation. The event offers a platform for dialogue, innovation, and strategic partnerships, rooted in Morocco's pivotal role as a hub for international cooperation. Africa has long been struggling within, but the leadership of President Adama Barrow has demonstrated that with focus and innovation, our countries can advance rapidly. While leading unprecedented infrastructure development, democracy and economic prosperity at home, President Barrow also pursues regional and global peace, dialogue and cooperation. The President's visionary and transformative leadership within decade earned him the coveted 2024 African Peace Promoter Prize. The 17th edition of the MEDays Forum is underway in Tangier, Morocco, bringing together Heads of State and Government, business experts, and other decision makers to dialogue and formulate practical solutions to Africa’s challenges. Held under the theme ‘Fractures and Polarisation: Reinventing the Global Equation,’ the event is focused on exploring opportunities for growth and cooperation.President Barrow was accompanied by Lady Sarjo Mballow-Barrow, Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Seringe Modou Njie and Minister & Chief of Staff, Office of the President Hon. Mod K. Ceesay.

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PRESIDENT BARROW HOLDS BILATERAL MEETING WITH LIBERIAN LEADER IN MOROCCO

The President of The Gambia, His Excellency Adama Barrow and his Liberian counterpart, President Joseph Boakai, held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 17th Edition of MEDays Forum in Tangier, the Kingdom of Morocco. President Barrow congratulated President Boakai on his election at the UN Security Council, thus representing the ECOWAS bloc. The President further emphasised the importance of cooperation in the ECOWAS bloc The two leaders discussed matters of security in the region, the importance of intelligence sharing and other areas of bilateral interests to boost tourism, trade and economic growth.The relationship between The Gambia and Liberia has further strengthened since 2017, impacting peace and cooperation in the ECOWAS Region.

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AU ELECTION OBSERVERS SPEAK ON POST-ELECTION SITUATION IN GUINEA-BISSAU 

The Heads of the African Union Election Observation Mission, His Excellency Issifu Baba Brafmah Kamara, head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission, H.E. Goodluck Jonathan, head of the West African Elders Forum and Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and H.E. Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, head of observation Mission and Former President of the Republic of Mozambique have issued a joint statement onthe Post-Election Situation in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau. This came after reports of a coup by the country's armed forces. Below is the full statement. “We, the Heads of the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM), the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM), and the West African Elders Forum note the orderly and peaceful conclusion of the voting process for the presidential and legislative elections held on 23 November 2025 in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.We commend the people of Guinea-Bissau for their strong civic engagement, as well as the professionalism demonstrated by polling staff, security personnel, presidential candidates, and party agents throughout the voting process.Despite these encouraging developments, we express deep concern with the announcement of a coup d'etat by the armed forces, while the nation was waiting for the announcement of the results. It's regrettable that this announcement came at a time when the missions had just concluded meeting with the two leading presidential candidates, who assured us of their willingness to accept the will of the people.We deplore this blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process and the gains that have been achieved thus far. We request that the African Union and ECOWAS take the necessary steps to restore constitutional order.We express concern about the arrests of top officials, including those who are in charge of the electoral process. In this regard, we urge the armed forces to immediately release the detained officials to allow the country's electoral process to proceed to its conclusion.We call on the people of Guinea-Bissau to remain calm, and we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the Country on its democratic path. In this respect, we underscore the importance of preserving peace, stability, and the well-being of the Bissau-Guinean people during this sensitive period.”

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  • ECOWAS
  • November 26, 2025 09:04
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PRESIDENT BARROW DISCUSSES BRIKAMA MARKET AND OUTLINES ACHIEVEMENTS IN WEST COAST REGION

His Excellency President Adama Barrow has convened a meeting in Brikama on Sunday, listening to the concerns of the community and its surrounding villages in fulfilment of his constitutionally mandated annual Meet the People Tour. After listening to the speakers, President Barrow began his address by focusing on the market and roads identified by the speakers as ‘undesirable to ply.’ He argued that those are issues that should have been handled by Yankuba Darboe, the Chairman of Brikama Area Council, whom he accused of engaging more in political talk than working. The President said he wanted to build the biggest market in Brikama but his attempt was blocked by the Chairman of the Council, saying the people of Brikama would ‘never get that project if Yankuba Darboe continues to occupy the seat.’ He, however, assured the people of Brikama of his commitment to bring development projects to the area.The President then began recounting what he has done in the West Coast Region since coming to power. He said an estimated 5 billion dalasi was spent on higher education and skill acquisition centres. He said his administration has so far spent 500 million dalasi on basic education, in excess of  7 billion dalasi on roads, over 3 billion on health, more than  7 billion dalasi on electricity and more than 400 million dalasi on agriculture.He also said the government is implementing a 962 million water project in Sifoe, which would benefit  200 thousand people in 16 thousand households. President Barrow also disclosed that his administration has spent 1.2 billion dalasi on the Farato Hospital, and provided ambulances worth 35 million dalasi to the West Coast Region.President Barrow then presented a cheque for 3.2 million dalasi to 23 women's groups in the West Coast Region. The groups have a combined membership of over  2,000.When it was the turn of speakers to take to the podium, they expressed gratitude to the President for the work he has done in the region and called for more support. The undesirable condition of roads featured prominently in various speeches. Chief Mundo Jatta of Kombo North, singled out roads in  Kabafita, Nyambai, Jamisa, Jidda and many more that he said need to be constructed urgently. ‘When it rains, the said roads are difficult to ply.’Other speakers, mostly women, pleaded for the government's intervention to improve conditions at Brikama Market. They say the market is the source of livelihood for many women, but its condition, especially during the rainy season, leaves a lot to be desired.According to some speakers, ‘the drainage system there does not allow water to flow, thus creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes, in addition to the pungent smell.’The Brikama Market is the biggest on the West Coast and one of the biggest in the Gambia. Thousands of women there, depend on their stalls for survival. National Assembly Member for Kombo East, Honourable Abdou Sowe, said he ‘feels ashamed whenever he goes to the market, due to its bad state.’He urged the central government to intervene, saying its condition would continue to ‘deteriorate if it were left in the hands of the area council.’Pleas for electricity were also made - specifically for Dasilameh, Kabakel, Marakisa and other satellite settlements.Ebrima Sillah, the Minister for Transport, Works and Infrastructure, informed the people of Brikama that the Rumba road, Jalambang-Sara Ngai, Jidda, Jamisa and the road stretching from Jah Oil to Jambar Sanneh would all be ‘constructed soon.’Dr Demba Sabally, the Minister for Agriculture, said cold storage facilities are being constructed in Brikama, and that the gardens in Dasilameh and Jiboro are also being renovated. Sillah also disclosed that a slaughterhouse is being built in Brikama.Hamat Bah, Lands and Regional Government Minister, told the gathering that the government is conscious of the concerns of the youth of Brikama, and would provide them with good football fields. He, however, warned the people of Komba South against selling government lands, adding, It's cause for concern.’ Bah said ‘The government needs those lands for future development projects.’The greater percentage of civil cases at the courts, according to the Lands Minister, are about conflicts over land. He then went on to warn Alkalolu and local authorities to follow the laws governing land administration.  The Brikama meeting is the third to be convened in the West Coast Region, and was attended by a large number of people. 

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Saudi Arabia and The Gambia Sign Historic Sports Cooperation Agreement in Riyadh

In a significant step towards strengthening international sports cooperation, the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC) and the Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Wednesday, marking the occasion at the Islamic Solidarity Games 2025 in Riyadh.The agreement, signed by HH Prince Fahad Bin Jalawi Al Saud on behalf of HRH Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Al-Faisal Al Saud, President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and Mr Bai Dodou Jallow, President of the Gambia National Olympic Committee, establishes a comprehensive framework aimed at enhancing bilateral collaboration across various aspects of the Olympic Movement and sports development.The MoU reflects the shared ambition of both nations to expand technical, educational, and administrative cooperation, while fostering stronger people-to-people links through sport.Under the terms of the agreement, the two committees will collaborate closely at continental and international sports forums, exchange sports programmes between federations, and work together on training sports personnel through technical exchanges, conferences, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.The partnership also promotes cooperation in sports medicine, anti-doping efforts, gender equity, Olympic education, and sustainability. Both sides will encourage exchanges among coaches, sports officials, athletes’ committees, and national teams, while facilitating direct contact between sports clubs in each country.The agreement emphasises the confidentiality of shared information and specifies that the MoU is a non-binding framework with no immediate financial commitments. Financial arrangements for specific exchange programmes will be mutually agreed upon on a case-by-case basis.To ensure effective implementation, representatives from the SOPC and GNOC will hold regular meetings to evaluate and progress joint programmes. The MoU will remain valid for four years and will automatically renew for additional four-year terms unless either party terminates it with six months’ notice in writing.Both parties stressed the importance of coordinated public communication, with prior written approval needed before any information related to the MoU or its activities is published.The signing marks a new chapter in Saudi–Gambian sports relations, positioning both countries to benefit from shared expertise, improved athletic development, and enhanced international cooperation within the global Olympic Movement.

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  • GNOC
  • November 25, 2025 04:29
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Health Ministry and Africa CDC Discuss Means To Eliminate Hepatitis

The Gambia's Ministry of Health, through the National Hepatitis Control Programme, with support from the Africa CDC, has initiated a five-day national workshop aimed at strengthening surveillance and monitoring systems as the country works towards eliminating hepatitis by 2030.The first two days will focus on identifying key hepatitis indicators to aid national reporting. The remaining three days will be dedicated to equipping participating health workers with improved skills for accurate data collection and monitoring.Sheriff Badjie, the National Hepatitis Control Programme manager, emphasised the need for a 'strong monitoring and evaluation system' to achieve the 2030 hepatitis elimination target. He stated that 'timely and reliable data is essential for informed decision-making.'The set target for eliminating hepatitis remains a central focus for officials. Momodou T. Nyassi, the Director of Health Services, affirmed that the Ministry is committed to strengthening surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation systems to ensure that 'hepatitis is eliminated in The Gambia by 2030.'Dr Kokou Alinon, Regional Director of Africa CDC for the West Africa Coordinating Centre, described the workshop as a 'strategic investment in public health, recognising efforts to improve data quality, strengthen disease control, and promote hepatitis elimination.'This workshop emphasises surveillance, data collection, and monitoring—key aspects of the drive to make hepatitis a thing of the past—by providing information on prevalence rates and other demographic evidence that could support decision-making. 

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ECOWAS ELECTION OBSERVERS REPORT PEACEFUL, ORDERLY AND TRANSPARENT VOTING IN BISSAU

ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM), led by Ambassador Issufu Baba Braimah Kamara, reported a calm, orderly and transparent voting process in Bissau, following a structured deployment to priority polling centres during the opening of the 2025 General Elections. Early observations confirmed the timely commencement of operations, the presence of accredited party agents, the availability of essential voting materials and a level of civic discipline that reflected strong public confidence in the process.Voters went to the polls on Sunday, 23 November, for the presidential and legislative elections. 12 candidates are contesting the elections including the incumbent, Umaro Sissoco Embalo. (Pictures, ECOWAS) Strengthened by real-time national coverage from long- and short-term observers, the Mission noted that the conduct of polling officials, security personnel and voters remained consistent with the standards expected for credible elections in the ECOWAS region. These initial findings support the Organisation’s longstanding commitment to safeguarding democratic processes, promoting stability, and ensuring that the electoral outcome faithfully reflects the will of the people of Guinea-Bissau

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  • ECOWAS
  • November 24, 2025 05:38
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AUB Director General Meets GRTS and Top Government Officials Ahead of AUB Assembly In Banjul

A team led by the Director General of the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB), Mr Gregoire Ndjaka, is currently in the Gambia as a guest of the Gambia Radio and Television Service (GRTS). The team, which also includes Rokehya Ndiaye, Head of Member Relations, is in the country to discuss preparatory works with government officials and GRTS ahead of the 2026 African Union of Broadcasting General Assembly meeting in Banjul. During the visit, the team held high-level consultative meetings with the Minister of Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services, while also meeting the Director General of GRTS Mr. Abdoulie Sey and the senior management team of the state broadcaster. The delegation’s latest engagements include site visits to the Gambia’s hospitality industry, including the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo, before a formal meeting with members of the GRTS Board of Directors, represented by the Board Vice Chair, Mr Kemo Conteh. The Gambia initially hosted the organisation's General Assembly in 1998 when the body used to be called the Union of African National Television and Radio Organisations (URTNA).This will be the first time the Gambia will host the General Assembly after its renaming to AUB in the 2006 URTNA General Assembly held in Nigeria. This is a remarkable move as GRTS moves to reposition itself as a critical player on the continental broadcasting landscape.

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  • GRTS
  • November 18, 2025 11:30
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“Adaptation Is No Longer Optional”: Gambia Calls for Fair Climate Finance at COP30

The Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Rohey John Manjang, has reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to working with all Parties “in the spirit of equity, cooperation, accountability and hope for posterity” in the global climate discourse.“As we convene at this critical moment for global climate action, The Gambia stands ready to work with all Parties in the spirit of equity, cooperation, accountability, and hope for posterity.” “Let us be reminded that The Gambia, though among the nations least responsible for global greenhouse gas emissions, remains one of the most vulnerable to the devastating impacts of climate change. Our economy depends heavily on climate-sensitive sectors, such as agriculture and fisheries, and our coastal zone is under increasing threat from sea-level rise and storm surges,” she said. Minister Manjang made these remarks during the High-Level Segment of COP30/CMP20/CMA7, where leaders present national statements and outline their countries’ climate priorities.The Gambia’s Emission Reduction TargetsThe minister highlighted the country’s ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions despite its limited resources.“The Gambia’s second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC2) sets a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 49.7 per cent below business-as-usual levels by 2030, while working toward a vision of net-zero emissions by 2050, costed at 4 billion USD,” she stated.She added that climate considerations have been integrated into the national development plan, alongside strengthened partnerships and the rollout of nature-based solutions and broader resilience-building initiatives. “The country has also developed a Climate Prosperity Investment and Financing Strategy to mobilise resources for transformative climate-resilient growth.”The minister noted that The Gambia is working toward establishing a National Climate Change Act to provide a stronger legal framework for climate action.A Call for Adaptation Finance and Global SupportMinister Manjang emphasised that The Gambia’s climate ambitions depend on access to finance, technology, and capacity support.“Adaptation is no longer optional. It is an urgent necessity for safeguarding lives, livelihoods and ecosystems, especially in the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries,” she said. She urged parties to adopt practical adaptation indicators and operationalise them to track progress toward global climate resilience.This she said will be:• A significant increase in adaptation finance for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), in line with Article 9.4 of the Paris Agreement.• Substantial and timely contributions to the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), commensurate with the scale of losses already experienced.“Without accessible, reliable and predictable climate finance, building resilience will remain a mere aspiration,” she said.Climate Justice and Just TransitionMinister Manjang stressed that LDCs and SIDS must be at the heart of all climate action. She welcomed the recent International Court of Justice advisory opinion affirming that restitution, including ecosystem restoration, is a legal obligation, reinforcing the justice dimension of loss and damage.On Just Transition, she emphasised equity and the special circumstances of LDCs and SIDS, calling for the elevation of the Just Transition Work Programme as a central pillar of the UNFCCC process.“We cannot fail our women, our children, and our youths, who are the most affected and the least responsible for the climate crisis,” she said.Concluding her statement, Minister Manjang reiterated The Gambia’s readiness to work constructively with all parties to deliver a “balanced and implementable” outcome from Belém.“Let us leave Belém with renewed resolve, united in strengthening hope and partnerships, with a clear path toward climate action and resilience for all,” she said.

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The Gambia's Environment Minister Designated Co-Chair of the Global Goal on Adaptation

The Gambia has secured a notable position on the global climate stage. The Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Hon. Rohey John Manjang, has been assigned by the COP President to serve as Co-Chair of the Global Goal for Adaptation, known as the GGA. With this major recognition of The Gambia’s leadership on climate action, Hon. Rohey John Manjang will now serve alongside Germany’s Environment Minister as Co-Chair of the Global Goal for Adaptation, an important pillar of the international climate negotiations.The appointment places Minister Manjang at the centre of global efforts to strengthen resilience and help countries adapt to the worsening impacts of climate change.Her role requires complete neutrality, bringing together all negotiating groups, listening to their concerns, and guiding discussions toward a balanced agreement acceptable to all parties.This co-chairmanship is seen as both an honour and a responsibility, as countries look to chart a clear path for adaptation ahead of future climate milestones.With this appointment, The Gambia’s voice takes on an even stronger role in shaping global climate policy, highlighting the country’s commitment to a fair and inclusive climate agenda.

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Gambia's Rohey John Manjang Advocates for Equitable Food Systems and Climate Action at COP30

Rohey John Manjang, The Gambia's Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, joined world leaders and ministers at a High-Level Ministerial Event on National Approaches to Protein Diversification and International Collaboration, in her first engagement at COP30 in Belém, BrazilIn her remarks, Minister Manjang highlighted the deep connection between climate change, food security, and public health, emphasising that for The Gambia, protein diversification is not a luxury but a national necessity.“Erratic rainfall patterns and warming seas now directly affect our traditional protein sources from groundnuts to fisheries. For us, protein diversification is not a lifestyle choice. It is a strategic imperative for national survival, public health, and economic development,” she said.She further noted that “food and climate insecurity are two sides of the same coin,” stressing that the climate and food crises are not distant threats but present realities that demand urgent, coordinated, and inclusive responses.Sharing The Gambia’s national approach to protein diversification, Minister Manjang explained that the strategy builds on local strengths and realities rather than external blueprints. It focuses on empowering local food systems such as sourcing school meals from local farmers producing climate-resilient, protein-rich crops while promoting sustainable aquaculture, poultry farming, and climate-resilient fisheries. Minister Manjang stated that, the approach also ensures a just transition for smallholder farmers, pastoralists, and fishers, with strong attention to gender equality and youth inclusion.She also underscored the importance of international collaboration, calling for partnerships that are inclusive, balanced, and responsive to national priorities.“International collaboration is essential, but it must be equitable and pragmatic. We call for partnerships that invest in our priorities and amplify our solutions,” she said.

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Gambia's Environment Minister Calls for Climate Finance Access as COP30 Opens in Belém, Brazil

The 30th United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP30) officially opened in Belém, Brazil, bringing together global leaders, negotiators, and stakeholders to accelerate climate action.Honourable Rohey John Manjang, The Gambia's Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, who is leading The Gambia’s delegation, called for access to climate finance to strengthen the country’s resilience and adaptation to climate change.“The Gambia has developed ambitious climate policies and strategies, but access to adequate and predictable financing remains crucial for achieving our national targets,” she said. This year’s COP focuses on turning commitments into concrete implementation, with priorities including mobilising large-scale climate finance, enhancing global climate governance, accelerating Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and scaling up adaptation efforts in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva the President of Brazil, in his opening address emphasised that, “for this year’s COP to matter, it must be the COP of Truth and Implementation. We are moving in the right direction, but at the wrong speed. We must turn commitments into concrete actions,” he said. The host presidency has set an ambitious goal of mobilising US$1.3 trillion annually by 2035 to support developing countries in meeting their climate goals.For nations like The Gambia, access to climate finance remains a critical enabler of adaptation, supporting initiatives that build climate-resilient agriculture, restore mangrove ecosystems, protect coastlines, and enhance water resource management. However, limited technical capacity, complex access procedures, and data challenges are reportedly hindering progress.Minister Manjang reaffirmed The Gambia’s unwavering commitment to climate action and called on the global community to work collaboratively to ensure that no country is left behind in the fight against climate change.

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PRESIDENT BARROW HOSTS STATE BANQUET FOR GABONESE PRESIDENT NGUEMA

The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, hosted a state banquet in honour of visiting Gabonese President, His Excellency General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, at State House.The banquet, attended by Gambian and Gabonese officials and invited dignitaries, marked the climax of President Nguema’s four-day visit to The Gambia.President Nguema was accompanied by First Lady Her Excellency Zita Oligui Nguema. They were received by President Barrow and First Lady Her Excellency Fatou Bah Barrow.The evening featured a toast to the enduring relationship between Gabon and The Gambia, followed by a dinner of traditional Gambian cuisine. Guests were entertained by a kora troupe and cultural performances showcasing Mandinka, Serer, and Jola music and dance.

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NPP AND GDC SIGN MOU, FORM ALLIANCE AHEAD OF DECEMBER 5 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

The ruling National People’s Party and the opposition Gambia Democratic Congress on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding formalising their alliance ahead of the December 5th Presidential election.The signing ceremony at State House drew hundreds of NPP and GDC supporters who gathered to witness what both parties described as a historic political realignment.NPP National President Musa Drammeh and GDC National President Momodou Pateh Bah signed the MOU on behalf of their parties. The event was witnessed by Hon. Sidi Njai and Momodou A.S. Mboob.Party leaders President Adama Barrow of the NPP and Hon. Mama Kandeh of the GDC looked on as the document was signed amid jubilation, ending years of rivalry between the two parties.While the specific terms of the MOU remain confidential, both parties committed to work together to support the candidature of President Adama Barrow in the upcoming election.Senior officials said negotiations had been ongoing for months to reach a workable agreement based on compromise and national interest.Hon. Seedy SK. Njie, described as one of the key architects of the rapprochement, thanked President Barrow, Hon. Kandeh, and senior executives of both parties for their role in the talks.GDC senior members including National Women’s Leader Ndey Fatou Jallow, KM Desk Officer Haruna Jallow, Jarra Ndaw, and Momodou Bobb endorsed the agreement, calling it consultative and reflective of the party’s will.GDC National President Momodou Pateh Bah said the party’s core values of democracy, inclusive development, and good governance remain intact.  “We came in good faith. We believe in partnership and collaboration. This MOU will not erase the party’s identity,” Bah said.NPP National President Musa Drammeh thanked stakeholders for their work and praised both leaders for “putting The Gambia first.” He urged supporters to ignore critics seeking to sow division and vowed the NPP would uphold the MOU to secure victory for the alliance.NPP Women’s Mobilizer Aja Maimuna Baldeh welcomed the GDC “with open arms,” describing Hon. Kandeh as a patriot who would help deliver a landslide for President Barrow.Hon. Mama Kandeh defended the alliance as a decision driven by national interest.  “This alliance is not a betrayal of our principles or a compromise of our values. We have chosen to place national interest above party interest,” Kandeh said.He reaffirmed his commitment to the alliance, expressed confidence in a landslide victory, and thanked President Barrow, whom he described as a longtime friend.President Barrow welcomed the GDC to the alliance, saying it reflects a shared responsibility to maintain peace and development despite political differences.  He described the NPP-GDC pact as “the beginning of a new dawn” that will “redraw the political map and usher in a new era of politics in The Gambia.”The President also spoke of his longstanding relationship with Hon. Kandeh dating back to childhood, and called for unity in the interest of the country.President Barrow expressed confidence in the broader 8-party alliance backing him and predicted a landslide victory in December. He further urged his political godfather to join the alliance and endorse his candidature.President Barrow and Hon. Kandeh exited State House to cheers from supporters.The alliance comes just four months before the Presidential election and marks a major shift in The Gambia’s political landscape. As parties continue to realign, attention now turns to how the NPP-GDC partnership will shape the race to December 5.

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GOVERNMENT, WORLD BANK DISBURSE OVER D83M TO 25 TVET INSTITUTIONS UNDER SIE FUND

President Adama Barrow on Tuesday presided over the award of more than D83 million to 25 Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions under the Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund at a ceremony held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre.The SIE Fund is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and the World Bank, implemented under the Resilience, Inclusive Skills and Employment Project.The awards are aimed at strengthening TVET institutions, improving the quality of training, expanding access, and boosting the employability of young people, women, and persons with disabilities.The Fund focuses on key sectors including Agriculture, Engineering, Tourism, ICT, Business, and Creative and Performing Arts.Speaking at the ceremony, World Bank Country Representative Dr Franklin Mutahakana said this was the second award under the World Bank-funded project.“This is evidence of The Gambia’s growing commitment to investing in young people, who constitute 63% of the population,” Dr Mutahakana said. “Youth have tremendous potential and are eager to learn and work. This initiative will create pathways for them to acquire skills and enhance their productivity.”President Barrow said the awards will have far-reaching consequences for TVET institutions and the thousands of young people who will benefit directly.“Beyond strengthening and modernising these institutions, the awards will expand opportunities for our youth, particularly women and persons with disabilities,” the President said.He commended the RISE project for its impact on national development and for transforming the lives and livelihoods of young people. He urged beneficiaries to seize the opportunity to contribute to nation building.The President described TVET as a critical pillar for employment creation, enterprise development, industrial growth, and social inclusion.Under Window 1, 25 TVET institutions received over D33 million in grants for institutional improvement. The funding will support infrastructure, equipment, governance systems, program quality, and overall institutional performance.Under Window 2, 18 institutions received more than D49 million to train young people and women in labour market-relevant TVET programs.Student beneficiary Mathew Badjie, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, expressed gratitude to the government and the World Bank for the support.“This intervention has had a direct impact on young people,” Badjie said. “We are determined to honour this investment through hard work and service to the nation.”The award ceremony marks another major milestone in the government’s commitment to building a skilled, productive, and resilient young population to drive sustainable development.

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THE GAMBIA AND GABON SIGN 5 AGREEMENTS TO BOOST TRADE, DIPLOMACY AND AGRICULTURE

The Gambia and Gabon have signed five agreements to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, diplomacy, and agriculture.The signing followed a three-day visit by Gabonese President His Excellency General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema to The Gambia, aimed at deepening bilateral ties. Both leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to African unity, Pan-Africanism, and South-South cooperation.President Oligui Nguema was received with full honours on arrival at State House for talks with President Adama Barrow.The two leaders held private discussions for nearly an hour before presiding over an expanded meeting with senior officials from both sides. They reaffirmed their joint commitment to strengthen Banjul-Libreville relations.President Barrow welcomed the Gabonese delegation, describing the visit as “an important milestone” in the friendly relations between The Gambia and Gabon.He commended President Nguema’s leadership, saying it has made Gabon a bastion of democracy, peace, and development in Africa.  “The Gambia shares these values and is committed to working with other African countries, including Gabon, to strengthen cooperation in all areas of development,” President Barrow said.In his remarks, President Oligui Nguema thanked President Barrow for the warm hospitality.  “The Gambia and Gabon have dynamic and positive relations. I look forward to strengthening this partnership for the mutual benefit of our two countries,” he said.The Gabonese leader noted that both countries share common positions on many issues, and called for joint action to tackle piracy, illicit trafficking, and other illegal activities in West and Central Africa.The two leaders presided over the signing of five cooperation instruments. The agreements were signed by The Gambia’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dawda Jallow, and Gabon’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marie-Édith Tassyla-Ye-Doumbeneny.The agreements are:1. General Cooperation Agreement between The Gambia and Gabon2. Agreement Establishing the Gambia-Gabon Joint Commission 3. Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemptions for holders of diplomatic and service passports4. Memorandum of Understanding on Political and Diplomatic Consultations between the two Foreign Ministries5. Joint Communiqué reaffirming commitment to deepen cooperationA joint communique read by Ministers Jallow and Tassyla-Ye-Doumbeneny described the visit as successful, saying it has laid a “solid and concrete framework” for partnership.The communique reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to continue dialogue and consultations to deepen cooperation in education, health, agriculture, and infrastructure. It also pledged to increase exchanges to promote peace, African unity, Pan-African solidarity, and South-South cooperation.At the end of the meeting, President Barrow saw off his counterpart, who proceeded with other engagements, including a visit to the Katchikally Crocodile Pool in Bakau.

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NYIMANSATA JAWNEH KEEPS GAMBIA'S ATHLETICS HOPES ALIVE IN GLASGOW

Team Gambia endured mixed fortunes on the athletics track at the Glasgow Games today, with Nyimasata Jawneh delivering the highlight by advancing to the semi-finals.It was a day of highs and lows for the national team.Nyimasata Jawneh produced a composed and determined performance to book her place in the semi-finals, keeping Gambian medal hopes alive.Her qualification stood out on an otherwise challenging day for Team Gambia.Lamin Camara looked to have secured progress in the men’s 200m after clocking an impressive 21.19 seconds. Isatou Sey also delivered a strong run and appeared set to advance.But celebrations were cut short after both athletes were disqualified for lane infringements.The disappointment continued as Ebrima Camara and Alieu Joof bowed out in the opening rounds, bringing their campaigns to an early end.Despite the setbacks, Head Coach [First Name] Sallah praised the athletes’ commitment and determination.She acknowledged the disqualifications were tough to take, but said the performances showed the growing standard of Gambian athletics.  “The experience gained on this international stage will be invaluable as the athletes continue their development,” Coach Sallah said.With Jawneh still in contention, Team Gambia will now turn its focus to the semi-finals, where she will carry the nation’s hopes.Jawneh will be aiming to secure a place in the final as Team Gambia looks to end its athletics campaign on a high.  For the rest of the team, Glasgow has provided valuable experience and further proof of the country’s growing potential on the international stage.

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DR. FATOU BENSOUDA NAMED GNOC GOODWILL SPORTS AMBASSADOR

The Gambia National Olympic Committee has appointed Her Excellency Dr Fatou Bom Bensouda, High Commissioner of The Gambia to the United Kingdom, as its Goodwill Sports Ambassador.The appointment was announced during the Gambia Day Celebration in Glasgow, Scotland, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Gambian sport, international diplomacy, and the promotion of Olympic values.A former national volleyball player and ex-Female Vice President of the GNOC, Dr Bensouda was praised for her leadership in promoting women in sport and advancing athlete welfare, integrity, and sports development.In her new role, she will help raise The Gambia's profile on the international sporting stage, strengthen partnerships with global sports organisations, and promote sports diplomacy to support national development.The GNOC states that the appointment reflects Dr Bensouda’s distinguished service to sport and her ongoing commitment to inspiring future generations of Gambian athletes and sports leaders.  

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