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The Gambia’s TRRC, a Model for the Rest of the World – US Ambassador–at–Large

President Barrow today outlined plans for implementing the recommendations of the Truth Reconciliation and Reparation Commission -TRRC during a discussion held with a leading expert on Transitional Justice, the US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, H.E Beth Van Schaack, at the State House in Banjul.  Ambassador Van Schaak called on the President to extend the support of the United States Government in bringing justice to the victims of the former regime.   After her meeting with President Barrow, Ambassador Van Schaack informed the media that The Gambia has an astounding reputation globally when it comes to International Justice. She hailed the TRRC as a model for the rest of the world. She applauded The Gambia’s efforts to file a case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice involving the genocide against the Rohingya Muslims minority in Myanmar.Reporting further on the implementation of the TRRC, Ambassador Van Schaack said President Barrow acknowledges the importance of this process and emphasised the need for reparations to ensure that those found guilty of human rights violations by the Commission are held accountable.  She extended the US government's support in this process, saying, ‘‘you are creating the state of the art of transitional Justice, and we stand ready in the United States to support your process’’. The Ambassador also reported that she updated the President on the case of a former ‘‘Jungler’’ living in the United States. She said charges had been brought against that individual, six counts of torture and one count of conspiracy to commit torture.Ambassador Van Schaack was accompanied to the Presidency by the US Ambassador to The Gambia, H.E Sharon L. Cromer, and other senior staff from the Embassy.  

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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY LIBRARY & RESEARCH DEPARTMENT TRAINS STAFF

The Library and Research Department of the National Assembly of The Gambia certified participants to a weeklong training on Library Management and Research skills on Friday 30th September 2022.The objective of the training was to strengthen the capacity of librarians and researchers in the routine of supporting Members of the National Assembly in the performance of their legislative and oversight duties.Mr. Alhagie M Dumbuya, Director of Library and Research said the training was tailored around the duties and responsibilities of library assistants, classification of books, cataloging systems, and referencing from library resources.Deputy Clerk, Legislative Business and Programme, Mr. Daniel Cardos emphasised the importance of the training in the context that library and research services are highly sought after by both staff and Members of the Assembly. Mr. Cardos urged participants to apply the new skills on the job and share the knowledge with their colleagues.The lead trainer Ms. Matilda Johnson, former Director General of The Gambia National Library, and Mr. Alieu Sonko, Principal Librarian at the National Assembly guided the sessions through practical exercises at a pace measured to the need of fifty-eight representatives.The Library and Research Department offers impartial research services for Members on issues relating to National Assembly business and constituency work. It conducts briefings on topical issues and summaries of Bills being considered to adequately prepare Members both at Committee stages and Plenary sessions.   

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President Barrow and ECOWAS leaders meet Colonel Goita of Mali

President Barrow together with H.E President Nana Akufo Addo of the Republic of Ghana, Special Envoy, H.E President Goodluck Jonathan, Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the President of ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, and the Foreign Minister of Togo, Mr. Robert Dussey, a representative of H.E Faure Gnassingbé of the Republic of Togo held a closed-door discussion with Colonel Goïta, on September 29th, in Bamako, to chart a robust way forward in support of the democratic transition process of the Republic of Mali.The mission was assigned by the Authority of the Heads of State and Government of the regional body to negotiate the release of the remaining 46 Ivorian UN Peacekeepers, arrested in Mali, in July this year. The Mission is also part of ECOWAS’ drive to promote peace, democracy, and development in the West African Sub-region. A report on the outcomes of the engagement will be submitted to the authority in due cause.  

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RESOLUTION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

WHEREAS the National Assembly considered the recommendations of the Consolidated Report of the Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) for the period 2016-2019 on the government and its various agencies’ audited accounts;RECOGNISING the good work of the Finance and Public Accounts Committee of the immediately preceding legislature – the fifth legislature and the Auditor General;APPLAUDING the Finance and Public Accounts Committee of the current legislature – the sixth legislature, in carrying over unfinished business of the previous committee;COGNIZANT of the provisions of the 1997 Constitution of the Gambia, Public Finance Act 2014, and the Financial Regulations of 2016;NOW THEREFORE RESOLVED: 1. That all outstanding impress be retired by October 31st, 2022; 2. That all unreconciled government transactions indicated in the audited accounts be reconciled by the Accountant General before the end of the financial year, 2022 and a report sent to the FPAC;3. That the government, through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, endeavours to table before the Assembly a revised Public Finance Bill and a revision of the Financial Regulations 2016 before the end of the financial year, 2022;4. That the Auditor General considers invoking his power under section 160(5) of the Constitution where discrepancies of a criminal or fraudulent nature are discovered during an audit;5. That the Auditor General considers including its report to the National Assembly all cases of criminal or fraudulent nature reported to the Inspector General of Police;6. That the Auditor General and the Accountant General provide to the National Assembly a list of all people that have been found to commit fraudulent activities in all sectors and give the latest update on their prosecution or repayments;7. That the Accountant General resolve all prior year closing balances and current year opening balances of the Government with respect to Loans and Grants be consolidated before the end of this financial year;8. That the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs must be part of any grant negotiations and be the recipient of all grants for and on behalf of the Government; 9. That all government projects shall use the IFMIS system for all the accounting processes by the end of this final year, 2022; 10. That any existing revenue collections by third parties shall be handed over to the Accountant General within ninety days;11. That the Auditor General considers initiating a special audit of all State-Owned Enterprises in line with section 160 ( 8 ) of the Constitution by the end of the financial year, 2022.  

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President Barrow travels to Mali

Following its extra-ordinary Summit held on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York, the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State has identified three Heads of State and Government, H.E. President Adama Barrow, Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Nana Akufo- Addo, Republic of Ghana and H.E. Faure Gnassingbé, Republic of Togo to form part of a high-level delegation designated to meet the interim President of The Republic of Mali, His Excellency Colonel Assimi Goïta.The delegation also includes the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray.In this regard, the public is hereby informed that H.E Adama Barrow will travel to Bamako on a day trip on Thursday, 29th September 2022.  

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Agric. Minister Launches the African Emergency Food Production Facility

The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Demba Sabally, on Friday 23rd September 2022 launched the African Emergency Food Production Facility (AEFPF). The facility is supported by the African Development Bank through the Rice Value Chain Transformation Project (RVCTP).The AEFPF is additional financing that follows the joint meeting of the Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of Finance of the African Union on the African Emergency Food Production plan in which The Gambia participated. Speaking at the launching ceremony, Dr. Sabally informed the gathering that the Government of The Gambia is taking major strides to transform the Agriculture sector in addressing food security and meeting the nutritional needs of its people.He noted The Gambia’s high dependence on imports for staple and key commodities and said it has deepened the country’s vulnerability to external shocks such as global pandemics and crises.  

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First Lady addresses Organization of African First Ladies for Development

The first lady Fatou Bah Barrow called for concerted efforts to improve the welfare of women, children, and the vulnerable in society. Madam Bah Barrow made the remark at a high-level working lunch convened by the Organization of African First Ladies for Development on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. The meeting seeks to review the activities of the organization by adopting its proposed strategic priorities document with aligned visions for the next two years. Speaking at the event Madam Bah Barrow reaffirmed the Gambia’s commitment to extend the strategy document to 2024 prioritizing reproductive and maternal child health. She urged her colleagues to redouble efforts in enhancing the lives of the people. 

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Gambia yet to meet 70% vaccination target

The Director of Health Promotion and Education said the Gambia is still far from achieving the WHO’s target for 70% of the population to be vaccinated against Covid-19. Modou Njai was on Tuesday speaking to GRTS at the Central Medical Stores in Kotu. He said the Gambia is still at 20.3%  due to low turnout. He expressed hope that in addition to the routine vaccinations that have been ongoing at the health facilities, and the Covid-19 vaccination campaign that started on Monday 19th September, the country could reach a better target number. Mr. Njai said the Ministry of Health will continue to engage local authorities, religious leaders, youth organizations, and traditional communicators on the safety of the Covid-19 vaccines. 

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President Barrow reaffirms commitment in promoting Technical and Vocational Education Training

President Adama Barrow has reaffirmed his government's commitment to promoting Technical and Vocational Education Training to enhance scientific research, and creativity in the Gambia. The President made the remark at the UN Transforming Education Summit on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. President Barrow outlined the Gambia's efforts and strategies in promoting and providing quality and cost-effective education for Gambian children and young people. He said the initiative is a result of his government's commitment and belief that investing in structural reforms, innovative curricula adjustments, and improved training programs has the potential to enhance learning, creativity, interpersonal skills, and critical thinking capabilities with a renewed focus on technical and vocational education. The UN Transforming Education Summit is one of the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting that seeks to address challenges in global education.

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NAM begin debate on SONA

National Assembly Members today debated on President Barrow’s State of the Nation address. Lawmakers called for increased focus on growth and citizen participation to advance national development.  Vice President Alieu Badara Joof represented the president at the Legislative Chambers. Parliamentarians highlighted a raft of concerns to the Vice President raising the need for ministers to respond to the assembly whenever they are called upon. Honourable Kebba K. Barrow member of Kombo South called on the government to come up with strategies to aid post-Covid-19 recovery and farmers’ needs. Salieu Jawo for Jokadu hailed the government for the infrastructural development. Bakary Kora of Upper Fulladou West stressed the need for concerted efforts to mechanize the Jahally-Pacharr Rice Fields and increase access to clean drinking water and electricity for rural communities. Legislators urged the government to look into the high crime rate in the country, which has seen a fresh spike. The debate continues. 

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The Gambia Government condemns the spate of homicides in the country.

President Adama Barrow has expressed shock and sadness over recent killings in the country. A press release, pictured above, from the government spokesperson Ebrima G Sankareh, says the President assures swift investigations and justice delivery. The statement follows five homicide cases around the country in a week.

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Ambassador-designate Lamin Dibba presents letters of credence to the UN Secretary General Antonio Guteres

The Gambian Ambassador-designate to the United Nations H.E Lamin Dibba on Friday formally presented his letters of credence to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at UN headquarters in New York. Speaking to GRTS after the ceremony, ambassador Dibba outlined his priorities during his tenure as The Gambia's Permanent Representative to the UN. He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening The Gambia's role in the advancement of global peace and security, especially at a time when the World is faced with increased tension caused by conflicts and environmental issues. Until his appointment as UN ambassador,  Lamin Dibba was the Minister of Environment and climate change. He replaces Ambassador Lang Yarbou who is now a Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

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Latest Updates

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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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