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President Barrow returns from a two day working visit to DRC

The President His Excellency Adam Barrow return's from Kinshasa the Democratic Republic of Congo, after a two working visit. President Barrow was received on arrival by the Ministers of Defense, the Interior and Service chief's. The Gambian Leader told GRTS at the Banjul International airport  that his visit the Democratic Republic of Congo was aimed at enhancing diplomatic and trade connection between the two countries. President Barrow underscored the need to strengthen and enhance diplomatic and trade ties with the Democratic Republic of Congo, noting the presence of a large number of Gambians in that country. Commenting on the steep rise in prices of basic commodities President Barrow said his government will continue to work closely with stakeholders in the sector to stabilize the situation. He used the opportunity to appeal to Gambian's to invest in Agriculture. He said his government has requisite policies and programs to transform the Agricultural sector thereby making it responsive to the food needs of the country. President Barrow also renewed commitments to expand and consolidate bilateral ties between Africa countries to advance trade, peace and development in the continent.Given the Gambia's geographic location, the President indicated that the countries could explore collaboration in aviation transport to make the country a hub in the aviation industry.  

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Thirty two Gambians successfully evacuated from conflict-stricken Ukraine.

Thirty two Gambians have been successfully evacuated from conflict-stricken Ukraine. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad announced that the group were sent to four different countries. Out of the 32, twenty-two (22) are in Poland, Eight (8) in Slovakia, 1 in Romania with his Ukrainian wife and child and 1 in Budapest, Hungary. In a statement, MOFA also said the government of the Gambia through its mission in Brussels arranged lodging and means of subsistence for the evacuated Gambians in the four countries. Most of them accepted the offer while a few chose to make private arrangements. The Ministry said the offer remains and can be requested for at anytime. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further stated that Government will facilitate the return of the evacuated Gambians if and when they choose to come home.  

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The Gambia and DRC seek new Frontiers in Bilateral Cooperation

President Adama Barrow says The Gambia wants to enhance diplomatic and trade connections with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). President Barrow was responding to questions at a joint press briefing during his two day working visit to DRC. With the presence of  a large number of Gambians in the DRC, The Gambian leader noted that the two countriesneed new Frontiers in Bilateral Cooperation. President Barrow also indicated that the two countries could explore collaboration in aviation transport to make the Gambia an air hub for both West and Central Africa. President Félix-Antoine TSHISEKEDI TSHILOMBO congratulated President Barrow on his election victory and expressed hope that the visit will pave new ground for bilateral collaboration.Earlier, the two leaders held a closed door discussion at  the Palais de la Nation. President  TSHISEKEDI revealed that they talked about tourism, trade, energy, and transport as areas of possible cooperation. Both leaders emphasized commitment to developing and consolidating bilateral ties.

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Speaker bids farewell to Deputies as they prepare for campaign for re election

The Speaker of the National Assembly , Mariam Jack Denton revealed that the national assembly enacted fifty-three Bills from 2017 to February 2022, including the annual Appropriation Acts. Among them were the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2017, Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission Act, 2017, and Constitutional Review Commission Act, 2017. The Speaker was delivering her farewell address at the last plenary Ordinary Session of the National Assembly as deputies embark on campaign for re elections to the Sixth Legislature. Mrs Denton said the fifth legislature made progress on critical issues but was also faced with several challenges. Among the achievements she highlighted was the overhaul of the standing orders bringing them in line with international parliamentary standards and practice. She described the fifth legislature as a pluralised Assembly that transitioned from virtually the dominance of one-political party. The Speaker applauded the performance of the legislative's oversight and accountability functions of the assembly, describing it as exceptional and encouraging in a fledgling democracy. Parliamentary Questions to Hon. Ministers for Oral Answers increased fifteen times compared to the entire period of the fourth Legislature.While the tabling of the Constitution (Promulgation) Bill, 2020 that stalled in parliament was seen as a setback, the speaker was optimistic that government may take the document back to parliament to continue the process of promulgating a new Constitution for our Republic. She also spoke on the unprecedented tabling of three member’s bill two of which were enacted. Only one Member’s Bill was ever introduced and passed in the National Assembly.  

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President Barrow meets Gambians in D.R Congo

The President H.E Adama Barrow has urged The Gambian community in the Democratic Republic of Congo to be united and be worthy ambassadors of their country. President Barrow met with the Gambian community in Kinshasha during his two day working visit. President Barrow thanked the community for the warm welcome accorded to him and urged them to be united and not forget their country of origin. Responding concerns over the difficulty in renewing Gambian documents, The Gambian leader disclosed that government will dispatch immigration officials to various embassies across the world to enable Gambians access Biometric passports.President Barrow informed them that The Gambia has made tremendous progress in the last five years particularly in the areas of infrastructure and energy. He said The Gambia is on course to meeting universal electricity access by 2025, five years ahead of the global target of 2030. He finally informed them that his visit to Congo will impact positively on relations between the two countries, and would benefit Gambians there. He also commended his host President Felix-Antoine Tshsikedi TSHILOMBO for warm hospitality, urging Gambians to be law-abiding and peaceful.The President of the Association of Gambians in the DRC Bouna Batchilly told  President Barrow that the Gambian community is engaged in diverse activities across the two Congos expressing delight in receiving him in Kinshasa. He thanked the President for opening his doors to the community. The Vice President of the association Lamin Barrow said the Gambian community has seen a marked improvement in their fortunes due to what he called the improved security situation in the Congo. The Secretary General of the Association Mustafa Jallow, appeal to government to simplify the process of renewing their passports. The President of the Women's Wing Siandi Bassi also appealed to the President to support the honorary Consul who she said was very helpful to the Gambian community despite the challenges. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Gambians abroad praised the Gambians in Congo for turning up under short notice to welcome the Gambian delegation. He assured government support to the honorary Consul who has been tireless in his responsibilities solely on voluntary basis.  

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President Adama Barrow on a two day working visit to The Democratic Republic of Congo for

President Adama Barrow arrived in Kinshasa at the start of a two-day working visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The visit is intended to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. The Gambian community in Kinshasa gathered early afternoon at the residence of the Honorary Counsel to prepare for the arrival of the President Barrow for his first working visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo. President Adama Barrow, proceeded to Ndjili International airport where he was received by the Congolese Minister of Regional Integration Didier Manzengu, the Gambia's High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria also accredited to the Congo Mustapha Njie, and the Consul General in Kinsha Ansumana Tunkara. This is the first visit by a Gambian President to the Democratic Republic of Congo and it is expected to significantly strengthen bilateral relations between Kinshasa and Banjul. President Barrow will meet President Etienne Tshsikedi at the Presidential Palace in Kinshasa where the two sides are expected to sign a number of bilateral agreements. The President will also meet the Gambian community in the evening as part of his engagements in the DRC.

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2022 GABECE and WASSCE for the grades 9 and 12 students to go ahead

The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) says the 2022 GABECE and WASSCE for the grades 9 and 12 students will be conducted as planned. The Ministry said in a statement that the decision follows a virtual meeting with stakeholders which includes the Ministry of Finance and The West African Examination council. The meeting was said to have amicably resolved the issue of arrears. 

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Ministry of Agriculture launches of the comprehensive food security and vulnerability analysis 2021

The Vice President Dr. Isatou Touray on Monday presided over the official launch of the comprehensive food security and vulnerability analysis 2021. This is a nationwide and in-depth study of food security and vulnerability in the Gambia.The main objective of the 2021 Comprehensive Food Security and Vulnerability Analysis (CFSVA) is to update the food security and vulnerability situation in The Gambia. The study provides comparative data to enable trend analysis over the past five years. The CFSVA aims to provide information on the areas and population groups, which are most food insecure and malnourished. It gives reasons for food insecurity, and how food or other assistance can make a difference in reducing hunger.The Vice President Dr. Isatou Touray, who is also the Chairperson of the National Food Security Council, said the report will help track progress made towards achieving the sustainable development goal of zero hunger. She also said that the report will serve as a baseline in the country’s articulation of the National Pathways for Food Systems Transformation in support of the 2030 agenda.Seraphine Wakana, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Gambia, said food and nutrition insecurity leads to reduced health and wellbeing, and subsequent drop in household income.The World food program Representative, and country Director in the Gambia, Yasuhiro Tsumura, reveals that staple food prices in the Gambia have increased by 21% since 2016. She attributed food insecurity in the country to global and regional factors including the Covid-19 pandemic. She said the pandemic severely hit the tourism industry that accounts for 20% of the country’s GDP.Hassan Jallow, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, said the CFSVA 2021 report discovered that 13.4% of the population are food insecure of which under 2% are severely food insecure. Food insecurity in the country he said has increased by 2% in 2016 and 13.4% in 2021. The 2021 analysis was conducted at the height of the Covid-19, resulting in households’ vulnerability. The decline in household incomes, and loss their livelihoods was caused by government’s measures to combat the pandemic.  

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Media Advisory

President Barrow to Embark on Working Visit to DR CongoState House, Banjul, 27th February 2022The Office of the President informs the public that His Excellency, Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, will embark on a two-day working visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo.The visit will accord the President the opportunity to strengthen diplomatic and bilateral ties between The Gambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.President Barrow and the delegation will leave Banjul International Airport on Monday 28th February at 10:00 am.

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PRESIDENT ADAMA BARROW OFFICIALLY INAUGURATES BASSE MARKET

A hundred and twelve million Dalasi market fully funded by the government of the Gambia was officially handed over by President Adama Barrow. The towering edifice in the centre of Basse was over a sixteen month period. The market complex houses two hundred and forty-six (246) vendor shops, two (2) mini-markets, and four (4) sheds with capacity for seventy (70) women vegetable sellers.In his inaugural speech President Barrow said every Gambian should be proud of the facility especially residents of Basse. The governor of URR Samba Bah and the Alkalo of Basse Sellu Bah both expressed delight and thanked the government for building the new market.   

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Gunjur wins Kombo South District Title

Gunjur ended a thirty five year title drought after thwarting the threat of Banyaka with an emphatic 3 – 1 win in the final of the Kombo South District football Championship. Gunjur came from behind with a brace from Sheriffo Bojang and Ousman Janneh put the game beyond reach with a close range shot. Banyaka’s opener came from a beautifully curled free kick by Malick Bojang. The feat was achieved with a remarkable unbeaten run and a squad with an average of 16, all of who were playing the District Championship for the first time. Gunjur also produced the best goalkeeper of the championship and the golden boot winner. Added to the trophy is a 45,000 Dalasi prize money, and winners medals and Banyaka got a 35,000 Dalasi consolation cash prize and medals.   Until this triumph, Gunjur's title drought at the District level stretches back to 1987 when they last won the title with a 2 - 1 win over Jambanjelly in the final at the Gunjur Primary School ground.

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30 TEACHERS COMPLETE TRAINING ON REUSABLE SANITARY PAD

Thirty home economics and science teachers from region one have completed a five day training on reusable sanitary pads. These teachers are the first point of contact in schools for girls who have constraints during their monthly flow. They were taught on the production of reusable sanitary pads and were introduced to information on menstrual health and hygiene management that will aid women and girls in schools and communities.The initiative is as a result of a 2020 school research in which health educators discovered the communication gap between young girls and their parents, and the challenges relating to the affordability of pads to maintain menstrual hygiene during periods.Fatima Gassama, a trainer, said the reusable sanitary pads are eco friendly, leak proof and comfortable to use during period. The training was organised by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education in collaboration with the International Development Research Centre

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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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