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Three men accused of attempted murder remanded in custody

Three men Yaya Gassama, Amadou Bailo Jallow, and Abba Demba on Thursday appeared before magistrate Peter Adoh Che at the Brikama Magistrate court accused of attempted murder and grievous bodily harm. The incident occurred on the 3rd of May at Mandinary where the men were said to have tortured Muhammed Dambelly and Lamin Kanyi before throwing them into an old well and setting them on fire. The accused men pleaded not guilty to count one and pleaded guilty to count two. All three men were refused bail and remanded in custody and the case resumes on the 19th of May 2022.

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ROOTS Trains Farmers on food processing

The Resilience of Organizations for Transformative Smallholder Agriculture (ROOTS) recently concluded a two-day training on food processing in Jenoi, Lower River Region. The training is aimed at strengthening the resilience of smallholder farmers by improving their skills in processing, packaging, and labeling to enhance access to the market as well as reduce post-harvest loss.  Ousman Baldeh The Roots Regional Coordinator for West Coast Region said the training will enhance the country’s food processing sector. The Regional Agricultural Director for LRR, Modou Lamin Darboe said the training will create income generation businesses for the participants to enhance their livelihoods. Participants, Musa Sowe of URR and Modou Sowe of NBR both said the skills learned will create employment opportunities for them. The Project Coordinator for LRR Elizabeth B. Mendy said the project is designed to increase agricultural productivity and market access to improve food security and Nutrition as well as build resilience of family farms and farmer organizations.

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RVCTP officials tour project sites

Officials of the Rice Value Chain transformation project embark on a tour of Rice fields in the Upper River Region. The Rice Value Chain transformation project provides two rice varieties to farmer field schools in a bid to boost production. The Regional Coordinator, URR Ansumana Ceesay commended farmers for their resolve to boost production. Modou Lamin Sanneh the Chairman, of Dampha Kunda Rice Growers Association said the Dampha Kunda Rice field is one of the main intervention sites under the Rice Value Chain transformation project. Rice Value Chain transformation project, URR regional coordinator, Ansuma  O Ceesay explained that farmers are cultivating over 7 hectares of rice under the project to increase production to meet industrial needs. The team also visited the Sutukoba rice field to get first-hand information on the progress of works at the 7 hectares rice farm. A rice farmer at Wuli Sutukoba Marang Sanneh expressed optimism about a bumper harvest. The Secretary-General of Sutukoba Rice Growers Association Ba Arfang Jabbi said the field visit has availed them the opportunity to outline challenges they faced in the dry season.  

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Turkey security team visit the Gambia ahead of OIC summit

A security delegation from the Republic of Turkey is visiting the Gambia on a security assessment mission for the OIC summit to be hosted in The Gambia. The team comprising senior Turkish police officers was received by the OIC Gambia Secretariat on Tuesday. The aim of the visit is to help the Gambia strengthen its security ahead of the OIC summit scheduled for later this year. In its effort to support the Gambia for a successful hosting of the summit the Turkish team will evaluate security needs assessments and submit a report to the government of Turkey. Essa Bokarr Sy, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of The Gambia OIC Secretariat said Turkey is at the forefront of building the Gambia’s capacity in its preparation for the summit. The Head of the Turkish delegation Turgay OLGUN, assured his country’s support in knowledge transfer and sharing experience. Nfally Fadera, Head of Brand and Communication at Gambia O.I.C. Secretariat thanked the government of Turkey for its continued support in Security and Protocol Training. In its assessment, the Turkish delegation will visit OIC project sites, including the Conference Centre, Airport, and Hotels, and will meet with OIC Gambia officials, the minister of the interior, and senior security officials.     

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Three men charged with attempted murder

Police have charged three men for attempted murder following an incident in which two boys were held hostage and brutally tortured. The suspects Yaya Gassama, Abba Demba, and Amadou Bailo Jallow are said to belong to a gang called “entourage” in the Mandinary area. Inspector Alieu Jamanka, the assistant police spokesperson told journalists at the crime scene that the men were arrested following a tip-off. The two young boys were reportedly stripped naked, tied up, dumped in an old well, and set ablaze. The victims sustained serious burns but managed to escape from the well. Inspector Jamanka said the suspects also attempted to drown their victims in a nearby river but were rescued by the police. The suspects are in custody and awaiting trial.

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President Adama Barrow says he will not tolerate corruption

President Adama Barrow told his new cabinet that he would not tolerate corruption, and said strict measures will be taken to implement the anti-corruption law. President Barrow was speaking at the swearing-in of cabinet ministers at statehouse. He warned ministers that the challenges that lie ahead would be complicated at a time when Gambians want the Government to be held accountable in an era of more informed citizens and more politically active. He acknowledged that Gambians have uncensored freedom of expression, association, and participation in national issues, and are determined to fight corruption. Reform programmes and efforts to unite the people for justice and reconciliation were slowed down, he added. President Barrow cited individual interests and political party loyalty as reasons for poor performance and progress in public service. He said that the state of affairs must change and stressed that competence, timely delivery of service, and output must prevail over everything else in all Government institutions. Earlier Vice President Alieu badara Joof thanked President Barrow for the appointments and urged the cabinet to work as a team to achieve the country’s development aspirations of the country. He singled out the high cost of living and security concerns as areas that need urgent attention. Mr. Joof stressed that this new cabinet cannot afford to fail under any circumstance. 

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New cabinet swears in

The new cabinet take oaths of office and allegiance before President Adama Barrow.

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FIRE OUTBREAK DESTROYS FAMILY HOME IN BRIKAMA

A devastating fire outbreak destroyed a four-room apartment block in Brikama 'Nyambai' belonging to the Sanyang Kunda family on Monday afternoon. Sulayman Sanyang the landlord said about 50 thousand dalasi cash and all the furniture and clothes in the rooms were burnt to ash. Victims solicit support from the government and philanthropists to quickly repair their buildings. "We are left with no shelter, so am calling on the government and everyone to help us so we and renovate our house and move back there as soon as possible," Sulayman Sanyang said. The landlord claimed that the fire was caused by an electric surge. Everything in this Sanyang Kunda family house is completely destroyed  

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Gambia and Senegal launch a joint cross-border Insecticide-treated bed net distribution campaign

The Minister of Health Dr. Ahmadou Lamin  Samateh and his Senegalese counterpart, Abdoulaye Diouf Sarr on Sunday presided over the launch of a joint cross-border bed net distribution campaign. The event was held in Karang Senegal and is part of efforts to curb Malaria infections in the Senegambia region. The initiative would provide over two million bed nets for people in the Gambia and fourteen million in Senegal. The National Malaria Control Programme and the Catholic Relief Services will embark on a nationwide distribution of the bed nets. Speaking at a grand ceremony in Karang, the Minister of Health Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh said the initiative is part of the two governments' commitment to eliminate malaria in the Senegambia region by 2030. The Gambia according to the Health Minister has made significant gains in reducing malaria infections. The Senegalese Minister of Health Abdoulaye Joof Sarr joined his Gambian counterpart to advise beneficiaries to make the best use of the bed nets saying the initiative is crucial in the fight against Malaria. Baba Balajo of the Catholic Relief Services said CRS will continue to provide long-lasting Insecticide-treated Bed nets to people at risk of malaria. Beneficiaries thanked the two governments and their partners for their relentless efforts in the fight against Malaria. According to the WHO, over six hundred thousand people died of malaria in 2020, and 95 percent of these deaths were in the Africa region. The report also indicated that more than two-thirds of the figure occurred in children less than five years.

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UNESCO and NCAC celebrate African world Heritage Day

The Gambia National Commission for UNESCO in collaboration with the National Centre for Arts and Culture on Thursday organized a joint press briefing in Banjul as part of commemoration activities marking African World Heritage Day. May 5th is set aside by UNESCO to celebrate the cultural and natural heritage of Africa.  This year’s celebration is held on the theme "African Heritage as a source for humanity, Innovation, and Resilience,”. The Senior Program Officer at the Gambia National Commission for UNESCO Lamin Jarjou told journalists that African world Heritage Day provides an opportunity for people around the world, particularly Africans, to celebrate the continent's unique cultural and natural heritage and as well raise awareness of the immense potential of the African culture. Mr. Jarjou also said the day will be celebrated with a series of community and school engagement activities aimed at sensitizing the public on the significance of UNESCO world heritage sites in The Gambia. The Deputy Director of Museums and monuments at the National Centre for Arts and Culture Mamat Salalah discussed the importance of World Heritage in peacebuilding and development. UNESCO and NCAC representatives call for concerted efforts in protecting and promoting World Heritage sites in the Gambia and on the African continent amid threats, such as climate change, uncontrolled development, poaching, civil unrest, and instability.     

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Gambia allocated Nine hundred and five for hajj 2022

The National Hajj Commission has announced that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has approved Hajj for International Pilgrims this year but with limitations.  In a press release, the commission stated that the quota allocated to the Gambia is nine hundred and five (905) pilgrims. The commission advises intending pilgrims who paid a deposit to contact their agents for necessary advice and guidance as soon as possible. Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the Saudi authorities restrict intending pilgrims over the age of sixty-five from traveling. Intending pilgrims are also required to produce a COVID 19 and yellow fever vaccination cards. A negative PCR test within72 hours before arrival to the Kingdom is also a requirement. 

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THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH STRIVES TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE

The ministry of health on Thursday inaugurated the board of directors of the national health insurance scheme authority. The board is headed by Doctor Melville O. George. Speaking at the event the minister for health doctor Ahmadou Lamin Samateh said this move is long conceived by the government. The scheme is set to pay for the health services bills of a person who receives health care within the minimum benefit package from a health care services provider contracted under the scheme among other vital areas.  The health minister said this has been a key priority of the Barrow government. The National Health Insurance Scheme Bill 2021 has been passed by the National Assembly. The Scheme if available, will reduce out-of-pocket expenditure on the health of communities.  Authorities say the World Bank and the Gambia government will put the needful in place for the successful implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme  

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Latest Updates

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PRESIDENT BARROW RECEIVES ATAF DELEGATION, HAILED AS MODEL FOR TAX REFORMS

President Adama Barrow on Thursday received officials attending the annual African Tax Administration Forum Masterclass at State House.The delegation was led by the Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority, Yankuba Darboe, who briefed the President on the objectives and outcomes of the three-day meeting in Banjul. The Masterclass brought together tax administrators from across Africa to deliberate on tax administration, revenue collection, and the challenges and opportunities facing the continent.Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Commissioner General Darboe described the engagement as "very productive," noting that discussions centred on tax administration, revenue collection, and common challenges facing authorities in Africa.He commended President Barrow for the government’s support to GRA’s reforms, which he said have transformed revenue collection in The Gambia over the last 10 years.“As a result of these reforms, revenue collection has increased significantly. We have moved from collecting D3 billion in one year to now collecting D3 billion in one month,” Darboe said.The Executive Secretary of ATAF, Mary Baine, commended President Barrow for receiving the delegation. She said ATAF wants him to champion the call for stronger and more resilient tax administration systems across Africa, drawing on The Gambia’s model.The Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of ATAF also praised The Gambia for its political will and commitment to financing development through domestic revenue. They described the approach as more sustainable, noting that Africa cannot continue to depend on external financing for its development needs.The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy Keita, congratulated the GRA for hosting a successful ATAF Masterclass. He said the event is a vote of confidence in The Gambia’s tax administration system, which continues to serve as a model for others on the continent.The meeting was attended by senior tax administration officials and experts who are using the forum to strategise the way forward for tax administration and revenue mobilisation in Africa. 

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PRESIDENT BARROW CALLS FOR STRONGER ECOWAS UNITY TO TACKLE SECURITY AND CLIMATE CHALLENGES

The President, Adama Barrow, has called for stronger regional solidarity to confront terrorism, violent extremism, climate change, and other pressing challenges facing West Africa.President Barrow made the call on Saturday at the opening of the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Leaders at the summit pledged to accelerate efforts toward a fully integrated West Africa.The meeting is being described as a historic moment for ECOWAS as the bloc refocuses on democracy, good governance, security, trade, and infrastructure.ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray said the summit provides a historic opportunity for leaders to deliver on their pledge to integrate the sub-region into a single bloc capable of addressing shared challenges.He described ECOWAS as a critical platform for dialogue, regional cooperation, and democratic consolidation.Dr. Touray also expressed gratitude to President Barrow for supporting his candidature four years ago, which led to his appointment as President of the Commission.Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, said the summit calls for reflection on the past and future of the organization.He noted that the world is undergoing profound changes and increased competition for resources, and urged ECOWAS to adapt to remain relevant and competitive."West Africa carries greater weight when it speaks with one voice," President Bio said.President Barrow reiterated the need for concerted sub-regional action on terrorism, violent extremism, and climate change, warning that these threats require urgent attention.On The Gambia, President Barrow thanked ECOWAS for its support during the country’s transition. He reassured the bloc that his government will conduct a free, fair, and credible election in December.He also reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to regional integration and to ECOWAS institutions.At the close of the summit, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye succeeded President Bio as Chairman of ECOWAS. He will lead the bloc for the next two years.Dr. Touray also concluded his four-year term as President of the ECOWAS Commission. He thanked leaders for their support during what he described as a "very tough and challenging" period.

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THE GAMBIA CHAIRS 121ST OACPS COUNCIL OF MINISTERS IN BRUSSELS

The Gambia Chaired the 121st Council of Ministers of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), 15-16 July 2026, Brussels.The Council of Ministers, being the decision-making body of the 79 Member States of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), held its 121st Session in Brussels from 15th -16th July 2026. Over 200 delegates, including 25 Ministers of Finance, Trade and Economic Development, were in attendance, with Honourable Seedy K.M. Keita, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs of the Republic of The Gambia, chairing in his capacity as President of Council. In his opening statement, Hon. Minister Keita underscored that the strength of the OACPS lies in the common identity and shared cultural values that unite its Member States across three continents. He reaffirmed the Organisation’s collective vision of improving the lives of its peoples through economic transformation, increased trade and investment, a stronger private sector, and improved opportunities for youths and women.Hon. Seedy K.M Keita also called on Member States to maintain the momentum generated by the Malabo Summit by providing the political leadership and ownership necessary to implement the decisions of the Heads of State and Government. He further emphasised the importance of strengthening the Organisation’s governance system, financial sustainability and institutional effectiveness.Key achievements during The Gambia’s Presidency include the successful convening of the 11th Summit of Heads of State and Government in Malabo, the adoption of the Malabo Declaration and its Implementation Matrix and the progress made in advancing the OACPS Transformation Agenda.Honourable Justice Veronic Wright, The Gambia’s candidate for election as a Judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC), had the singular opportunity to present her candidature to the Council of Ministers for their support.

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VP JALLOW OPENS ATAF MASTER CLASS IN BANJUL, URGES STRONGER DOMESTIC RESOURCE MOBILISATION 

The Vice President, Mohammed B.S. Jallow, on Wednesday officially opened the African Tax Administration Forum in Banjul on behalf of President Adama Barrow.Tax administrators from across the continent gathered for the 7th Heads of Tax Administrations Master Class to discuss ways to strengthen revenue collection in Africa.Delegates came from different countries with diverse legal systems and institutional backgrounds, but share a common goal: to strengthen Africa’s capacity to mobilise domestic resources to improve lives.Delivering the President’s statement, Vice President Jallow said domestic resource mobilisation has been a central pillar of The Gambia’s national development agenda.“Since the inception of my administration in 2017, domestic resource mobilisation has featured prominently on The Gambia’s national development agenda,” he said. “This strategic focus is informed by the growing realisation that African governments cannot achieve sustainable prosperity, economic resilience, and true sovereignty by relying indefinitely on external loans, grants, and development assistance.”The Vice President noted that African economies have faced devastating calamities, global supply chain disruptions, and uncertainties arising from conflicts around the world. He said that these challenges have forced many countries to undertake major reforms to modernise their revenue administration, and that The Gambia has been a beneficiary of those reforms.“Today, The Gambia is reaping the benefits of these reforms through improved efficiency, enhanced transparency, stronger revenue performance, and increased domestic resources to support our national development aspirations,” he said.Vice President Jallow also commended the leadership of the Gambia Revenue Authority, saying it reflects the theme of the Master Class.“The Commissioner General’s leadership stature stands as a practical example of the theme of this Master Class, that great institutions are built by leaders who have the courage to embrace change and the determination to see it through,” he said.For his part, the Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority, Yankuba Darboe, said the Master Class has been a source of inspiration for his leadership.“When I say this Master Class has had a profound impact on my own leadership journey. Since the launch of this initiative, I have had the privilege of participating in several editions, often accompanied by my Deputy Commissioner General,” Darboe said. “Every year, we return home with new ideas, fresh perspectives, and practical lessons from fellow Commissioners General who have faced challenges similar to those confronting us in The Gambia.”After the deliberations in Banjul, the tax administrators are expected to leave with renewed strategies to combat base erosion, profit shifting, and illicit financial flows that deprive Africa of much-needed development resources.Participants of the 2026 ATAF Master Class are also expected to adopt a communique outlining key recommendations for tax administration across the continent.

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PRESIDENT BARROW JOINS ECOWAS LEADERS TO INAUGURATE JULIUS MAADA BIO INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE IN SIERRA LEONE

On the eve of the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Sierra Leone inaugurated a state-of-the-art International Convention Centre named after President Julius Maada Bio on Saturday.The inauguration ceremony in Lungi was attended by several sub-regional leaders, with His Excellency Adama Barrow attending as Special Guest of Honour.The new facility is being hailed as a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s modernisation drive.President Barrow arrived at Lungi International Airport Saturday morning to join other West African leaders for the ECOWAS Summit.  He was received by Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, who escorted him through airport formalities reserved for visiting Heads of State.The two leaders held a brief tête-à-tête in the VIP lounge before President Barrow was driven to the nearby convention centre.Located a few metres from the International Airport, the Julius Maada Bio International Convention Centre is one of several infrastructure projects undertaken by the Bio administration to position Sierra Leone as a hub for sub-regional, continental, and global diplomacy.The ceremony was attended by Heads of State, ECOWAS officials, and other dignitaries.In his remarks, President Barrow praised President Bio for the ambitious initiative, describing it as a testament to visionary leadership.“One can safely and boldly conclude that it is a testament to the visionary leadership and statesmanship of President Bio. No wonder the centre proudly bears his name,” President Barrow said.  “This edifice vividly symbolises what is attainable when leaders dedicate their lives to their nations and toil not only for the present, but also for generations to come.”President Barrow noted the special significance of the occasion for The Gambia.“For The Gambia, the occasion carries unique significance. Sierra Leone and The Gambia are bound not merely by geography and membership of ECOWAS, but equally by a shared history marked by resilience, resourcefulness, and an unwavering commitment to democracy, peace, and regional integration,” he said.He added that the new convention centre will create opportunities for Sierra Leone and position the country as a hub for diplomacy, dialogue, and investment.“A convention centre of such magnificence is more than a physical structure. It is a public space to generate and share ideas, knowledge, and expertise. It is an avenue for constructive diplomacy, a venue for commerce, and a platform from which Africans can present their viewpoints to the world with dignity,” President Barrow stated.“I am confident that the centre will host insightful dialogues to influence our region’s future, moderate negotiations for our shared prosperity, and hold many celebrations of success.”The President reassured Sierra Leone of The Gambia’s pride in the achievement and urged both countries to continue working together to transform their nations.President Barrow later joined his host and fellow leaders from Senegal, Ghana, Mauritania, Cabo Verde, and Liberia to cut the ribbon and officially open the Julius Maada Bio International Convention Centre.For President Bio, the inauguration marked a proud moment as Sierra Leone welcomed ECOWAS leaders for the 69th Ordinary Session.

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THE GAMBIA GOVERNMENT CONDEMNS BORDER FENCE DEMOLITION  AT BULOCK 

Re: The Gambia Government Statement On The Bulock Military Camp Border IncidentBanjul, The Gambia - The Gambia Government expresses its deep concern over the unfortunate incident that occurred on Thursday afternoon, 16th July, 2026, at the Bulock Military Border.Post, West Coast Region, involving members of the Senegalese Armed Forces. The Government confirms that a section of the perimeter fence of a Gambia Armed Forces military installation was demolished without prior consultation through the established bilateral military and diplomatic mechanisms that have long guided cooperation between our two sister countries.While The Gambia considers this action profoundly provocative and totally unacceptable, the Government remains fully committed to resolving the matter peacefully through dialogue and the existing Joint Military Committee and other bilateral channels. A formal diplomatic engagement with the Government of Senegal is already underway.The Government wishes to reassure the Gambian public, members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps and residents of The Gambia, that there is no need for panic as the security situation remains calm and fully under control. Throughout the incident, Personnel of The Gambia Armed Forces acted with exemplary professionalism and restraint, preventing any potential escalation.Significantly, the Governments of The Gambia and Senegal have enjoyed decades of close fraternal cooperation, friendship and shared responsibility for regional peace and stability. Only recently, both Heads of State reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through enhanced cooperation in Defence, Security, Trade, Border Management and Economic Development. It is in that same spirit that this unfortunate incident will be addressed.Accordingly, The Gambia Government calls on the Senegalese Armed Forces to exercise maximum restraint and to ensure that any future concerns relating to the common border are addressed exclusively through the established bilateral mechanisms and in full respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both States.The Government is confident that through mutual respect, constructive dialogue and the longstanding friendship between our two nations, this matter will be resolved swiftly and amicably.The Government further urges all Gambians to remain calm, refrain from speculation, and allow the ongoing diplomatic process to reach a peaceful conclusion.Signed,Ebrima G. Sankareh The Government Spokesperson & Presidential Diaspora Adviser 

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