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MOJ-CSO’s Platform on TRRC Recommendations Launched

The Ministry of Justice in collaboration with Civil Society Organisations on Tuesday, 5th April 2022 launched the MoJ-CSO Platform on TRRC Recommendations. The launch was at a coordination workshop for Government and Civil Society Organization representatives on implementing the TRRC recommendations at a ceremony held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo.The Minister of Justice, Dawda A. Jallow said, the purpose of the workshop was to promote and prepare for a coordinated and holistic approach to truth, justice, and social cohesion goals that can give effect to the TRRC recommendations and ultimately produce a coordination framework for the government’s white paper. The Justice Minister informed the participants that the forum will be a standing body, which will consult, exchange ideas and manage the coordination of post-TRRC implementation with CSOs.

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BAC gets new Waste Collection Trucks & Bins

Dresden Banjul Organisation has handed over waste management trucks and bins to Brikama Area Council. Two trucks and several skip bins were handed to the chairperson of BAC as part of the MoU signed between the two. Dresden is an NGO engaged in waste management in the Gambia for over five years. The waste management trucks were used by the organisation in waste collection across the West Coast Region. Sheriffo Sonko the chairman of the Brikama Area Council said the materials will help the council in its efforts to combat the challenges of waste management across the region. The chairman called on the public to support the council in waste management by dumping the trash at the stipulated locations across the region. Heinz Bormann the CEO of Dresden Banjul Organisation said they are happy to pass the first phase of their project to BAC.

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VP Touray leads ECOWAS Community advocacy to promote women's participation in politics

The vice president Dr. Isatou Touray has spearheaded community advocacy championed by ECOWAS to promote women's participation in politics, democracy, and good governance. As part of the initiative, a public interface with community and women leaders will be held to focus on educating women representatives on democracy and good governance. The activity bankrolled by ECOWAS under its community sensitization program is also looking at governance and sustainable development with the collective contributions of identified communities.

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IEC briefs election observers ahead of National Assembly Elections

The Independent Electoral Commission on Wednesday conducted a briefing for election observer groups accredited to observe the National Assembly elections on Saturday. The briefing held in Bijilo discussed the modalities and preparedness of the election officials to conduct a hitch-free election. In his statement, the Chairman of IEC Alieu Momarr Njai, gave a rundown of the nomination process recording 251 candidates contesting the April 9 polls. Chairman Njie further informed the observers that measures are in place to ensure smooth, free, and credible elections. The Deputy inspector general of police Inspector Momodou Sowe gave an analysis of the current security. 

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CEPRASS releases results of opinion polls on National Assembly elections

The Center for Policy, Research, and Strategic Studies CEPRASS in partnership with the national endowment for democracy on Wednesday convened a day's opinion sharing session. The study on the country’s post-presidential election was shared with journalists, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. The forum was held in Bakau. Speaking at the gathering CEPRASS executive director Lamin Dampha gave a background of the project and said opinion polls are useful in making decisions on critical issues. The president of Gambia Press Union Muhammed MS Bah dilated on the importance of media in the dissemination of results on opinion polls.The polls can be accessed on the CEPRASS website: www.ceprass.gm

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President Barrow Declares Public Holiday for National Assembly Elections

President Adama Barrow has approved the Independent Electoral Commission’s request to declare Saturday, 9th April 2022, as a Public Holiday throughout the country for the upcoming National Assembly Election. The approval was granted to allow all registered voters to vote in their respective constituencies.

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MoBSE introduces virtual classrooms in 37 School

Thirty-seven schools across the country have been introduced to virtual classes that allow students to access lessons through SD Card using Android Phones and Windows Computers. The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education says the offline e-learning platform is a pilot program for schools in rural Gambia and is targeting students in the Upper Basic School (Grades 7, 8, and 9). The aim is to provide students with supplementary learning materials as well as to keep them busy while they are at home. The beneficiary schools are from communities that do not have access to good mobile networks, or the internet or are challenged with poor radio and television signals. The Ministry said the deployment of SD Cards in schools will continue as many other schools are expected to benefit from this initiative.

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Brikama Area Council to distribute food to refugees and internally displaced people in Foni

The Brikama Area Council (BAC) says it will on Thursday 7th April 2022 embark on food distribution to refugees and internally displaced people in Foni. The council announced that 650 bags [25kg] will be distributed to victims of the ongoing Casamance conflict. The gesture is in response to the humanitarian crisis triggered by the armed conflict that caused a massive internal displacement of people living around the border and interior of Foni.

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Transport fares to increase from Monday 11th April, 2022

The Government of The Gambia has approved the agreements for the increment of transport fares in all the approved routes nationwide.  The implementation of the agreement will begin on Monday 11th April 2022. The agreement also includes the Introduction of route licensing/permit, the reduction of tariffs at the Sene-Gambia Bridge, and introducing of the queuing system at the Port of Banjul.A statement from the Ministry of transport says the objective of the agreement reached with the Transport Union is to facilitate the smooth movement of people and goods in the country and beyond. Transport operators plying route(s) covered in the route licensing scheme are urged to register free of charge at various garages across the Greater Banjul Area and West Coast Region on or before Monday 11th April 2022. 

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REPGam project asses energy needs for communities

Officials of REPGam project on Monday began data collection in beneficiary communities including institutions to assess the energy needs before the implementation of the project later this year. The delegation visited Ndemban Technical and Vocational education centre in the west coast region where the ministry of Higher education research science and technology plans to transform the centre to a full fledged Vocational training facility. The REPGam project is working on implementing solar power supply in 26 beneficiaries including communities and institutions. The delegation comprising technicians from various stakeholders examine the geographic cordinates of the facility for adequate and proper installation of solar power systems. Speaking to GRTS, the deputy director of the REPGam project Dr Ebrima Sonko explains the modality of the project saying SUN Farming a German company is contracted to install the solar system in all the beneficiary communities. He said the project will reduce the country's dependency of fossil fuel as well as complement goverment's efforts in providing clean affordable and reliable energy supply. Dr Sonko said the centre has the potential to accommodate different areas of discipline in Vocational education and training thus significant amount of energy supply will be required. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research who are supporting African countries to fight the impact of climate change through renewable sources of energy. The team will proceed to Bansang General hospital for a similar exercise. 

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BERLIN ENERGY DIALOGUE FORUM DISCUSSED GLOBAL ENERGY POLICY AND CLIMATE ACTION

At  the 8th Berlin Energy Dialogue Forum which is happening at the face of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, experts renewed calls for more action in relation to embracing renewable energy as a solution to climate change and their related mishaps. They include UN secretary general, Antonio Gutares and Annalena Baerbock, Germany's Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs who called for reduction in global emissions. The UN chief also stated that the world needs to fix the problem of it's global energy mix. For individuals such as Germany's Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Svenja Schulze, renewable energy sources are the answer to both the climate and energy crisis.At a time when the crisis in Ukraine is taking toll on the global energy and economy, the 8th edition of the energy conclave attracted experts, politicians, business leaders and journalists from across the globe to discuss the future of energy policy and climate action for a better world.

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GERMAN FOUNDATION (DSIK) SIGNS MOU WITH NACCUG AND TWO OTHER UNIONSGerman

 Foundation for International Cooperation (DSIK) sings a memorandum of understanding with National Association of Cooperative Credit Unions of The Gambia (NACCUG), Gambia Police Force Cooperative Credit Union and Medical and Health Credit Union. As per the memorandum, the two credit unions will benefit from a project grant of 2.7 million Dalasi. Aside from providing NACCUG with technical assistance, its general manager, Foday Sanyang said the idea is to enhance small and medium enterprises of credit union members.DSIK country representative pictured the project as special. Gabriele Freigrau v. dem Bussce talked of the project's specialty in the sense that it does not focus on collateral as a benchmark for loans. The board vice-chairman of Medical and Health Credit Union Abdul Aziz Ceesay said it is important that they are a chosen pilot to propagate entrepreneurship amongst credit unionists. Pa Singhateh equally portrayed the grant as a financial facility that will be beneficial to members since it will scale up thier business.The financial enhancement is expected to last for a year with possible extension in time and beneficiaries.

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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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