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NHRC condemns police action against civilian

The National Human Rights Commission, The GambiaPRESS RELEASENHRC/PR/ 03112022/001 (001)Unacceptable Police Brutality Against a CivilianThe attention of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has been drawn to a video on social media in which a group of Police Intervention Unit Officers in full riot gears were seen kicking and beating an unarmed, non-threatening civilian with batons all over his body. While the Commission is investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident which it believes occurred yesterday 10th March 2022, it wishes to state in no uncertain terms that no person, in particular law enforcement officers, has the right to torture, beat, injure or harm another regardless of the provocation. The Commission has also contacted the Office of the Inspector General of Police to raise its concerns. The actions of these Police Officers are condemnable, inhumane, degrading and, above all, a flagrant violation of human rights. A Police Officer is not only a guardian of the law but is also expected, as a duty bearer, to respect and protect the human rights of all people, including those who are even suspected of breaking the law. By the adoption in 2020 of the Guidelines on Policing Public Assemblies in The Gambia, the Gambia Police has placed upon itself the obligation to put in place mechanisms and standards for the peaceful management of assemblies and demonstrations. Having a group of officers acting contrary to the spirit of the Guidelines is both disheartening and disturbing. The Commission wishes to reiterate its unequivocal position against impunity and every form of human rights violation. Police brutality has no place in a democratic dispensation. Due process and rule of law are expected to be followed when a person breaks or is suspected of breaking the law. The Commission calls on the Inspector General of Police to immediately identify and bring to book the Police Officers who are in the video assaulting the civilian. They have violated the law and should therefore be punished accordingly. We wish to further remind all law enforcement officers that they have a duty to respect and protect human rights, and that they would be held accountable for any human rights violation committed whether under command or not. As we strengthen our democracy and good governance, we urge everyone to always be law abiding, uphold the rule of law and follow due process when aggrieved. Violence has the potential of disturbing the peace and security of the country and retarding its development. Emmanuel D. JoofChairpersonNational Human Rights Commission

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VP Touray speaks to GRTS

The Vice president Dr Isatou Touray has commended the government for promoting the advancement of girls and women's rights. She described the establishment of the ministry of women gender and social welfare as a symbol of hope that accelerates advocacy and promote issues surrounding the marginalised groups towards national development. Vp Touray made the remarks recently in an interview with GRTS, amid a week of celebrations marking international women's day. She noted the challenges in gender equality in the decision making positions in governance and political spaces. Dr Touray, said women are working on influencing the bill of rights to be included in the constitution of the Gambia and she expressed optimism that it would happen. She encourages women to vy for representation in local government and the national assembly elections in order to close the gender gap.

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PDOIS aspirants file for nomination in Banjul

The IEC Regional Office in Banjul has received nominations bids from seven aspiring candidates for the April 9th National Assembly elections. Three aspirants from PDOIS, three from UDP and one from PPP have successfully submitted nomination papers to the IEC IN Banjul on Thursday. They include Ousman Sillah of PDOIS for Banjul North who is seeking a second term in office. Baboucarr Mboge and Mansour Foon of PDOIS are vying for the parliamentary seats in Banjul Central and South respectively. Muhammed Ndow of the PPP is also contesting for the Banjul Central seat. Thursday's nominations process ended with the United Democratic Party (UDP). The party has chosen Momodou Cherno Jallow for Banjul Central, Momodou Lamin B. Bah for Banjul North and Yaya Kuyateh for Banjul South. Similar engagements are also taking place in all the other administrative regions.  

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Methodist clergy visit President Barrow

A delegation of high ranking Methodist clergy, led by the new Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Rev Bannie E.F Manga, was Thursday received at State House. The delegation included Rev Hannah Caroline Faal, Claudiana Cole amongst others. Speaking to reporters after their meeting with the President, Rev Bannie E.F Manga, says the Methodist church of The Gambia is committed to enhancing its existing partnership with government to promote education, health care, and agriculture. Rev Manga spoke of the Methodist Church's efforts in providing social services and teaching the gospel. Rev. Hannah Caroline Faal also expressed immense gratitude to the President for the honor and privilege. 

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IEC rejects Momodou Sabally's nomination

The Independent Electoral Commission officials at Brikama have rejected the nomination of Momodou sabally for the Busumbala constituency. This is the first time an aspiring candidate’s nomination is rejected on the spot in the run-up to the 2022 parliamentary elections. The IEC rejected Sabally’s nomination citing section 90 (1) (e) of Gambia’s 1997 Constitution.  It states that “A person found guilty of abuse of office, corruption, or any offense connected with public elections by a court or anyone found by a report of a commission of inquiry to be incompetent to hold public office because of having acquired assets unlawfully or defrauded the State would also be disqualified”It could be recalled that the Janneh Commission indicted Mr. Sabally for aiding and abetting the theft of D14, 686,500 in relation to Carnegie Mineral accounts.  

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V.P Touray speaks on voluntary repatriation of Gambian migrants

The Vice president Dr. Isatou Touray has admitted that voluntary repatriation of Gambian migrants was taking place in a more humanitarian context, since the coming of President Adama Barrow. She explained that young Gambians including women were massively migrating for greener pastures mainly due to economic reasons and fear of persecution due to an authoritarian regime. Dr. Isatou Touray was responding to questions raised by Spanish journalist Pilar Requena, TVE Spanish Public Television in an interview at her office. The Office of the Vice president is the chair for the national coordinating mechanism for migration which comprises relevant stakeholders, working with international development partners in facilitating safe returns of Gambian migrants and migration issues as well as policy formulation for government. The Vice president further explained strategies that are being implemented to assist returnees better integrate while citing stigma from society as a huge challenge. 

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Bottrop reacts to expulsion and asks for proofs

Bottrop senior secondary school has strongly rejected the decision of the Gambia Secondary School Sports Association (GSSSA) to ban them from this year’s National championship. GSSSA recently expelled Bottrop and over a dozen other schools for cheating in the regional championships. Mr. Martin Gomez, Principle of Bottrop and life President of GSSSA challenged the governing body to provide proof that his school used an ineligible athlete. The student being queried, Mr Gomez said was enrolled using his WAEC exam results of 2019 from Presentation of Mary Basic Cycle and was since a student of Bottrop. As time was running out, Mr. Gomez called on GSSSA to reinstate his school, failing which he said, the school would seek justice.  The fifth time champions also felt that the school was unfairly targeted due to its unprecedented success in the athletics championship. Mr. Fa Kebba Saine, sports master at Bottrop, accused the Secretary General of GSSSA of unfairly targeting Bottrop on a number of occasions. He cited examples in the secondary school football competitions when he claimed Bottrop was disqualified on two occasions for unjustifiable reasons.

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TIKA donates equipment to National Beekeepers Association

The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) Wednesday donated an assortment of beekeeping equipment to the National Beekeepers Association of the Gambia. The items were handed over to the Ministry of environment at the National Beekeepers Association’s office at the Brikama Nyambai Forest. The Minister of Environment Climate Change and National Resources Lamin B Dibba said the gesture is part of series of supports from Turkey.  The Turkish Ambassador to The Gambia H. E Tolga Bermek said the support is meant to improve the economic status of individuals amidst the impact of covid-19.  The TIKA Country Coordinator Mehmet Akif Eyigun said the initiative would build the capacity of beekeepers and beekeeping communities. Director of Forestry Muhammed Jaiteh spoke on the importance of the need to support honey production as well as protecting the environment. The EBA Project Manager Dr. Malanding Jaiteh said the gesture will complement their project objectives on ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change. Musa Gibba of the National Beekeepers Association thanked the donors for the support.

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Energy Ministry validates Feasibility Study Report on Waste to Energy Project in the Gambia

The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy Wednesday validated the Feasibility Study Report on Waste to Energy Project in the Gambia at a daylong forum in Kotu. The feasibility study is meant to reduce environmental pollution and its impacts on society. The Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, Oulaye Camara spoke on the importance of the project noting that, energy is a catalyst to sustainable development. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing a clean energy supply across the country. Energy officials say the project would provide a safe and technologically advanced means of waste disposal that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

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NaNA implements training for Mothers Support group

A Three-day training for Mothers Support Group on Basic Nutrition and Screening is underway at FajiKunda Bajonkoto in the Kanifing Municipality. The training funded by UNICEF is being implemented by the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) in partnership with the Health Directorate Western One of the Ministry of Health. The forum brought together twenty-three (23) participants from acrossFajiKunda Bajonkoto. NaNA Program Manager AlieuKujabie said the training is intended to build the capacity of participants on basic nutrition and active screening for early detection of malnutrition among infants. He said urban malnutrition is on the rise amongst children under-five. The Senior Program Officer, NaNA Musa Dahaba said mothers support Groups are important in raising awareness on exclusive breast and complementary feeding for infants. The Regional Nutrition Field Coordinator at NaNA BubaJatta noted that the initiative is meant to promote urban malnutrition using the baby-friendly initiative (BFCI). Fatou Njie a registered nurse at FajiKunda Hospital said the training would help to promote behavioral change towards the health of women and children.  The president of FajiKunda Bajonkoto mothers support group Jainaba Jarju lauded the initiative.

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Five NPP, One Independent Aspirant File Nomination Bid For NA Election

Five National People's Party and one independent aspiring candidate filed nomination bids on day five of nominations in Kanifing Municipality.  NPP's Amadou S. Leigh is vying for the Serrekunda constituency, Assan Dampha for Bakau and a former parliamentarian for LK Sabiji Saikou Marong who is seeking re-election submitted necessary documents to IEC officials in Serrekunda. The fifth day of nominations also saw NPP aspiring candidates Fatoumatta K. Jawara of Talinding, Mustapha Lowe of Serrekunda West constituency, and one independent candidate, Ansu Camara of Serrekunda East had their credentials accepted by the Independent Electoral Commission's returning officers in Serrekunda.   Another independent candidate Ibrahim Savage was asked to return on Friday after failing to present some major documents.The documents are pending scrutiny after which IEC's Joseph Colley says the aspirants will be given their acceptance letter by Thursday if all their documents are intact after the verification.Speaking to the press after submitting their credentials, all the candidates say they will win in April parliamentary elections.

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President Barrow receives Chinese Ambassador

President Adama Barrow Wednesday received in audience the ambassador of the People's Republic of China H.E Ma JIANCHUN. The two sides discussed the state of bilateral relations between Banjul and Beijing. As we hear in this report by Momodou Jallow the two sides also agreed to further enhance the Economic Technical Cooperation agreement signed between the two countriesThe ambassador, said China-Gambia relations have significantly improved in the last five years, with the two countries cooperating in diverse fields. Therefore the meeting provided the opportunity for the two sides to discuss the next steps, in line with China's global vision for an all inclusive approach to developmentAmbassador Ma also disclosed that the two countries have agreed to enhance what he called the pragmatic economic development strategy signed between the Gambia and China which provides D1.2 Billion in funding for various projects across the country He finally expressed hope that the cooperation and friendship between The Gambia and The People's Republic of China will continue to grow from strength to strength in the future.

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2026 COMMONWEALTH GAMES OPEN IN GLASGOW AS TEAM GAMBIA JOINS PARADE OF NATIONS 

The 2026 Commonwealth Games officially got underway in Glasgow, with Team Gambia joining athletes from 74 nations and territories at a spectacular opening ceremony at the Hydro.His Majesty King Charles III formally declared the Games open, alongside Queen Camilla, in front of thousands of spectators.In a surprise entrance, King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived from the iconic TARDIS to cheers from the crowd inside the Hydro.The ceremony celebrated Scotland’s culture with music, dance, and stunning visual displays. Glasgow’s heritage was honoured through performances by Scottish artists, while the Scottish Baton made its final journey before being presented to the King.Athletes from all 74 Commonwealth nations and territories took part in the Parade of Nations.Among them was Team Gambia, proudly marching alongside more than 3,000 athletes set to compete in 10 sports and six Para sports over the next 10 days.For The Gambia, the ceremony marks the start of another opportunity for its athletes to compete on the international stage and inspire supporters back home.Officially declaring the Games open, King Charles welcomed the Commonwealth family to Glasgow and praised the city for hosting the event for the fourth time.Competition now begins as athletes chase medals and national pride in what promises to be 10 days of sport across Glasgow. 

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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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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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