The head of the ECOWAS Election Observer Mission to the recently held National Assembly election Hon. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, praised the conduct of the polls calling them “peaceful and credible.”Dr. Chambas was at the State House to brief His Excellency, President Adama Barrow of his mission’s observation and findings during the elections. Dr. Chambas described The Gambia as a good example to the rest of the sub-region in the conduct of elections, stating; “The Gambia should be proud of itself”, for maintaining a reputation as a peaceful people, a peaceful country who have delivered a peaceful and credible election.
Continue Reading >>H.E President Adama Barrow’s Congratulatory Remarks on the National Assembly Elections Fellow Gambians,After weeks of intense political activities in the country, I am happy to congratulate all Gambians on the successful and peaceful conclusion of the National Assembly elections held on 9th April 2022. Exercising their rights in what was clearly very keenly contested legislative elections, Gambians made their choice of National Assembly representatives from an unprecedented number of candidates from political parties to Independent candidates. On behalf of my government and family, and on my own behalf, I express deep gratitude to all the peace-loving Gambians who contributed to this historic achievement. With warm sentiments, I also congratulate the Independent Electoral Commission, the security services, political parties, Observers, the media and all other stakeholders for the roles they played throughout the electoral process. The election of diverse political party representatives and independent candidates from different backgrounds is an indication of a vibrant democracy. Yet again, Gambians have fulfilled a vital constitutional mandate in an amicable manner, thus demonstrating that our democracy is thriving. It was another test of the credibility and viability of our institutions and the mechanisms and processes we are strongly determined to safeguard and strengthen. To our credit, as Gambians, we have got over the event with remarkable success. Fellow Gambians, during the political campaigns leading to the 2021 Presidential election and the recently concluded National Assembly elections, the citizens of this nation loudly expressed and showed their passion for efficient public services that would improve their lives and livelihoods. They have demonstrated the desire for stability, sustained good governance, and infrastructural development to boost the performance of all sectors. It is clear that our people wish to maintain an environment that is peaceful, stable, and secure enough for all citizens, which is one of the top priorities of my government. These aspirations can be achieved much faster if we work as a united force. In doing so, we need to be service-oriented and committed to the betterment of the people, strive to advance and strengthen our democracy, and observe the principles of peace and justice for all. These are essential elements for good governance and progress, which we cannot ignore. Ladies and gentlemen, based on party affiliation and trust for some independent candidates, Gambians have duly elected their representatives; none-the-less, we expect all the successful candidates to work together as a legislative body to promote and serve the national interest. At this point, I must congratulate all the successful candidates on their victories, and call on the remaining contestants to join forces with us and work in the best interest of the nation. The fact that you were eligible to contest is an achievement in itself. So, bravo to everyone! In a democracy, we must embrace diversity, and it is significant that, as a country, the Legislature works independently; however, it has to be in partnership with the Executive and the Judiciary to ensure that, jointly, we serve and fulfil the development aspirations of our citizens, within a just environment. Ladies and gentlemen, I expect all Gambians and non-Gambians alike to realise that these are challenging times. This is a period when global politics and instability continue to impact negatively on our local context. We must be ready, therefore, to take up the challenge of working harder, re-dedicating ourselves to duty, and committing enough time and resources to serve the nation, both in the public and private sectors. We are blessed with a youthful population and should explore and utilise its potential to the fullest. I will not conclude without emphasising the need for us to continue to nurture our democracy, protect all rights, and respect the freedom of association and speech, as required by law. As mature and cultured people, we must realise that, once elections end, we are duty-bound to unite and serve the country as one people. Whenever we exercise our political rights and compete in national elections, we do so as actors with different viewpoints, and not as enemies. It is now time to put behind us the divisive politics and hate speeches that seem to divide the nation. This is the time to re-energise ourselves for nation building so that every citizen becomes a winner. To reassure everyone, regardless of the results of the elections, the affairs of the entire country and the welfare of every citizen and resident here will remain central in my concerns and focus. Hand in hand, let us all move on.I pray for the continued peace, progress, prosperity, and security of our people. Long live The Gambia! I thank you for your attention.
Continue Reading >>Gambians have voted in a new legislature, thirty-three of them for the first time. NPP won 18 seats, UDP 15, NRP 4, PDOIS 2, and APRC 2. An unprecedented 12 seats are independent candidates. GDC, GMC, CA, and NUP did not win any seats. Out of the 19 women candidates, only three were elected
Continue Reading >>Gambians are voting to elect national assembly members of the 6th legislature five months after the Presidential elections. An unprecedented Two hundred and forty-six candidates are vying for fifty-three seats in the National Assembly. Eighty of them are independent candidates. Polls opened at 8 am and are expected to close at 5 pm. Reports across the country indicate that voting is peaceful but voter turnout is low compared to the presidential elections. President Adama Cast his ballot at the McCarthy Square in the Banjul Central constituency. He called on eligible Gambians to turn up to the polling stations and vote peacefully.
Continue Reading >>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.
Continue Reading >>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
Continue Reading >>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.
Continue Reading >>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.
Continue Reading >>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.
Continue Reading >>The Leader of the Gambia Moral Congress (GMC) Mai Ahmed Fatty has presented his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral Commission in Basse Mansajang in URR. Mr. Fatty is contesting for the Wuli West National Assembly seat. He told waiting journalists that he is the choice of the people. Ebrima Conteh of the GMC also presented his documents for Wuli East Constituency. Mr. Conteh said was contesting because the people of his constituency were neglected for so many years. He promised to bring development to his constituency if given the chance. Meanwhile, IEC officials handed over an acceptance receipt to Hon Alhagie H.Sowe of The Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC).
Continue Reading >>Only one aspiring candidate from the lower Saloum Constituency appeared before election officials in the central river region on nomination day one. The All people's Party's Ebou K. Gaye arrived at the regional Independent electoral office to present his credentials for the April 6th National assembly elections. Gaye's nomination papers were quickly accepted, allowing IEC officials to vet his credentials pending a public scrutiny. APRC and ANRD party were also expected to present Nomination bids but the two parties didn't file any candidate in the Central River Region.After presenting his documents, Gaye told waiting journalists that he is the right candidate to represent Lower Saloum Constituency. He claimed to have the will and capacity needed for the job.
Continue Reading >>The National Assembly of The Gambia has established a Special Select Committee to investigate the sale and disposal of assets previously owned by ex-President Yahya Jammeh. This decision follows findings from the Janneh Commission, which identified assets forfeited to the state but raised questions about their disposal process. The Committee was formed during the Assembly's First Extraordinary Session of 2025, led by Hon. Billay G. Tunkara, and comprises seven members. Its mandate includes investigating the legality and transparency of the asset sales, identifying purchasers, and managing the proceeds. The Committee operates under provisions of the 1997 Constitution and the National Assembly's Standing Orders, emphasizing accountability and good governance.
Continue Reading >>His Excellency Adama Barrow has presided over the official inauguration of the new office complex of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources (MACCNAR) at a ceremony in Abuko. The complex is funded by the government and aims to provide the necessary infrastructure to house all the departments and projects under the Environment Ministry. Situated at Abuko just near the nature reserve, the three-storey building will provide the perfect home for the Ministry and its departments, which until now have been scattered in different locations within the Greater Banjul Area.The construction of the complex was overseen by the Gambia Agency for Public Works (GAMWORKS) and took 15 months to complete. Omar Gaye, GAMWORKS’ Director-General described the project as ‘groundbreaking,’ as it was ‘completed on time and met standards.’The new office complex of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources (MACCNAR) situated at Abuko.Rohey John Manjang the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, says the completion of the complex marks a ‘historic milestone’ for her Ministry as it grappled with what she called ‘inadequate infrastructure,’ which forced it to ‘rent offices for its many departments.’The Environment Minister attributed this success to the ‘proactive leadership of President Barrow,’ who has placed ‘sustainable infrastructural development’ as a key priority of his government. She also tasked the staff of the Ministry to maintain the complex and ensure that the building is properly kept to provide a conducive working environment.Rohey John Manjang The Gambia's Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural ResourcesPresident Barrow, in his address, says the construction of this office complex forms part of his government's objective of providing ‘resilient, climate-smart infrastructure across the country,’ in response to the challenge posed by climate change. ‘I promise you that this will not be our last ground-breaking project. It is part of a country-wide drive for resilient, modernising our infrastructure, including health centres, modern markets and roads - that matches the aspirations of a twenty-first-century Gambia,’ the President says.The Gambian leader also commended the Environment Minister for the strong leadership and urged all staff to continue working diligently in the service of the nation. He promised that his government would be committed to building more office complexes to house Ministries as this is more sustainable and cost-effective.The President then left Abuko and made a brief stop to inspect the newly constructed Ebo Town road. There he met locals and was briefed on the status of the works. The President expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of construction works and thanked local communities for their patience and support to the contractors.
Continue Reading >>The first group of Gambian pilgrims has successfully arrived in Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking a significant moment in their spiritual journey. This initial wave comprises over three hundred and twenty individuals, all of whom arrived in excellent health and high spirits, ready to embark on their sacred pilgrimage.2000 Gambians are expected to travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the Hajj this year.Travelling with Gambia International Airlines, these pilgrims were greeted with warmth by local authorities and fellow travellers upon their arrival. Their journey is part of the larger annual pilgrimage to the Holy City of Madinah, where they will engage in various religious rites. Gambian pilgrimsMore pilgrims from The Gambia are scheduled to arrive in the Kingdom in the coming days, preparing for the Hajj season, which draws millions of Muslims from around the globe to take part in this transformative spiritual experience.
Continue Reading >>The Gambia Armed Forces Navy Patrol team says it intercepted a boat suspected of carrying irregular migrants while on routine sea patrol in the early hours of Thursday, May 15, 2025.According to GAF's report, the wooden vessel was carrying 114 irregular migrants, including two minors. The migrants were escorted to the Naval Base in Banjul, “where they were processed and handed over to the Gambia Immigration Department.”“The boat, as discovered during interrogations, departed from Bunyadu in The Gambia on Monday, 12 May 2025 and voyaged up to Nouadhibou in the Republic of Mauritania.” “They were, however, lost at sea and found themselves back in the Gambian waters,” GAF's report indicates. As stated in the report, on board the vessel includes 17 women. The irregular sea migrants questing to reach Europe looked “exhausted” at the time of their interception. The ones who were ill were “attended to by Gambia Armed Forces medics stationed at the Naval Base.”Lieutenant Commander Fara Jobe, the Commanding Officers Naval Base, led the handover procedures, delivering the intercepted irregular migrants to the Gambia Immigration Department representatives on the ground.
Continue Reading >>Addressing the nation through a televised statement on issues revolving around the forfeited assets of former President Yahya Jammeh, His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, says any recommendation by Auditors and the Parliamentary Enquiry Committee into how the assets were disposed of by the Commission of Inquiry and a Ministerial Commission, will be fully implemented. The President said he has always “prioritised acting in collaboration with the National Assembly and the National Audit Office.” The National Audit Office is set to complete its findings into how the forfeited assets were sold. A Parliamentary Committee, which is to be formed by the National Assembly, will also conduct an independent inquiry into the matter. “Their findings will be made public and my government will enforce their recommendations to address the shortcomings discovered and hold accountable any individual or entity found culpable,” the President said.A motion for the creation of a Special Select Committee by Billay G. Tankara, the Majority Leader, has been considered and adopted by Parliament on Wednesday, 14 May 2025.President Barrow further reassured his government’s resolve in getting to the very bottom of how the assets which he said “belong to the people,” were sold. “My administration will not tolerate negligence or any wrongdoing linked to safeguarding our nation’s resources. We are committed to full transparency in whatever we undertake on behalf of the people.”The Gambian leader urged the citizens to exercise patience and wait for the outcome of the findings of the Auditors and the Special Parliamentary Committee. “Until we receive the reports on the ongoing investigations, I urge you all to remain calm and law-abiding and be assured that this matter will be handled within the ambit of the law.”The President’s address to the nation came on the heels of a recent investigation by The Republic, which exposed alleged wrongdoing by members of the Janneh Commission and the Ministerial Commission on the sales of recovered assets of former President Jammeh. The issue grabbed further attention after some youths who went on the streets “without permit” to demand full disclosure of the list were arrested by the police and detained for what the police described as “unlawful assembly.”A list of some assets like vehicles and cows and their buyers was eventually released by the Ministry of Justice, but that only appeared to have added salt to the injury. The measly amount some of the items were sold for prompted the President’s address to the nation on the issue with the Gambian leader giving his blessings for parliament to launch an independent investigation into the matter.
Continue Reading >>Representing His Excellency President Adama Barrow, the Vice President, His Excellency Mohammed B.S Jallow, presided over the launch of the Qatar Charity Organisation Empowerment and Economic Development Project to Support the Gambia 2025 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo. The Project aims to address the needs of vulnerable groups and improve their living standards, focusing on providing essential equipment, creating job opportunities, and fostering social inclusion, particularly for people with disabilities and youth.It also aims to create job opportunities for youth, contributing to the overall economic empowerment of families and communities. The project also includes initiatives to empower women economically, enabling them to become more self-reliant to improve domestic living conditions.Among the equipment donated by the foundation, are sewing machines The project reflects ‘Qatar Charity's commitment to ensuring full social inclusion for all, including individuals with disabilities, by providing an environment where they can live with dignity and independence.’The project country's director Mustafa E.S. Satte, described the initiative as an income-generating project. He said it will serve as a ‘turning point,’ offering beneficiaries ‘stable employment’ and facilities to improve their living conditions. He added that this initiative is part of Qatar Charity’s broader commitment to sustainable development and its continuous efforts to economically empower disadvantaged families, by enabling families to establish their own sources of income, helping them meet essential needs such as education, food, and healthcare. The project, he added, will also contribute to fostering social stability in local communities, reducing unemployment rates, particularly among the most vulnerable women and youth in Gambian society.Wheelchairs to be handed over to the differently-abled Sanna Dahaba, the Executive Director of the National Disaster Management Agency, said the Qatar Charity is collaborating with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) under the office of the Vice President to enable the delivery of ‘vital humanitarian assistance to disaster-affected individuals, groups and communities.’His Excellency, Mohammed B.S Jallow, in his address, expressed gratitude to the government and the people of Qatar for their generous support, saying it will ‘directly empower the youth, women, and small-scale entrepreneurs,’ enabling the building of sustainable livelihoods.VP Jallow added that the project aligns ‘seamlessly with the government’s development agendas like job creation, food security, and inclusive economic growth.’The Vice President assured the government's ‘unwavering commitment to the project.’ He urged the National Disaster Management Agency to ensure effective monitoring mechanisms to evaluate the impacts of the support, ensuring ‘transparency and accountability.’This support comes at a crucial time, as the nation grapples with the aftermath of climate-driven disasters that disproportionately affected Gambian communities, significantly increasing their vulnerabilities. In 2024 alone, the NDMA reported that more than 70,000 individuals were impacted by adverse events such as flash floods, windstorms, and fire outbreaks, highlighting the urgent need for sustained humanitarian support.
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