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UNFPA Partners with Gambian Government on Healthcare

President Adama Barrow received the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Regional Director for West Africa, Dr Sennen Hounton, at the State House. Dr Hounton is in The Gambia to assess the agency's work and engage in discussions with officials to enhance collaboration and cooperation. During this visit, the President also met with the newly formed Board of Directors of the Banjul International Convention Centre, which manages the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre and the VVIP lounge at the airport.Dr Hounton's visit aims to promote sexual and reproductive rights for women and children by evaluating the agency's efforts in The Gambia and connecting with relevant stakeholders.After his discussion with the President, Dr Hounton described the meeting as productive, noting that both parties agreed to strengthen their partnership in areas such as maternal and child health, the elimination of violence against women and girls, and access to healthcare.He reassured that the UNFPA is committed to supporting The Gambia in its goal to eliminate maternal and child mortality by 2030.In a separate engagement, the Board of Directors of the Banjul International Convention Centre paid a courtesy visit to the President to update him on the activities of the newly constituted Board, which oversees the management and operations of the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre and the airport's VVIP lounge.After their meeting, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mawdo C. Juwara, expressed that the discussion provided an opportunity to inform the President about recent developments at the Conference Centre.Yankuba Dibba, the Chief Executive Officer of the Banjul International Convention Centre, shared that the new board and management have implemented the necessary policies and strategies to ensure smooth and profitable operations in accordance with legal requirements.He thanked the President and his government for their support of the BICC and pledged to ensure the centre and the airport lounge operate effectively and profitably.

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PRESIDENT BARROW MEETS SENEGAL'S DEFENCE CHIEF

President H.E. Adama Barrow welcomed the Chief of Defence Staff of the Senegalese Armed Forces, General Mbaye Cisse, at State House. General Cisse was accompanied by his Gambian counterpart, Lt. General Mamat Cham, National Security Adviser Abubacarr Jeng, and other senior military officials.General Cisse leads a delegation of high-ranking Senegalese military officials who are visiting The Gambia for a series of engagements with their Gambian counterparts and other officials. Speaking to reporters after his meeting with President Barrow, General Cisse stated that their discussions focused on enhancing the existing cooperation and collaboration between the two armed forces, in accordance with current bilateral defence agreements.General Cisse expressed gratitude to the President for his support of the Armed Forces, noting that since 2017, the two services have worked closely together to promote peace and stability in both countries.Lt. Gen. Mamat Cham commended the Senegalese Armed Forces, under General Cisse's leadership, for their unwavering support of the Gambian Armed Forces. He highlighted that over the past eight years, the two armies have established a robust and mutually beneficial professional relationship.General Cham assured that the Gambian Armed Forces will continue to strengthen its partnership with the Senegalese Armed Forces to effectively address security challenges in the sub-region and to secure the borders of both countries against threats from criminal and terrorist groups.General Cisse and his delegation will continue their engagements in The Gambia, which include meetings with the Defence Minister and visits to the Senegalese military contingent serving under the Ecomig peacekeeping force in the country.

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PRESIDENT BARROW WITNESSES DOUMBOUYA'S INAUGURATION IN GUINEA

The President-elect of Guinea, General Mamadi Doumbouya, was sworn in during a ceremony held in the capital, Conakry. The event was attended by eight African leaders, including His Excellency Adama Barrow, the President of The Gambia, as well as thousands of ordinary Guineans.Doumbouya was elected earlier this month in an election contested by eight other candidates, securing nearly 87% of the vote. This marks a new beginning for the West African nation of 15 million, which has been under military rule since 2021.Guineans from all walks of life filled the 50,000-capacity Sekou Toure Stadium for the swearing-in of President-elect Mamadi Doumbouya. Several African leaders, including Adama Barrow of The Gambia, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Basirou Diomaye Jakhar Faye of Senegal, General Assimi Goita of Mali, and Muhammed Sheikh Ould Gazzouani of Mauritania, attended the historic ceremony.General Mamadi Doumbouya, a former military officer who won the presidential election, arrived at the stadium in a military vehicle, dressed in a flowing white kaftan. As he ascended to the VIP pavilion, his mother greeted him with a warm embrace, symbolising his transition from military to civilian life.The 36-year-old former army general observed as military vehicles, armoured personnel carriers, and rocket launchers paraded through the stadium, while military helicopters flew overhead to celebrate the occasion, which was marked by pomp and pageantry.Doumbouya then descended to the centre of the stadium, where a specially prepared stage was set up for the formal ceremony. The President of the Supreme Court, Fode Bangura, validated the election results, confirming Doumbouya’s commanding lead over his opponents.With his right hand raised and his left on the Holy Book, General Mamadi Doumbouya took the prescribed oaths. He swore to uphold the Constitution, perform the duties of President in the interest of the state, safeguard national unity, and defend the territorial integrity and independence of Guinea.He was subsequently awarded the nation's highest honour, the National Order of Merit with the Grand Croix, officially marking the start of his term as the second democratically elected President of Guinea and the seventh Head of State since independence from France in 1958.In his address to the nation, Doumbouya described this historic milestone as a new beginning for the country. He expressed gratitude to his compatriots for granting him the mandate to lead and promised to work towards improving the lives of Guineans, addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by the nation, and enhancing Guinea’s role in regional, continental, and global affairs.His inauguration concludes nearly five years of military rule, during which Guinea was suspended from ECOWAS and the African Union. The presence of sub-regional leaders may signal that Guinea, under General Mamadi Doumbouya, will regain its standing in both organisations and restore democracy in the country.After the swearing-in ceremony, President Adama Barrow returned to Banjul. He was seen off at the Sekou Touré International Airport by Ambassador Amie Fabureh and Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Morissanda Kouyaté.

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BARROW JOINS AFRICAN LEADERS FOR GUINEA'S TRANSITION TO CIVILIAN RULE 

President Adama Barrow has arrived in Conakry, the capital of Guinea, to attend the inauguration of President-elect General Mamadi Doumbouya. Doumbouya won a landslide victory in the recent presidential election, which followed more than four years of military rule. President Barrow is joining eight other African leaders for this ceremony, marking the end of the transitional period.Upon arrival at Sekou Toure International Airport, President Barrow was welcomed by Guinean Minister of Foreign Affairs Morissanda Kouyaté, Gambia's Ambassador to Guinea-Bissau (also accredited to Guinea) Amie Fabureh, and the Consul General in Conakry, Muhammed Lamin Ceesay.Outside the presidential lounge at the airport, members of the Gambian community in Conakry greeted the President, waving the Gambian flag. The President will attend the inauguration ceremony of General Mamadi Doumbouya, the former military ruler, who secured nearly 87% of the vote in the presidential election.Eight other African heads of state have been invited to the official ceremony, which will take place at the National Stadium in Conakry, symbolising the end of the transitional period following the military coup in 2021.

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PRESIDENT BARROW INSPECTS KEY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS 

The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, recently conducted a familiarisation tour of infrastructural projects within the Kanifing Municipality and the West Coast Region. The tour included visits to various sites, such as Phase 3 of the OIC road projects, the Brufut Banyaka road project, and the Gunjur Jambanjelly road project, culminating in a visit to the Banjul Ports Project.The President began his tour with a brief stop at the Bertil Harding Highway. Phase 3 of this project is contracted to Arezki, which has completed the subgrade and subbase works, while base works and the relocation of services are currently ongoing.Accompanied by the Minister of Works, Ebrima Sillah, and officials from the National Roads Authority, the President was guided through the area around Palma Rima Junction. He received updates from project contractors regarding the status of the works, assessed their progress, and urged them to meet the stipulated deadlines.The entourage then travelled to the 7 km Sukuta Nemasu to Latrikunda road, which is part of the OIC road projects. This road is viewed as a critical corridor connecting the densely populated areas of the West Coast and Kanifing Municipality. Residents welcomed the President with enthusiasm, expressing their appreciation for this life-changing initiative.Following a lengthy trek with local residents, the President's motorcade continued through the Lot 5 EPC road, connecting Wellingara to the Abuko Abattoir. This 4 km road links the two settlements to the main road leading to Old Yundum.After a three-and-a-half-hour drive, the President made a brief stop at the Old Yundum overpass, where he was greeted by community leaders and supporters who gathered in large numbers to express gratitude for these unprecedented infrastructural developments.The President proceeded to inspect further road projects, stopping next at the EPC Lot 6 road project. The first section of this project stretches from Youna to Jambur and Brikama through Jalangbang, covering nearly 14 km. This road connects previously isolated communities that were especially cut off during the rainy season.After reaching the main Sukuta Jambanjelly highway, President Barrow made another brief stop to inspect the road connecting Jambur to Tujereng. The entourage then travelled to Kombo East to see ongoing works on the strategic EPC Lot 4 road project, which links Giboro and Sohm villages. This 13 km road has seen the contractor complete 1 km of the base course, following the successful removal of topsoil.The President was informed that works are progressing as planned, with sections outside the community currently at the subgrade and subbase level. From Kombo East, the entourage returned south to inspect the Janbanjelly-Gunjur road. Unlike other road projects, this one is significantly behind schedule, which left the President disappointed.However, the President expressed satisfaction with the completion of the Kunkujang Madiana to Brufut road, which spans 9 km. As he drove through, he stopped occasionally to greet the people who lined the roads to cheer for him. This was the first time the President had driven on these roads since laying the foundation stone, and he was visibly impressed with the transformation the projects had brought to Brufut and its surrounding areas.The tour concluded in Banjul with a visit to the port, where a new management team under a Turkish company has already initiated tangible improvements at the country’s only seaport. The President expressed his satisfaction with the work of Albayrak, the management company, which has made substantial investments to expand and modernise the port facilities.Overall, President Barrow deemed the tour very successful, as it provided him with firsthand information on these and other projects currently being undertaken by his government. He emphasised his commitment to infrastructural development, arguing that it is the foundation of national growth.Additionally, he pledged to transform The Gambia into a middle-income country by 2031, asserting that, after a decade in office, he has gained the experience necessary to implement impactful developments that could completely reshape the country.

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PRESIDENT ADAMA BARROW CONDUCTS SITE VISIT TO KANIFING MUNICIPALITY AND WEST COAST REGION

His Excellency, President Adama Barrow, is undertaking a tour of development projects in the Kanifing Municipality and West Coast Region, demonstrating the government's commitment to enhancing infrastructure and promoting national growth.

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  • GRTS
  • January 10, 2026 12:03
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7 DEAD IN FARAFENNI HIGHWAY CRASH

The Gambia Police Force confirms a devastating accident on the Farafenni-Jarra Soma Highway, involving a van and a bus, has claimed seven lives. Authorities are on the scene, investigating and managing traffic.

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  • GRTS
  • January 7, 2026 11:55
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President Barrow Welcomes New ECOMIG Force Commander, Pledges Support for Peace and Stability

The President of The Gambia, His Excellency Adama Barrow, has welcomed the new ECOMIG Force Commander, Aliou Tine, and bid farewell to outgoing Commander Col. Ndiagne Diouf at a ceremony held at the State House in Banjul.President Barrow expressed his gratitude to ECOWAS and the Government of Senegal for their service and assured Commander Tine of the Government's utmost support in maintaining the country's reputation for peaceful security. Commander Aliou Tine pledged to work closely with local authorities to address potential threats to national stability, saying, "I am committed to taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of The Gambia and its people."ECOWAS Head of Bureau, H.E. Miata Lily French, reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to supporting peace and stability in The Gambia, emphasising the need for strategic security measures to keep the region stable.President Barrow noted that the ECOWAS region faces challenges, stressing that safeguarding the region and its democratic values is a shared duty. He called on all stakeholders to collaborate in protecting stability and democracy, reiterating his commitment to a transparent, free, and fair election.The High Commissioner of Senegal, H.E. Mariama Sy, reaffirmed Senegal's commitment to supporting The Gambia, emphasising the country's dedication to strengthening ongoing cooperation and partnership.Outgoing ECOMIG Commander Col. Diouf expressed gratitude to Gambian authorities for their support during his tenure, appreciating the collaborative spirit and smooth working environment.

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TRAGIC BOAT CAPSIZE OFF GAMBIA COAST: 102 RESCUED, 7 BODIES RECOVERED

A devastating boat accident off the coast of Jinack Village in the North Bank Region has left the nation in mourning, with seven bodies recovered and dozens still missing after a vessel carrying irregular migrants capsized on New Year's Eve.In a sombre address, His Excellency President Adama Barrow expressed deep concern and condolences to the bereaved families, while reassuring the nation that search and rescue operations are ongoing. The National Emergency Response Plan has been activated, and adequate resources have been deployed to assist survivors."The nation grieves with you, and we hold you dearly in our hearts at this painful moment," his statement read, extending gratitude to the Gambia Navy, emergency response agencies, security services, health workers, and community volunteers who risked their lives to save others.The incident has sparked renewed calls for efforts to prevent irregular migration, with the Government pledging to strengthen initiatives to create safer opportunities for young people at home."We remain strongly determined to create safer and more dignified opportunities for our young people through development initiatives, jobs, and other livelihood options at home," he added.The Government has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident, promising to bring those responsible to justice.As the nation mourns, the search for missing persons continues, with updates on identities and nationalities to be provided as information becomes available.

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  • GRTS
  • January 2, 2026 01:24
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PRESIDENT BARROW DECLARES CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS FOR GAMBIA

The Office of the President hereby informs the public that His Excellency President Adama Barrow has declared Thursday, 25th December and Friday, 26th December 2025, respectively, as Christmas and Boxing Day, as public holidays throughout The Gambia. Additionally, Thursday 1st January 2026, has also been declared a public holiday as part of the New Year celebrations.On behalf of the President and the First Family, the Office of the President wishes everyone a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

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BARROW LAYS FOUNDATION FOR WEST COAST ROADS, PLEDGES CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT

The President Adama Barrow has laid the foundation stone for the construction of 42km of roads in the West Coast Region, as part of his government's infrastructural revolution aimed at linking communities and unlocking economic potential.The roads, which include the 6km Farato Telecentre-Bafuloto Road, 10km Jambur Brikama Jalambang Road, 10km Brikama Kassa kunda Nyofelleh road, and 12km Kachumeh Gunjur Kunkujang to Sanyang road, are expected to improve connectivity and boost economic growth in the region.Speaking at a meeting in Kassa Kunda, President Barrow reaffirmed his government's commitment to constructing strategic roads across the country, saying it was a key priority for his administration.Residents of Farato and Kassa Kunda expressed gratitude to the President for the development, saying it marked a milestone for their communities.Alkalo Musa Sabally of Kassa Kunda praised President Barrow for his vision and foresight in empowering local communities, describing him as a great leader and champion of development.Chief Mondo Jatta and National Assembly Member for Kombo East, Hon Abdou Sowe, also commended the President's leadership and commitment to national development, urging the people of Kombo to rally behind him and vote for him in the next election.Works Minister Ebrima Sillah described President Barrow as a development-oriented leader, predicting that he would win the upcoming presidential election.In his statement, President Barrow said the laying of the foundation stone for the roads was an important milestone, underscoring his government's commitment to infrastructural development and empowering rural communities.He renewed his pledge to prioritise infrastructural development and social services, saying the next five years would witness renewed investments in these areas.The President also instructed authorities to begin upgrading the local school in Kassa Kunda to the Upper Basic level, in response to a request from the Alkalo and elders.

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  • GRTS
  • December 23, 2025 12:52
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PRESIDENT BARROW VOWS TO REBUILD ALBERT MARKET, PROMISES SAFETY MEASURES

In a show of solidarity with the affected traders, President Adama Barrow visited the Albert Market in Banjul following a devastating fire that gutted the market. The President met with traders and local stakeholders, expressing empathy for their losses and vowing to support the recovery efforts.During his visit, President Barrow announced that the government would provide financial assistance for reconstruction and implement safety measures to prevent future tragedies. He assured the traders that their livelihoods would be restored, and the market would be rebuilt swiftly and efficiently.The President's visit highlights the administration's commitment to enhancing market safety and promoting sustainable business practices in the heart of Banjul.

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  • GRTS
  • December 22, 2025 10:52

Latest Updates

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UNFPA Partners with Gambian Government on Healthcare

President Adama Barrow received the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Regional Director for West Africa, Dr Sennen Hounton, at the State House. Dr Hounton is in The Gambia to assess the agency's work and engage in discussions with officials to enhance collaboration and cooperation. During this visit, the President also met with the newly formed Board of Directors of the Banjul International Convention Centre, which manages the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre and the VVIP lounge at the airport.Dr Hounton's visit aims to promote sexual and reproductive rights for women and children by evaluating the agency's efforts in The Gambia and connecting with relevant stakeholders.After his discussion with the President, Dr Hounton described the meeting as productive, noting that both parties agreed to strengthen their partnership in areas such as maternal and child health, the elimination of violence against women and girls, and access to healthcare.He reassured that the UNFPA is committed to supporting The Gambia in its goal to eliminate maternal and child mortality by 2030.In a separate engagement, the Board of Directors of the Banjul International Convention Centre paid a courtesy visit to the President to update him on the activities of the newly constituted Board, which oversees the management and operations of the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre and the airport's VVIP lounge.After their meeting, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mawdo C. Juwara, expressed that the discussion provided an opportunity to inform the President about recent developments at the Conference Centre.Yankuba Dibba, the Chief Executive Officer of the Banjul International Convention Centre, shared that the new board and management have implemented the necessary policies and strategies to ensure smooth and profitable operations in accordance with legal requirements.He thanked the President and his government for their support of the BICC and pledged to ensure the centre and the airport lounge operate effectively and profitably.

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PRESIDENT BARROW WITNESSES DOUMBOUYA'S INAUGURATION IN GUINEA

The President-elect of Guinea, General Mamadi Doumbouya, was sworn in during a ceremony held in the capital, Conakry. The event was attended by eight African leaders, including His Excellency Adama Barrow, the President of The Gambia, as well as thousands of ordinary Guineans.Doumbouya was elected earlier this month in an election contested by eight other candidates, securing nearly 87% of the vote. This marks a new beginning for the West African nation of 15 million, which has been under military rule since 2021.Guineans from all walks of life filled the 50,000-capacity Sekou Toure Stadium for the swearing-in of President-elect Mamadi Doumbouya. Several African leaders, including Adama Barrow of The Gambia, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Basirou Diomaye Jakhar Faye of Senegal, General Assimi Goita of Mali, and Muhammed Sheikh Ould Gazzouani of Mauritania, attended the historic ceremony.General Mamadi Doumbouya, a former military officer who won the presidential election, arrived at the stadium in a military vehicle, dressed in a flowing white kaftan. As he ascended to the VIP pavilion, his mother greeted him with a warm embrace, symbolising his transition from military to civilian life.The 36-year-old former army general observed as military vehicles, armoured personnel carriers, and rocket launchers paraded through the stadium, while military helicopters flew overhead to celebrate the occasion, which was marked by pomp and pageantry.Doumbouya then descended to the centre of the stadium, where a specially prepared stage was set up for the formal ceremony. The President of the Supreme Court, Fode Bangura, validated the election results, confirming Doumbouya’s commanding lead over his opponents.With his right hand raised and his left on the Holy Book, General Mamadi Doumbouya took the prescribed oaths. He swore to uphold the Constitution, perform the duties of President in the interest of the state, safeguard national unity, and defend the territorial integrity and independence of Guinea.He was subsequently awarded the nation's highest honour, the National Order of Merit with the Grand Croix, officially marking the start of his term as the second democratically elected President of Guinea and the seventh Head of State since independence from France in 1958.In his address to the nation, Doumbouya described this historic milestone as a new beginning for the country. He expressed gratitude to his compatriots for granting him the mandate to lead and promised to work towards improving the lives of Guineans, addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by the nation, and enhancing Guinea’s role in regional, continental, and global affairs.His inauguration concludes nearly five years of military rule, during which Guinea was suspended from ECOWAS and the African Union. The presence of sub-regional leaders may signal that Guinea, under General Mamadi Doumbouya, will regain its standing in both organisations and restore democracy in the country.After the swearing-in ceremony, President Adama Barrow returned to Banjul. He was seen off at the Sekou Touré International Airport by Ambassador Amie Fabureh and Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Morissanda Kouyaté.

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BARROW JOINS AFRICAN LEADERS FOR GUINEA'S TRANSITION TO CIVILIAN RULE 

President Adama Barrow has arrived in Conakry, the capital of Guinea, to attend the inauguration of President-elect General Mamadi Doumbouya. Doumbouya won a landslide victory in the recent presidential election, which followed more than four years of military rule. President Barrow is joining eight other African leaders for this ceremony, marking the end of the transitional period.Upon arrival at Sekou Toure International Airport, President Barrow was welcomed by Guinean Minister of Foreign Affairs Morissanda Kouyaté, Gambia's Ambassador to Guinea-Bissau (also accredited to Guinea) Amie Fabureh, and the Consul General in Conakry, Muhammed Lamin Ceesay.Outside the presidential lounge at the airport, members of the Gambian community in Conakry greeted the President, waving the Gambian flag. The President will attend the inauguration ceremony of General Mamadi Doumbouya, the former military ruler, who secured nearly 87% of the vote in the presidential election.Eight other African heads of state have been invited to the official ceremony, which will take place at the National Stadium in Conakry, symbolising the end of the transitional period following the military coup in 2021.

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PRESIDENT BARROW MEETS SENEGAL'S DEFENCE CHIEF

President H.E. Adama Barrow welcomed the Chief of Defence Staff of the Senegalese Armed Forces, General Mbaye Cisse, at State House. General Cisse was accompanied by his Gambian counterpart, Lt. General Mamat Cham, National Security Adviser Abubacarr Jeng, and other senior military officials.General Cisse leads a delegation of high-ranking Senegalese military officials who are visiting The Gambia for a series of engagements with their Gambian counterparts and other officials. Speaking to reporters after his meeting with President Barrow, General Cisse stated that their discussions focused on enhancing the existing cooperation and collaboration between the two armed forces, in accordance with current bilateral defence agreements.General Cisse expressed gratitude to the President for his support of the Armed Forces, noting that since 2017, the two services have worked closely together to promote peace and stability in both countries.Lt. Gen. Mamat Cham commended the Senegalese Armed Forces, under General Cisse's leadership, for their unwavering support of the Gambian Armed Forces. He highlighted that over the past eight years, the two armies have established a robust and mutually beneficial professional relationship.General Cham assured that the Gambian Armed Forces will continue to strengthen its partnership with the Senegalese Armed Forces to effectively address security challenges in the sub-region and to secure the borders of both countries against threats from criminal and terrorist groups.General Cisse and his delegation will continue their engagements in The Gambia, which include meetings with the Defence Minister and visits to the Senegalese military contingent serving under the Ecomig peacekeeping force in the country.

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Olympic House to Get Facelift with $50,000 ANOCA Grant

The Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) has secured a $50,000 (approximately 3.6 million dalasi) grant from the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) to renovate the Olympic House.This significant funding injection is part of the NOC's strategic plan to upgrade the facility, boost capacity, and give it a fresh new look.The renovation project is set to commence soon, following the signing of a contract with MJ20 Construction and Civil Engineering Company Ltd. The revamped Olympic House is expected to enhance Gambia's sports profile, showcasing the country's commitment to sports development. 

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GAMBIA EMBASSY IN CHINA DENIES MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS OVER SCHOLARSHIP ISSUES 

Embassy of the Republic of The Gambia to the People’s Republic of ChinaOn Recent Media Allegations Concerning Scholarship AssistanceThe Embassy of the Republic of The Gambia in the People’s Republic of China issues this statement pursuant to instructions received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad in Banjul, in response to recent media allegations by certain Gambian students concerning scholarship assistance.The Embassy considers it necessary, in the interest of accuracy and public clarity, to place the following facts firmly on record:First, out of a total of over one hundred and thirty (130) Gambian students currently in the People’s Republic of China, only ten (10) students are affected by the specific scholarship-related issues that have been the subject of recent media reports. Any attempt to portray this matter as affecting the broader Gambian student population in China is therefore grossly misleading and factually incorrect.Second, it must be clearly stated that the affected students travelled to China on their own initiative under self-sponsorship arrangements. They were not beneficiaries of government-to-government scholarships or ministry o-r ininstitution-facilitatedponsorships at the time of their arrival. This critical fact has been omitted in public narratives and has contributed significantly to the misrepresentation of the situation.Notwithstanding this, and acting in good faith and in line with a humanitarian gesture, the Embassy nevertheless extended support and advocacy on behalf of the students to the Ministry of Higher Education R, Research, Science and Technology through official diplomatic channels. These efforts included formal correspondence, follow-ups, consultations, and the provision of guidance to the students, despite the fact that their initial status fell outside formal scholarship frameworks.The Embassy and by extension the Government of The Gambia t, therefore categorically reject the allegation that no definitive resolution has been achieved as if the students were prepared and sent by the Government of The Gambia. Such claims are false, misleading, and inconsistent with the documented actions undertaken by the Embassy within the scope of its mandate and diplomatic practice. Further i, it’s imperative to bring to the fore that the students’ tuition fees and stipends for the academic year 2024-2025 have been duly settled. Additionally, the stipends for the academic year 2025-2026 have already been disbursed. The remaining matter pertains solely to the tuition component of 20the 25-2026 Academic Year to be settled by the Government of the Gambia. However, Mithe nistry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology has encountered delays attributable to budgetary cycles and prevailing fiscal constraints arising from competing national priorities. The Embassy regrets that, instead of acknowledging the support already rendered by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and failure to adhere to the advice of the embassy by engaging constructively through established channels, certain individuals chose to resort to the media and being economical with the facts. This approach is irresponsible, counterproductive, and damaging to ongoing efforts by the embassy and the Government of The Gambia as part of the broader scheme of duty of care and protecting the interests of Gambian students abroad.Accordingly, acting strictly in accordance with the guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, the Embassy remains committed to the welfare of Gambian nationals in China and will continue to provide assistance within the limits of its responsibilities. However, the Embassy will not accept attempts to undermine its integrity or that of the Government of The Gambia through misinformation or public pressure tactics.The Embassy urges the media and the public to rely on accurate and verified information, and calls on all Gambian students to engage with the Embassy in a spirit of honesty, responsibility, and mutual respect.The Embassy reserves the right, in line with instructions from Banjul, to take any further appropriate measures necessary to safeguard its institutional credibility and that of the Government of The Gambia.Issued by:Embassy of the Republic of The GambiaBeijing, People’s Republic of China

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