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FM Dr. Mamadou Tangara’s sends a message of condolence to the British High Commissioner, on the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II

“Your Excellency, David, please accept and convey my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy on the sudden demise of Her Majesty The Queen. Our prayers and thoughts are with members of the Royal Family and the people of the Great Kingdom and the entire Commonwealth of Nations at this time of grief and mourning that we all share. HM Queen Elizabeth II has left indelible marks of devotion to duties, admiration, and respect in our minds. I can write without an iota of doubt that she'll be remembered as one of the towering figures in the history of Mankind. May her noble soul rest in peace.”Hon. Mamadou Tangara Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad

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President Barrow Dispatches Condolence Message to His Majesty, King Charles III

His Excellency, Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, on Friday, September 9th, dispatched a letter of condolence to His Majesty, King Charles III of the United Kingdom, following the demise of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.On behalf of the Government, the People of The Gambia, and on his behalf, the President expressed grief and extended heartfelt condolences to His Majesty, the Royal family, and the entire people of Great Britain.The President prayed for Allah to bestow mercy on Her Majesty’s soul and grant the Royal family, the people of the United Kingdom, and the Commonwealth family the fortitude to bear this great loss.  

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The Gambia is no longer inactive in Sports- President Barrow

 President Adama Barrow has said his administration has committed to the growth of sports since taking office, mentioning Volleyball as one of the games that are growing in popularity due to the attention paid to them. The President was speaking today during an audience with the President of the African Volleyball Confederation, Bouchra Hajij, at the Statehouse in Banjul.While extending a warm welcome to Madam Hajij, the President noted that under the leadership of the Minister of Youth and Sports, Honourable Bakary Badjie, The Gambia now actively participates in more sporting activities. He applauded Minister Badjie for his proactiveness and appreciated the achievements of the national beach volleyball team in regional and international sporting competitions.Speaking after her audience with the President, Madam Bouchra said her discussion with the President centred on Volleyball and her confederation's strategic plan involving the Gambia Volleyball federation to prepare the athletes for the upcoming games and the next Olympic Games in 2024. She assured her board's support for the athletes to reach higher heights in Volleyball.

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Fuel crisis resolved

The government of the Gambia has reached an agreement with oil marketing companies to resume the sale of fuel with immediate effect at the same price. This announcement is contained in a press release issued by office of the president. 

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Gambia government holds "Major Press Conference"

The government of the Gambia on Thursday hosted a major press conference on the theme “Spotlighting the Banjul rehabilitation project” Chaired by the government spokesperson and adviser to the president on Diaspora affairs Ebrima G Sankareh the briefing was aimed at shedding light on public doubts about the Banjul rehabilitation project. The project came under fire following last month's powerful floods that hit the capital city and beyond. The Minister of information Lamin Queen Jammeh said the press conference was sanctioned by president  Adama Barrow to provide clarity on controversies that followed the unexpected floods.The questions from the press touched on how the contract was awarded to Gai construction company and whether the company had fulfilled its tax obligation as required under such contracts.  The minister of Works, Construction and Infrastructure Ebrima Sillah said there was another addendum on the contract that removed the tax exemption. He also explained that the government does provide a certain tax exemption on projects funded by the state or donor organisations. The Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority Yankuba Darboe said the contractor met all tax obligations and submitted audited accounts on time. Officials say powerful pumping machines have now been installed in the city. The machines they say would be able to efficiently empty flood water from the city.

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Eight Gambian women musicians to perform live at the Women's Unite Festival

Eight Gambian female musicians will perform at a live band concert dub Unite festival in September. The festival is being organised by Music in Africa Foundation (MIAF) under the auspices of the Music In Africa Live project 2022 (MIALive). The eight female musicians were drawn from the National Female Artists Association (NAFAA). Women's Unite Festival - The Gambia project is being implemented by NAFAA in the Gambia from 11th July 2022 to 18th September 2022.The event which will be held on Saturday, 17th September 2022 at the Kairaba Beach Hotel, Jama Hall will feature Sambou Susso, Cess Ngum, Lena B, Mariama Cham, Awa Gambia, Awa Bling, Sophia Bass, and Miss Jobizz. The recorded performances will be broadcast on the 24th  of September 2022 at 8 pm GMT on the Official NAFAA Facebook page, Gambian Talents TV, and Block Entertainment platforms.The performing artists expressed delight at the opportunity to take part in the project which is being held for the first time in the Gambia. Sambou Susso calls it a fantastic opportunity to unleash their talents and skills musically during these times. She said COVID-19 impacted the music sector and this is a way to get them back on their feet. The Program Director of NAFAA Kalilu Banja said that audiences can expect a highly professional acoustic live performance that will be historic and beneficial to artists and musicians.The Women’s Unite Festival - The Gambia is a program of Music In Africa Live, a project of The Music In Africa Foundation supported by the German Federal Foreign Office, Siemens Stiftung, and Goethe Institute.     

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Police to interdict police officer accused of rape

The Gambia police force says Sergeant Momodou Sarjo who was arrested and charged for rape will be interdicted and taken to court. A press release from the office of the IGP stated that the police officer was arrested on the seafront near the monkey park where he was said to have attacked a group of young people at a party. Officer Sarjo is alleged to have attacked the group and raped a twenty-two-year-old girl he captured while she tried to escape. The officer was arrested by the Police Intervention Unit and detained at the Senegambia police station where he was charged.  

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UAE detains thirty four Gambians at Immigration camp

The Ministry of Foreign affairs and Gambians abroad says it is working with Dubai authorities in securing the release of Gambian detainees there. A statement from the ministry said that thirty four Gambians were being held at an immigration detention camp in the United Arab Emirates.

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TICAD8: President Barrow Calls for the Transformation of Africa’s Challenges to Opportunities

His Excellency President has urged TICAD member states and partners to work together to transform Africa’s challenges into opportunities to drive its development priorities. The President was speaking on 27th August 2022 at the TICAD8 Conference in Tunisia. President Barrow emphasised the urgent need to support Africa’s youthful and diverse population to explore green businesses and other development opportunities. He said Africa is a burgeoning continent, but it must redouble efforts to explore its development objectives.  ‘‘Africa presents unique opportunities for closer cooperation with the world, but we must build enough capacity to finance and drive our development sustainably.” He noted. Speaking on the Japanese Government’s support to the continent amidst the ongoing global economic crisis, President Barrow commended the Japanese Prime Minister, His Excellency Fumio Kishida, and the Government and people of Japan ‘‘for assuming greater prominence in the collective endeavour to build resilient economies, communities, and environmental systems’’. President Barrow further expressed that while the continent needs to manage its biodiversity and ecosystem services effectively, it is equally vital to share best practices with the globe to overcome its development challenges. TICAD is a process involving not only African countries but also international organisations, the private sector, and civil society working for Africa’s development and promoting high-level political dialogue between African leaders and their partners on issues related to economic growth, trade and investment, sustainable development, human security, and governance.

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President Barrow arrives in Tunisia

His Excellency President Adama Barrow and his delegation have arrived in the Tunisian capital, Tunis, for the Eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD8). The President was received at the Airport by the Tunisian Prime Minister, Her Excellency Najla Bouden. The conference will bring together African leaders and their partners to discuss development objectives geared toward integrating Africa into the emerging global chain of research, innovation, technology and science.

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Physical Planning demolishes structures in Jabang

The department of physical planning has embarked on a demolition exercise in the Jabang area. The structures being demolished are said to be built on waterways blocking the flowing of water. In a letter dated 20th August 2022, sent to homeowners in Jabang, the department of physical planning and housing stated that the buildings were erected without a development permit and without prior approval of the Banjul planning authority. The letter ordered homeowners to remove or demolish the structures before the 22nd of August 2022. Distressed homeowners expressed anger at the action of the planning authorities, claiming they legally acquired the properties from the Social security and housing finance cooperation. They complained that the demolition notice came under forty-eight hours before the structures went under the hammer.  

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SRPEP Signs 6 Contracts for the Construction of Major Infrastructure of Project Intended Facilities

The Small Ruminant Production Enhancement Project (SRPEP) through the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) recently signed six (6) contracts for the construction of the project’s major infrastructure facilities. The Ministry of agricumture announced on its social media handle that the contracts were awarded to Gambian contractors. The statement indicated that the facilities include community pastures, rehabilitation of DLS LAB Abuko, a veterinary drug outlets, a fattening and breeding schemes, mini dairy, milk collection centres, slaughterhouses, meat stalls, and farmer demonstration in YBK. Mamud Njie, SRPEP project director said the facilities will help the project fulfill its objective of improving the livelihood of livestock farmers and strengthen the production and productivity and resilience of rural communities. He added that it will stimulate business entrepreneurship in the livestock sector.

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Latest Updates

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PRESIDENT BARROW SWEARS IN MARTIN HACKETT AS SPECIAL PROSECUTOR FOR JAMMEH-ERA CRIMES

The Special Prosecutor appointed to address crimes committed during the Jammeh era has been sworn in at a ceremony presided over by President H.E. Adama Barrow. Barrister Martin Hackett was appointed to this role by the President, acting under the authority granted by the Special Prosecutor Act.His appointment represents a significant step towards justice for the victims of the 22 years of severe human rights abuses under former President Yahya Jammeh's regime.Mr Hackett has an extensive career in international and criminal law, specialising in cases involving genocide and counter-terrorism.Having taken his oaths of office, allegiance and secrecy, he will lead the Special Prosecutor's Office to seek justice for the victims of abuses during the Jammeh era.Mr Hackett fully understands the weight of this responsibility, which he describes as a “process that will put victims, survivors, and communities at the centre.” He has pledged to ensure that the process will be "independent, impartial, and respect the rule of law."He expressed gratitude to the President, the Attorney General, and the Independent Selection Panel for their trust and confidence, committing to carry out his duties to the best of his ability.President H.E. Adama Barrow referred to the appointment of a Special Prosecutor as a “historic moment” in The Gambia's Transitional Justice journey, which aims to provide closure for the victims.The President emphasised the importance of the Special Prosecutor in upholding the rule of law, assuring that the process is not about “revenge or violence,” but rather “ensuring accountability.”He also reassured victims that his government recognises the gravity of their experiences and is committed to ensuring that justice is served.However, the President called for “patience, trust, and collective support” for the process while congratulating Barrister Hackett on his appointment to this vital position.Victims will now closely observe as justice finally reaches those responsible for some of the most brutal abuses inflicted upon them, their relatives, and their loved ones.

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PRESIDENT BARROW RECEIVES €5M FIRE EQUIPMENT DONATION FOR GAMBIA FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES

The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, on Thursday received firefighting equipment and other assorted materials worth five million euros for immediate distribution to the Gambia Fire and Rescue Services at a ceremony held at the State House.The equipment was donated by a Spanish NGO, "Start Up," which has longstanding ties with Gambia's security services, to strengthen the fire and rescue services and enable them to respond more effectively to emergencies.The equipment includes trucks, fire-fighting machinery, tanks, utility vehicles, hoses, welding machines, and bushfire-fighting tools.This firefighting equipment forms part of a long-standing partnership between the NGO 'Start Up," led by Sonia, and Gambia's security services, initiated in 2023.Sonia Sona Mariama, the president of the Star Up NGO, is explaining the functions of the donated equipment to the President H.E Adama Barrow. (PC: State House)However, this donation is the largest since the partnership began and is poised to significantly enhance operations at the Gambia Fire and Rescue Services, which handles emergency rescue situations involving fires and bushfires, among others.The President expressed his high appreciation for this recent donation, believing it highlights the importance of the partnership with the Spanish NGO.He described the Fire and Rescue Services as a vital part of the National Security apparatus and stated that this intervention will greatly bolster their capacity to respond to emergencies, especially in densely populated areas.This consignment also includes a 12,000-litre capacity tank, the largest in the GFRS inventory. Sonia agrees that this will greatly expand the fire service’s ability to tackle fires.The 12,000-litre capacity tank which is the largest in the Gambia Fire and Rescue Services inventory. (PC: State House)Chief Fire Officer Massaneh Bah described it as an “important partnership” that will transform his “security outfit' and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.This donation also celebrates the fruitful partnership between 'Start Up' and the security services, offering a moment to reflect on future possibilities and opportunities.As an Honorary Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Sonia expressed optimism that this collaboration will continue, as both parties prepare for the next phase of the partnership—designing the civil protection system with the Ministry of Interior.The event was presided over by President Adama Barrow. The ceremony was also attended by the Interior Minister, Abdoulie Sanyang, senior officials of the Gambia Fire and Rescue Service, and donors from Spain. 

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LADY SARJO MOBILIZES HUNDREDS AT STATE HOUSE, VOWS TO LEAD PRESIDENT BARROW’S RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN

Hundreds of members of the Lady Sarjo Mballow Barrow fans club visited her on Wednesday to show their support for her and President Adama Barrow at State House.The members represent numerous clubs across the country, which have adopted Lady Sarjo as their Honorary Mother in recognition of her contributions to national development and for serving as a positive example for women and girls.The purpose of the meeting was to introduce her to the members and their activities, and also to establish common ground as the political climate heats up ahead of the upcoming election later this year.The main organiser of this gathering is Sidi Dem, a prominent figure within political circles, known for his unwavering support and loyalty to President Barrow.Dem expressed gratitude to the members for responding to calls on short notice, describing it as “evidence of the love and affection” Gambians have for Lady Sarjo.He challenged all fan club members to rally behind President Barrow so that he can secure re-election with a comfortable majority. Dem also urged the women to engage with their constituents to increase political support for the President.This sentiment was echoed by regional representatives of the Lady Sarjo Fans club from the Upper River, West Coast, and North Bank regions. They all called for vigorous mobilisation of votes to deliver a landslide victory for the President in December.The speakers also praised Lady Sarjo, expressing admiration for her humility and peaceful nature as qualities that endear her to people both in The Gambia and beyond.Aja Haddijatou Jallow Jobe of Sinchu Alaji challenged the fans to use their influence to persuade more people to join the ranks of the NPP, which she describes as a development-focused and peaceful party.Nene Trawally of Brikama North tasked the fans with turning their words into action by voting for President Barrow to secure another five-year term. She emphasised that this victory would ensure the continuation of development across the country.She called on Lady Sarjo to be more “proactive in politics,” urging the fans to unite for the benefit of their Honorary Mother and to empower the President.The Chief of Brikama North, Mondo Jatta, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the President's agenda, confidently predicting that the upcoming election is already decided and that the President will win by an “overwhelming majority.”He also warned against any attempts by the opposition to disrupt the registration process in Jalambang, affirming his intention to use the law to prevent interference.For the National Youth President of the NPP, Momodou Sabally, this was an unprecedented gathering, as it was the first event hosted by Lady Sarjo. He attributed this milestone to President Barrow's track record of development, which has made a significant impact nationwide.“He has built schools, brought electricity, and provided roads in remote communities, which encourages people to support President Barrow,” Sabally said.He confidently proclaimed that President Barrow would win the December presidential election, urging various groups within the fan club to work together to secure victory.Honourable Sidi S.K Njie thanked the members for their commendable initiative that could reshape politics in The Gambia.He spoke extensively about the President’s achievements in improving road infrastructure and electricity supply, describing these as “game changers” that have positively affected ordinary Gambians’ lives.He added that the President's vision is to “transform The Gambia into a city state,” and urged Gambians to “vote for continuity” under President Barrow's leadership.The gathering concluded with Lady Sarjo's speech, in which she described the turnout as a “great honour.” She expressed her gratitude to the organisers for a successful event, which she says has filled her with “happiness and humility.”She attributed her success to President Barrow, whom she praises as “development-oriented, peaceful and tolerant.”“After 9 years in power, you have all seen the development he has brought to this country,” Lady Sarjo stated, before urging her supporters to translate this love into votes for President Barrow.She called on women to lead the political campaign for his re-election, arguing that they stand to “benefit from the numerous development projects” in store.Finally, she pledged to play a more active role in politics, promising to lead her husband's re-election campaign this year.

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OUTGOING UNFPA REP, US EMBASSY DELEGATION MEET VP JALLOW AT STATE HOUSE

The Vice President, His Excellency Mohammed B.S. Jallow, hosted a meeting at State House with the UNFPA Country Representative, Ndéye Rose Sarr, along with a delegation from the U.S. Embassy in Banjul and Catholic Relief Services.As she approaches the conclusion of her four-year term as the UNFPA Country Representative in The Gambia, Ndéye Rose Sarr was the first to arrive at the Vice President's office for what may be her final visit in this capacity.After a closed-door meeting, Sarr explained that her purpose was to bid farewell to Vice President Jallow, as she will soon be departing from The Gambia. “I came to see the Vice President to say goodbye, to discuss programs, and to thank him for his support and leadership,” she stated.The outgoing UNFPA representative reflected on her tenure, acknowledging both the challenges faced and the achievements accomplished. “One of our significant successes was finalising the 2024 Population and Housing Census, which was conducted digitally,” she mentioned. “We also developed a demographic dividend, established a demographic dividend observatory, and worked tirelessly to ensure that women and girls have access to reproductive health and rights,” she added.Following Sarr, a delegation from the U.S. Embassy in Banjul and Catholic Relief Services arrived. Their discussion with Vice President Jallow focused on the school feeding program in The Gambia, which is being implemented by the Gambian government in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Catholic Relief Services.U.S. Charge d'Affaires Eugene S. Young expressed that they had spoken about the success of the program and their collaboration with the Gambian government, as well as future plans for the initiative. He further praised the strong relationship between the U.S. and the Gambian government, stating that they aim to assist the Gambian government in taking full responsibility for the feeding program. “We want to support the Gambian government through CRS to reach a point where this initiative is entirely their responsibility. We are working towards that goal to help the government become self-sustaining,” he emphasised.The U.S. government, through the Department of Agriculture, is investing $28 million in the first phase of a five-year school feeding program, which is expected to continue until 2027.

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VP JALLOW OPENS SCHOOL FEEDING FORUM, HIGHLIGHTS MASSIVE BUDGET INCREASE

The Vice President, His Excellency Mohammed B.S Jallow, has deputised the President, H.E. Adama Barrow, at the stakeholder engagement on the National School Feeding Forum at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre. The forum that aims to allow stakeholders to discuss the gains and challenges made so far in the school feeding initiative was attended by cabinet ministers, development partners, and key stakeholders in the education sector. Themed on Food for Education: Improving child health and educational outcomes, the initiative by the Gambia government through the Basic and Secondary Education ministry and their partners (CRS, USDA & Caritas) seeks to improve literacy rates, health and nutrition outcomes, all geared toward ensuring that children are supported and empowered to thrive in school. Delivering a statement on behalf of President Adama Barrow, Vice President Mohammed B.S Jallow said the government has demonstrated a strong commitment towards the school feeding programme with increased investment. “Public investment in school feeding has increased from GMD 30 million in 2019 to GMD 250 million in 2025/2026—an eightfold increase. This reflects our determination to build a sustainable, nationally owned programme.”“However, to achieve universal coverage by 2030, we must scale up investments and innovate new financing models,” he said.Investing in children who remain the most valuable asset of the nation is considered a move toward setting national development foundations right. Vice President Jallow further highlighted the impacts of the school feeding programme.“The impact of school feeding on education outcomes is both clear and compelling, and between 2021-2025, enrolment has increased by 17.2% and 10.4% for ECD and LBS respectively and total nationwide increase by 14.8%.”“More importantly, retention and completion rates are improving, particularly among vulnerable populations,” VP Jallow said.Dr Habibatou Drammeh, Minister for Basic and Secondary Education, commended the government for supporting the programme she described as a vital link in the education sector. “School feeding can catalyse broader socio-economic development, linking classrooms to farms and education outcomes to livelihoods.”“Equally significant is the strong and growing commitment of the government to financing the school feeding program over the years,” she said. Partners like the US government are key allies of the Gambia government in this initiative, for they provide vital support. Eugene Young,  US Charge d'Affaires in the Gambia, said the US and the Gambia share a mutual interest in the welfare of children. “This kind of partnership, which is practical and results-driven and focused on outcomes is exactly how the United States approaches development cooperation today.” “The United States and The Gambia shared mutual interest in seeing Gambian children well nourished, well educated, and prepared to build the future of this country,” he stated.This transformative programme targeting over 63,000 children across 186 schools will provide daily nutritious school meals, educational materials, and capacity building for teachers and communities. What started around 1970 as a donor support programme is now a fully government-controlled programme.

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PRESIDENT BARROW INAUGURATES LANDS, LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMISSIONS TO TACKLE DISPUTES, BOOST DECENTRALISATION

The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, on Monday presided over the inauguration and swearing-in of members of the newly established Lands Commission and the Local Government Service Commission at a ceremony at State House.  The two Commissions, comprising veteran civil servants,  have the onerous task of strengthening land governance and management in the country as well as resolving disputes related to land. The Lands Commission is headed by Raymond Sock as Chairperson,  Kebba Njie, Babucarr Mbye, Abdoulie Manneh and  Juldeh Ceesay all as members. One after the other, they all took the two oaths of office and secrecy, conducted by the Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, Momodou Dibba.They later signed the oath registry officially confirming their appointments. Four other officials were also sworn in to the newly established Local Government Service Commission. Former Police chief and Interior Minister Yankuba Sonko heads this Commission which also has Abdoulie Sallah, Saffie Lowe and Bahyda Hydara as members.They also took the prescribed oaths of office and secrecy,  before signing the oath book.Speaking on behalf of the two Commissions,  Raymond Sock expressed gratitude to the President for the trust and confidence reposed in them, and pledged to live up to expectations. The President described these vital institutions as “integral components of the governance process”  that will “reinforce and add value to the nation's land and local government structures.”He disclosed that the commission has a wide mandate which includes “modernising land records, resolving disputes,  promoting equitable access to land and aligning land management practices” with broader national development goals.On the creation of the local government service commission,  President Barrow said this Commission will “strengthen democracy and decentralisation” as it will operate at the level closest to the ordinary people.The President congratulated the Commissioners and thanked them for accepting this responsibility. As veteran civil servants who have served the government at the highest levels, President Barrow said the Commissioners have the “experience,  integrity and professionalism to deliver up to expectations.”He reassured that his government will give them all the support and encouragement to succeed,  and urged all stakeholders to work with the two Commissions to ensure “fair, impartial and equitable management of land.”

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