The ambassador of Libya H.E Muhammed Naweel Haseeb has presented his letters of credence to The President, H.E Adama Barrow. The new ambassador was received and escorted to the chambers where he formally presented his letters to the President, H.E Adama Barrow. The appointment of Ambassador Naweel Haseeb is expected to further consolidate ties between Libya and the Gambia.
Continue Reading >>The National Audit Office on Thursday launched its COVID-19 Audit Report. The report focused mainly on the procurement and Distribution of Food and Medical items within the Greater Banjul Area and some parts of the West Coast Region. The office of the Auditor General conducted a special audit of the covid-19 funds spent between March and October 2020 on food and medical items procured and distributed within the Greater Banjul Area. The Auditor-General, Karamba Touray said risk assessments were done to enhance accountability in the use of public funds. Deputy Auditor-General 1 Pa Majagne Ndow gave an overview of the report which highlighted documents such as vouchers and delivery notes, delayed, damaged and unaccounted for items, inappropriate procurement, and contracting processes. Deputy Auditor-General 2 Baba S Drammeh stressed the importance of adhering to audit recommendations. The report was submitted to the Ministries of Health and trade, the National Assembly, and the National Disaster Management Agency among other stakeholders, and published on the National Audit Office website.
Continue Reading >>The Vice President, Dr. Isatou Touray on Wednesday received senior officials of the National Disaster Management Agency, Civil Society Organizations, and humanitarian partner organizations at her office in Banjul. The meeting focused on the assessment of the situation in Foni, West Coast Region, following confrontations between Senegalese forces and MFDC separatists in Cassamance earlier this year. The Executive Director of the National Disaster Management Agency Sanna Dahaba said the situation has resulted in the displacement of residents along the southern Senegalese border. In his presentation of the assessment report, the deputy executive director of NDMA Serign Modou Joof explained that the findings focused on accommodation and feeding of victims as well as access to education for affected children among other areas. He said the exercise gathered the necessary data for effective response. The vice president Dr. Isatou Touray underscored the importance of accurate data in planning and response to emergencies. She commended NDMA and partner organizations for the support rendered to internally displaced persons while urging them to support the government’s development agenda.
Continue Reading >>A total of Twenty-seven youth and women agro-entrepreneurs from the Central and Upper River Region are undergoing a four-day general entrepreneurship training in Pakalinding, LRR. The training organized by NEDI in partnership with the Rice Value Chain Transformative Project is meant to enable participants to know how to start, run and manage the service center as a business venture. The forum is funded by the African Development Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture. The Regional Youth Coordinators for LRR Fabakary Sanneh and Musa Jarra of URR both called on youths in their regions to take up the opportunity seriously and make the best use of the knowledge gained. Abdoukabirr Deffeh, Program Manager of NEDI said the provision of the right farming equipment is the only way to inspire young people to fully participate in agricultural production.
Continue Reading >>Action-Aid International - the Gambia recently handed over cheques for D300, 000 to poultry farmers in the central region - south in a bid to enhance the resilience of farmers against climate change. The initiative aims to support vulnerable communities in agriculture. The Manager of LRP 8 & 11 Action-Aid, Fafa Cham, said the eighteen-month project is jointly implemented by farmers' associations targeting fifty beneficiaries in poultry production. This he said will increase the income of farmers and ensure food security. The Governor Central River Region Sheriff Abba Sanyang explained that the initiative will improve local poultry production. He encourages farmers to diversify their agricultural activities in a bid to mitigate the impact of climate change on households.
Continue Reading >>The United Democratic Party (UDP) the largest opposition in the sixth legislature has announced Hon Alagie S. Darboe, as the Minority Leader of the National Assembly. Hon Madi M.K Ceesay, is Deputy Minority Leader, and Hon. Sulayman Saho Chief Whip. The announcement was made on Tuesday, April 19th, 2022. The National People’s Party (NPP) has also announced that Hon Bellay G Tunkara is the new Majority leader of the house and Hon Ablie Ceesay is his deputy. Hon. Omar Darboe, is the Chief Whip.
Continue Reading >>The Gambia police force has expressed concern over the conduct of Officer Yankuba Camara brandishing a firearm and was heard threatening members of the UDP on social media. The police say the officer is battling with a rare mental health condition, and episodes of mental imbalances experienced occasionally. The police said in a statement that it is working with the family for appropriate psychiatric support and treatment recommendations.
Continue Reading >>The Central Bank of The Gambia is in receipt of correspondence from Standard Chartered Bank Gambia Ltd, conveying Standard Chartered Bank Group’s decision to divest their business interest in The Gambia. This is in line with the Group’s new business model and strategic repositioning, which requires divestiture from a number of African countries, including The Gambia and a few countries in the Middle East. The Group is in negotiation with potential investors to buy its shares in Standard Chartered Bank Gambia Ltd. The divestiture will not impact the operations of Standard Chartered Bank Gambia Ltd, as the bank will continue to operate normally. The Central Bank of The Gambia hereby assures its customers and the public that Standard Chartered Bank is a well-managed, highly liquid, and well capitalized bank, which will continue its normal operations in full compliance with the Central Bank of The Gambia’s regulatory requirements. It will be noted that Standard Chartered Bank is one of the largest banks in this country with a long history going back more than a hundred years, during which the bank contributed enormously to the socio-economic development of The Gambia and will continue to do so in years to come. The bank’s customers and the public are hereby urged to be mindful of messages going around in the social media regarding the divestiture process, details of which are hereby clarified, informing customers and the general public that Standard Chartered Bank Gambia Ltd will continue to operate normally. The release ends.
Continue Reading >>The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) in consultation with the West African Examination Council (WAEC) wishes to inform Regional Education Directorates, School Principals, Parents, Students and the Public that the 2022 National Assessment Test (NAT) and the Gambia Basic Education Certificate Examination (GABECE) have been rescheduled to July 2022The reason for this development is to allow students affected by the Cassamance crisis in Foni to settle down and catch up for the lost contact hours. The Ministry will continue its consultations with WAEC to communicate the new dates once they are confirmed. In light of this development, MoBSE would like to solicit the cooperation and understanding of all stakeholders,” MoBSE in a statement today.Many schools near the Gambia-Senegal border in Foni were closed and some of their students were internally displaced because of the clashes between the MFDC and the Senegalese Soldiers recently.
Continue Reading >>Honorable Fabakary Tombong Jatta Has Been Elected As Speaker Of The Sixth Legislature. Mr. Jatta is one of five nominated members by the President. Hon Seedy SK Njie was elected Deputy speaker of the house.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow has nominated Fabakary Tombong Jatta Seedy S.K. Njie, Maimuna Ceesay, Kebba Lang Fofana, and Fatou K. Jawara as members of the National Assembly of the Republic of The Gambia with effect from Tuesday, 12th April 2022. This is in accordance with the power vested in him in the 1997 constitution.
Continue Reading >>Three High court judges Justice Sheriff B. Tabally, Justice Sidi K. Jorbateh and Justice Isatou Janneh Njie, were sworn in today at State House. Also sworn in were Halimatou Dibba as a member of the Human Rights Commission and Mariama Njie as Permanent Secretary, assigned to the Office of the President. They all took the oath of office and secrecy before cabinet ministers.
Continue Reading >>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.
Continue Reading >>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.
Continue Reading >>The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, on the sidelines of his visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, held a meeting with members of the Gambian community at his hotel in Jeddah. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss challenges affecting Gambians living and studying in the Kingdom.Speaking on behalf of Gambian students, Muhammed Salieu Jeng, Chairman of the Students’ Union, welcomed the President and delegation. He disclosed that 500 Gambian students, including 20 women, are currently enrolled in Saudi universities pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in Islamic Studies, Engineering, and Public Administration.Mr Jeng thanked the Gambian Embassy for its support but appealed to the government to increase scholarship opportunities, expand consular services, and support their initiative to build a library in Jambur.President of The Gambian Association in Saudi Arabia, Manjai Ceesay, appealed for government intervention to facilitate access to residence and work permits to enable Gambians to secure jobs and move freely.Representatives of women in the community, Adama Jallow and Fatumata Jatta, highlighted challenges with Iqama and Nusuk permits. Ms Jallow said many Gambians are denied entry into Makkah during Hajj for lack of permits, restricting movement and business activities.Ms Jatta described the concerns as pressing and urged President Barrow to engage Saudi authorities for favourable terms. She, however, noted that Gambians are widely respected in the Kingdom for being law-abiding and peaceful.She added that the community association remains strong and often supports members in difficult situations through contributions.Consul General in Jeddah, Ebou Ndure, acknowledged the challenges but explained that they affect many communities due to evolving Saudi laws.“As diplomats, we are also guided by strict laws which we must abide by,” Mr Ndure said. He noted that Hajj regulations now require specific documents for entry into Makkah, and the Consulate has no authority to circumvent Saudi immigration procedures.Mr Ndure reassured that the government will continue engaging Saudi counterparts to ease the challenges and will provide consular services in emergencies.Ambassador H.E. Mambury Njie said issues around Iqama and Nusuk also affect Embassy staff. He stated that the Embassy is working on a roadmap to streamline scholarship access and is engaging authorities to facilitate biometric passports.In response, President Barrow underscored the importance of dialogue in addressing community concerns. He thanked Gambians for their patriotism and urged them to reach out to the Embassy and Consulate with issues.The President reminded the community that immigration laws evolve and it is important to adjust to ensure a safe and legal stay.“Our government prioritises the welfare of citizens wherever they may live,” President Barrow said. “We will continue to engage our Saudi counterparts at all levels to secure favourable terms for Gambians.”He encouraged Gambians to return home and take advantage of opportunities, citing major investments in education. Over the last 9 years, he said, the government has transformed the University of The Gambia into a modern institution offering programs up to PhD level with 8,000 students. Technical universities have also been established, with 75% of students on scholarship.President Barrow urged the community to remain united, law-abiding, and hardworking, noting that “every Gambian is an ambassador.”He updated them on developments back home and called for peace ahead of the elections. “The Gambia has secured its place as a bastion of peace and democracy in Africa,” he said, adding that such stability has attracted major investors like Aliko Dangote, who has pledged $2 billion in investments.The President concluded by promising to leave a lasting legacy on national development, saying the foundations for sustained socio-economic growth have already been laid.
Continue Reading >>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.
Continue Reading >>Re: The Gambia Government Statement On The Bulock Military Camp Border IncidentBanjul, The Gambia - The Gambia Government expresses its deep concern over the unfortunate incident that occurred on Thursday afternoon, 16th July, 2026, at the Bulock Military Border.Post, West Coast Region, involving members of the Senegalese Armed Forces. The Government confirms that a section of the perimeter fence of a Gambia Armed Forces military installation was demolished without prior consultation through the established bilateral military and diplomatic mechanisms that have long guided cooperation between our two sister countries.While The Gambia considers this action profoundly provocative and totally unacceptable, the Government remains fully committed to resolving the matter peacefully through dialogue and the existing Joint Military Committee and other bilateral channels. A formal diplomatic engagement with the Government of Senegal is already underway.The Government wishes to reassure the Gambian public, members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps and residents of The Gambia, that there is no need for panic as the security situation remains calm and fully under control. Throughout the incident, Personnel of The Gambia Armed Forces acted with exemplary professionalism and restraint, preventing any potential escalation.Significantly, the Governments of The Gambia and Senegal have enjoyed decades of close fraternal cooperation, friendship and shared responsibility for regional peace and stability. Only recently, both Heads of State reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through enhanced cooperation in Defence, Security, Trade, Border Management and Economic Development. It is in that same spirit that this unfortunate incident will be addressed.Accordingly, The Gambia Government calls on the Senegalese Armed Forces to exercise maximum restraint and to ensure that any future concerns relating to the common border are addressed exclusively through the established bilateral mechanisms and in full respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both States.The Government is confident that through mutual respect, constructive dialogue and the longstanding friendship between our two nations, this matter will be resolved swiftly and amicably.The Government further urges all Gambians to remain calm, refrain from speculation, and allow the ongoing diplomatic process to reach a peaceful conclusion.Signed,Ebrima G. Sankareh The Government Spokesperson & Presidential Diaspora Adviser
Continue Reading >>A high-level delegation from the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, led by Assistant Secretary General H.E. Ambassador Tarig Ali Bakhit Saleh, on Wednesday held talks with President His Excellency Adama Barrow in Jeddah.The meeting focused on key issues affecting the Islamic Ummah and the role of the OIC under President Barrow’s chairmanship.Ambassador Saleh commended The Gambia for its principled stance in defending the rights of the Rohingya people at the International Court of Justice. As current Chairman of the OIC, President Barrow was also briefed on the organisation’s activities and strategic plans for the future.Speaking to GRTS after the closed-door meeting, Ambassador Saleh described the engagement as "very productive."“The Gambia plays and continues to play a very important role in joint Islamic action and solidarity, and this has been appreciated by the membership of the OIC and the General Secretariat,” he said.He described The Gambia as a very important member of the OIC, noting that since hosting the OIC Summit in 2024, the country has undertaken several initiatives to support the organisation’s work.The discussions also centred on the Rohingya issue, where The Gambia is leading the case at the ICJ.“We had a very intensive discussion on this issue and hopefully will continue the discussion with The Gambia on the way forward and how to proceed on this important cause of the Rohingya people,” Ambassador Saleh said.The delegation and President Barrow also addressed the ongoing war in the Middle East and its potential to destabilise the region. Ambassador Saleh disclosed that the OIC plans to convene a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers to discuss the situation, with The Gambia expected to play a key role.He concluded by thanking President Barrow for his leadership and continued support to the Organisation.
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