The Ministry of Justice in collaboration with Civil
Society Organisations on Tuesday, 5th April 2022 launched the MoJ-CSO Platform
on TRRC Recommendations. The launch was at a coordination workshop for
Government and Civil Society Organization representatives on implementing the
TRRC recommendations at a ceremony held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara
International Conference Center in Bijilo.
The Minister of Justice, Dawda A. Jallow said, the
purpose of the workshop was to promote and prepare for a coordinated and
holistic approach to truth, justice, and social cohesion goals that can give
effect to the TRRC recommendations and ultimately produce a coordination
framework for the government’s white paper.
The Justice Minister informed the participants that
the forum will be a standing body, which will consult, exchange ideas and
manage the coordination of post-TRRC implementation with CSOs.
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President H.E. Adama Barrow renewed his government's commitment to infrastructural development as he embarked on a road inspection tour in Nuimi and Kiang. The president visited ongoing works on the 85 km Hakalang loop and the 90km Kiang Road projects which are expected to be inaugurated in June. These projects were funded exclusively from the domestic budgetThe Gambian leader made a stop to inspect one of the first infrastructural projects executed by his government at Hakalang. The 85km road runs through more than a dozen villages in that part of Nuimi and was exclusively funded by the government in fulfilment of a promise made to the people.The President, accompanied by the Minister of Works, Construction and Infrastructure Ebrima Sillah, Regional Government and Lands Minister Hamat NK BAH and Information Minister Dr Ismaila Ceesay, drove through to see the condition of the road, met contractors and the local community.At Juffureh, the President received a rousing welcome from excited residents who described these developments as a ‘dream come true.’At Juffureh, a cheerful crowd showed appreciation for the President's infrastructural developments. (Picture: State House)For the President, this project fulfils a promise he made to the people of Nuimi in 2016 during the Presidential election campaign when he was moved by the suffering and utter desperation he witnessed. With this new road, the President argues people can now move with much ease.Similar progress has also been made in Salikennni where contractors are busy at work. The President made a brief stop to engage contractors and National Roads Authority officials overseeing construction works.Satisfied with the pace and quality, President Barrow visited the newly constructed classroom block at Dobo built by the MRC Holland Foundation. He expressed gratitude to the foundation for supporting his government in fulfilling its electoral promises to the people.The President and his entourage then drove to Kiang West in the Lower River Region to inspect another important road project that has transformed the infrastructural landscape of the area. The 90km road project is largely complete, benefiting the 33 settlements of Kiang West. Its construction is seen as a major milestone for a region that has not benefited from any major road project in the last 60 years.‘Before the coming of the Barrow-led administration in 2017, The Gambia had 800 kilometres of tarred road. Between 2017 and 2025, the Barrow-led administration has built over 1000 kilometres of road.’ (Picture: State House)The President was very upbeat about these accomplishments, which he described as ‘groundbreaking,’ reassuring that his government will continue to prioritise infrastructural development.These were sentiments shared by the Information Minister Dr Ismaila Ceesay who disclosed that President Barrow's achievements beat the combined records of his two predecessors.The President is now looking forward to the inauguration of the projects in June when works will have been completed and handed over to the government.
The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, has received in audience the National Muslim Elders Advisory Council at the State House. The council comprises prominent Islamic religious leaders, Imams and Elders drawn from across the country who share a common vision of supporting the President's development agenda, fostering peace and tolerance, and supporting the needy in society.The National Muslim Elders Advisory Council was established in September 2023 and brings together prominent Islamic scholars and Imams from across the country to advise the President on socio-religious issues, promote his development agenda and foster dialogue with various Islamic scholars and Madarasas.It's headed by Imam Muhammad Lamin Touray, a prominent Islamic scholar and elder widely respected in the country. The council held its maiden meeting at the State House, attended by President H.E. Adama Barrow and his personal Aide, Lamin Cham.Speaking at the inaugural meeting, members of the Council took turns to express gratitude to the President for agreeing to host them and support their activities. Imam Mamadi Kanteh, a member of the 18-member Executive Council, described the meeting as timely as it provides a platform for frank discussions on the role of religious leaders in promoting peace and stability in The Gambia.Imam Abdoulie Bah and Imam Modou Lamin Drammeh both described the formation of the Council as very timely, given that religious leaders play an important role in society, providing guidance and counsel. They thanked the President for his commitment to the Islamic religion and support for Muslims, adding that the council will complement the efforts of the President and his government Imam Alhaiba Hydara and Imam Doumbuya commended the President for his commitment to peace and tolerance, urging all religious leaders across the country to support the President's development agenda The President of the Council, Imam Muhamad Lamin Touray, said the council has 18 National Executive Members and 85 regional executive members spread across the country comprising imams from different mosques, Madarasas and Daaras who have one sole objective of supporting and complementing the President's development agenda. He added that the National Muslim Elders Advisory Council is open to all religious leaders in The Gambia and is ready to work with all stakeholders to promote peace and foster dialogue and tolerance amongst the diverse religious community.Given his vast experience as a former President of the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council, Imam Touray described the National Muslim Elders Advisory Council as a complimentary organisation that will work with all groups to entrench peace and stability whilst also promoting the President's development agenda. Most importantly, Imam Touray disclosed that the council will advise the government on religious matters, mediate and resolve conflicts, and maintain dialogue amongst all religious leaders to maintain an atmosphere of peace and stability in the country He finally thanked the President for supporting the Council and also for agreeing to provide them with an office at the State House. The Personal Aide to the President, Lamin Cham thanked the Elders for coming up with this initiative, which he believes is timely as it will provide a bridge between the government and the religious leaders. Mr Cham commended the President for his devotion to religion, arguing that all his actions are guided by religious values. He, however, called on religious leaders to use their influence to instil values in the younger generation to be more responsible and patriotic. He lamented the lack of societal values amongst young people, attributing it to a lack of “home training”, and therefore called on imams to play a more enhanced role in shaping responsible citizenship within society.President Adama Barrow commended the newly established Council and its general membership for taking up such a noble responsibility. “As religious leaders, you represent Islam and its values. As such, I am ready to work with you to promote development, peace, and stability in the country”, the President said. He described peace as indispensable in the national development process and urged religious leaders and elders to champion peaceful coexistence and tolerance by using their platforms to preach and advocate for peace. “As president, I bear the greatest responsibility to keep and maintain peace, and I welcome anyone ready to work with me to achieve this objective,” the Gambian leader told the Imams. President Barrow also agreed to be the patron of the Council and pledged to support its activities by providing them with a car and fuel to enhance their work.This support by the religious leaders, President Barrow concluded, serves to reassure him and boost his confidence that Gambians firmly support his development agenda and are ready to complement his efforts for the good of the country.
Senegal celebrated its 65th Independence Anniversary with a massive military parade and a cultural display at the palais d'independence in the capital Dakar, attended by President Adama Barrow of The Gambia, the leaders of Mauritania and Guinea Bissau and Nigerian Vice President. The event brought together Senegalese from all walks of life to celebrate and reflect on a day of nationhood when the country attained Independence from French colonial rule. The Senegalese people gathered at the Palais d'independence in Central Dakar to celebrate 65 years of nationhood. H.E. President Basirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye presided over the celebrations for the first time since assuming office last year.At the palais d'independence, which he renamed Mamadou Dia Boulevard, thousands of his fellow countrymen and women gathered to not only celebrate but also renew their commitment, loyalty, and dedication to the country.The Gambia and Senegal had a long standing relationship, and the two leaders always renewed their commitment to strengthen the tie. (Picture - State House) School children from all the regions of the country took part in the parade, marching past the president and invited dignitaries, whilst military bands played martial music. The cultural groups followed, depicting the traditions and cultures of all the diverse ethnic groups of Senegal. Dressed in traditional costumes, they also showcased Senegal's rich cultural identity, which serves to strengthen unity and peace across the country. The theme of this year's independence is; "Towards technological and industrial sovereignty of the Armed Forces", which emphasizes empowering the defence and security forces to have the necessary resources to defend the country from threats. Various formations of the security forces comprising the National Gendarmerie, the National Police, the Fire Services and other branches of the army, the Airforce, Navy and Special Forces, took part in the parade, each marching past the President and Commander in Chief.The Gambia's national colours were on display during the ceremony. (Picture - State House)There was also a full display of military hardware ranging from military vehicles, troop carriers, armoured personnel carriers, towed artillery and rocket launchers, which slowly rolled through the Boulevard, showcasing Senegal's inventory of modern armaments, perhaps a message of reassurance and deterrence that the country has sufficient strength in arms to defend itself.After the heavy equipment had rolled through the Boulevard, other formations then followed on foot, completing what had indeed been a colourful parade and display of arms.‘Faye was elected president of Senegal on 24 March 2024. He received over 54% of the vote, making him the first opposition candidate to have won an election in the first round since Senegal's independence in 1960.’ (Picture - State House)The President and Commander in Chief, H.E. Basirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, commended the Armed and Security Services for what he called an “excellent performance.” He reassured that his government will continue to fund the Armed Forces to enable them to acquire the latest hardware and technology to adequately perform their functions, adding that the threat posed by groups within the Sahel area requires “collective and sustained efforts.”He also paid homage to the founding fathers of the country, singling out Mamadou Dia as a towering figure who led the fight for independence. The President finally called on his fellow citizens to unite and work together to develop Senegal, adding his government seeks to mobilise the nation and its people to attain sustainable socio-economic development.
In alignment with the National Development Agenda, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of The Gambia and Commander-in-Chief of the Gambia Armed Forces, has formally presented five buses and five tractors to the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) at the State House. The initiative aims to enhance GAF’s transportation and logistics capabilities, thereby ensuring the timely mobilization of security personnel and empowering them in their agricultural efforts to promote food security and self-sufficiency.In his address, President Barrow reaffirmed the government's dedication to strengthening the human resources within the security sector, which is a pivotal component of the National Development Plan (NDP) and the YIRIWA initiative. He emphasized the commitment to creating a supportive and conducive work environment and highlighted the ongoing transformation of the security sector by democratic principles as the nation pursues peace, security, stability, and various development objectives.The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Mamat O.A. Cham, expressed his sincere gratitude to the President for this significant move, which is anticipated to enhance punctuality and uplift the morale of personnel. He further noted that these new vehicles and equipment will improve productivity and efficiency in agricultural production.CDS Cham also acknowledged President Barrow's constant support for the security sector, reiterating GAF's commitment to not only fulfilling the food and nutritional needs of its personnel and their families but also contributing to the country's overall agricultural requirements as operational capacity expands.
The Director General of Gambia Radio and Television Services has received a delegation that comprised the Muslim elders of Banjul. The venerable religious elders led by the Imam Ratib, Alhagie Cherno Alieu Mass Kah, were on a mission to extend gratitude to the management of GRTS for the comprehensive coverage of activities during the holy month of Ramadan.For the first time in many years, Imam Cherno Alieu Mass Kah, the Imam Ratib of Banjul, visited the Gambia Radio And Television Services. It comes and the end of the holy month of Ramadan. This move by the iconic Islamic figure is to return gratitude to GRTS for the extensive TV and Radio coverage of the fasting sermons across the country, more so in Banjul.Accompanied by a high delegation of Banjul Muslim Elders, Imam Ratib's visit aims to cement the already existing ties between the Muslim community and the National Television to foster stronger collaboration as they acknowledge the tremendous work that GRTS has rendered and continue to give to the public.Iman Ratib used the occasion to also thank GRTS for its participation in various events that the Banjul Muslim Committee holds in the month of Ramadan, as most of them were services to humanity.“You’ve done justice to the relationship between Banjul Muslim Elders and your institution. At the King Fahad Mosque, your work never went unnoticed. Being it’s the Jummahs or the Gamos, you do what is expected of you, and we are grateful. That’s why we decided to pay this courtesy call to appreciate, pray and thank you all just to reciprocate the kindness,” the Islamic cleric said. Amie Njie, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Information said such a visit is important, reassuring the committee of GRTS’s continuous commitment to rendering public services.“The fact that you came all the way here just to acknowledge our efforts shows that GRTS is doing an amazing job. On behalf of the minister and the management of GRTS, we are saying thank you to Imam Ratib of Banjul for gracing us with your presence,” She said.Abdoulie Sey, the Director General of GRTS also commended the Imam and delegation, reaffirming GRTS’s commitment to serving the Gambian population. “He could have stayed at home or sent a delegation. But he decided to come here himself. This has never happened before, so it shows that Imam Ratib and his team and the people of this country appreciate what we are doing. It's a reminder at the same time an encouragement to us, for us to step up and double our efforts in the service of this country.”Wrapping up activities at the Television grounds on MDI road, the Imam Ratib of Banjul utilised the moment to extend prayers amid high hopes that GRTS continues to create more platforms for the preaching of peace through Islamic programmes.
The Gambia's president, Adama Barrow, accompanied by a high-powered delegation, has arrived in the Senegalese capital, Dakar, to attend the 65th Independence Anniversary of the country. President Barrow will join several other sub-regional leaders for the historic event tomorrow, 4th April 2025, at the Independence Palace in Central Dakar. The Gambian leader was received by the Senegalese President, H.E. Basirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, at the Leopold Sedat Senghore Military Airport.The Gambia's High Commissioner, H.E. Hadrameh Sidibeh, and the Senegalese Services chiefs, as well as other staff of the Gambia's High Commission in Senegal, including the Deputy Head of Mission, Counsellor and the military attache, lined up to also welcome the President on arrival. President Barrow was then seen off by his host, President Faye, as he drove to the King Fahd Hotel, where he would stay whilst in Senegal.
The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, has called on religious leaders and the media to preach peace and tolerance to promote national development and foster understanding amongst the country's diverse communities. The Gambian leader accused some media houses of downplaying his development accomplishments, instead concentrating on perceived shortcomings, describing this as hypocrisy and double standards.The President reaffirmed his commitment to prioritise infrastructural development to improve the lives of the people. This gathering dates back to the colonial period when the Elders of Banjul called on the British colonial Governor to renew their allegiance to the Crown and curry favours from the authorities.It has since evolved to become a major platform for dialogue between the community and the President where issues of national importance are discussed. It availed political and religious leaders, as well as members of the community, to dilate on key national issues. One after the other, different speakers took to the podium to speak on issues of national and religious interest. Then, the deputy chairman of the committee of Banjul Muslim Elders, Alhaji Momodou Senghore, acknowledged the positive development strides undertaken by the President and his government in the areas of road infrastructure and social services like electricity and health care. These improvements, Mr. Senghore noted, have positively impacted the lives of ordinary people and made life much easier for Gambians. He, however, called on the authorities to remove all derelict vehicles and illegal structures in public spaces as they hinder the free movement of people and traffic. The President of the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council Alhaji Essa Darboe, thanked the President and his government for his staunch support to the council and Islam. As the main umbrella body representing Muslims in the Gambia. Imam Darboe extended appreciation to the various philanthropic organisations for their support to the needy during the Ramadan period. He unveiled plans to set up an endowment fund to support imams and vulnerable communities across the country, and called on the government and volunteers to help make it a reality.Speaking on behalf of the other communities of Banjul, Alhaji Sillah acknowledged with appreciation the infrastructural transformation ongoing across the country and commended President Barrow for prioritising the welfare of the people.The Amir of the Lebanese Community in The Gambia described Gambians as tolerant and peace-loving people who are welcoming to strangers. “I have lived here for 21 years and have never been harassed or discriminated against”, the Amir said. He called on his fellow Muslims to love each other and foster good relations with family members, neighbours and society. Sheriff Nano Hydara, who also spoke on behalf of the Sheriff Community said as descendants of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), their community will continue to support Muslims to give back to society and provide spiritual guidance. He called on the government, religious leaders and wider society to instil values in the younger generation and promote environmental sanitation.Responding to some of the concerns of the elders, the Minister of Regional Government, Lands and Religious Affairs, Hamat NK Bah, paid gratitude to the President for his commitment to The Gambia's infrastructural development. As a casual observer, Minister Bah said he was wowed by the sheer number of road projects going on across the country. To the religious community, particularly the imams, Hamat Bah urged them to utilise their platforms to preach peace and stability instead of inciting disaffection against the government and the leadership or spreading political propaganda in the name of religion. He disclosed that the government had identified land for burial purposes for the community of Banjul but gave them a choice to either relocate to a new cemetery or rebury corpses at the Jeshwang cemetery every 40 days in the same grave as purportedly practised in Saudi Arabia. He, however, reassured that the government is building a new mortuary at the Farato hospital, which will have enough capacity to accommodate enough bodies when completed.On the issue of the hajj, the religious affairs minister said the government has adopted an innovative and cost-effective strategy to accommodate all Gambian pilgrims in one hotel to ease transport and logistics, describing this as a novelty that is unprecedented in the history of hajj. He attributed all these developments to the visionary leadership of President Barrow, who tasked all stakeholders to work together to make life easy for Gambian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.For his part, President Barrow thanked the Banjul Elders for continuing this tradition describing it as a great platform to foster dialogue. He called on Gambians to entrench peace as it remains the cornerstone of national development. The President added that religious leaders have the greatest responsibility to preach peace to their congregations, advising them to refrain from using their religious platforms to attack the government and undermine its integrity.“Some imams, out of ignorance, have taken on the role of government critics,” President Barrow said. He advised them to always knock on his good offices to seek clarification on issues before rushing to condemn the government. To civil servants, President Barrow called for sincerity and patriotism in the conduct of their duties, arguing that civil servants should always remember that they working for the people and not the President.The President also noted the significant infrastructural developments undertaken by his government across the country, saying he has defied the odds to achieve unprecedented milestones that will be remembered for a century. “I will not relent on these infrastructural developments; they will remain high on my priority list as a President. Even if people do not talk about these successes, I will continue to talk about them as these projects have greatly improved the lives of the people.”The President finally commended the police for the swift response in apprehending criminals who rob businesses across the country, warning that the security agencies will clamp down on criminal activities anywhere they occur. He also thanked the business Community for stabilising the prices of basic communities during Ramadan and disclosed that the government has instituted a salary for the leaders of the Muslim and Christian communities as a gesture of goodwill and reward them for their services to the people and the nation.
The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council has officially announced that the crescent moon, marking the end of Ramadan, has been sighted in two locations: Jarra Pakalba in the Lower River Region and Gunjur in the Kombo South area of the West Coast Region. This sighting confirms the conclusion of the holy month of fasting observed by Muslims worldwide.In addition to local sightings, the Council has verified reports of crescent sightings from several neighbouring countries, including Guinea Bissau, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Chad, and Ivory Coast, as well as from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These confirmations further solidify the declaration regarding the end of Ramadan.As a result, Eid-Ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Sunday, March 30, 2025, in The Gambia. Muslims across the nation and around the globe will be engaged in prayers, community gatherings, and acts of charity during this festive period.In light of this joyous occasion, we would like to extend our heartfelt wishes to Muslims everywhere. Eid Mubarak in advance! May this Eid bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to all.
The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) has taken another significant step in its quest to enhance security and discipline within its ranks. 42 personnel drawn from various units of the Armed Forces who underwent military police cadre training recently passed out in a groundbreaking ceremony.The rigorous training held at the Gambia Armed Forces Training School commenced barely five weeks ago, and it forms part of efforts to build a critical mass of trained military police officers to ensure discipline within the force.The military police are said to be the backbone of discipline in the army, and their duties include controlling traffic near and within theatres and conducting investigations that have to do with military personnel, among others.Participants complementing their seniors during the graduation ceremony. (Picture GAF)The trained participants have been lauded by senior officers for demonstrating exceptional skill and professionalism throughout the training. Captain Abdoulie Secka, Commandant, Gambia Armed Forces Training School, emphasized the importance of building the capacity of military police personnel and the periodic enhancement of their skills to ensure effectiveness.He said the army ‘requires a well-trained workforce for the protection of life and property on military installations, maintenance of discipline, enforcement of military laws and regulations, and crime prevention in and outside the barracks.’Major General Ousman Gomez, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, outlined the importance of upholding high moral standards, resilience, and excellence. ‘The battle space is ever-changing. As a result, one should remain adaptable and proactive in the face of the emerging trend,’ he said.All the 42 participants were certified after completing the training. (Picture GAF)Lance Corporal Momodou Jallow, who spoke on behalf of his fellow trainees, stressed the importance of the training. He said its long-term benefits extend beyond military life, saying he can use the ‘techniques given to them even life after military’ as he commended the army's top command for the training. During the training, Momodou Jallow topped the class, followed by Samba Ceesay and Sanusi Ceesay. All three were honoured with awards.
A special envoy of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Thursday delivered a message to His Excellency Adama Barrow at the State House. H.E. Jakaya Kikwete, former President of Tanzania, delivered the message of friendship and goodwill from President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania to The Gambian leader. Speaking to GRTS after delivering his message to The Gambian leader. Mr Kikwete said Samia Suluhu Hassan greatly appreciates the historic fraternal relations between Tanzania and The Gambia, which span many decades.Jakaya Kikwete was the fourth President of Tanzania, he served from 2005 to 2015. Before his election as President, he was the country's Foreign Affairs Minister. Kikwete further said he discussed cooperation between the two countries, saying there is full commitment from their end to support the Gambia in any possible way, as they also seek support from the Gambia’s government under the leadership of President Barrow for the continued collaboration. The former Tanzanian President also commended President Barrow's development track record and commitment to democracy, reassuring that Tanzania sees The Gambia as a true friend and partner.
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