PRESIDENT BARROW DISCUSSES GAMBIA-US TIES, SAHEL SECURITY WITH ENVOYS IN BANJUL

His Excellency President Adama Barrow received two important visitors at the State House in Banjul on Friday. He first met with Eugene Young, the Charge d'Affaires of the United States Embassy in The Gambia, followed by a meeting with H.E. Dr Mamadou Tangara, the African Union Special Representative for Mali and the Sahel.During the meeting with the U.S. Charge d'Affaires, they discussed various bilateral issues between the United States and The Gambia. H.E Adama Barrow President of the Republic of The Gambia Eugene Young, the Charge d'Affaires of the United States Embassy in The Gambia. (PC: State House)In his audience with Dr Tangara, the conversation focused on the ongoing dialogue and consultation between ECOWAS and the Association of Sahel States.After meeting with President Barrow, Charge d'Affaires Young spoke to GRTS, sharing that the discussions covered several topics relevant to President Trump's global priorities, the situation of Gambians living illegally in the United States, and U.S. investments in The Gambia. The dialogue also addressed concerns regarding peace and security, particularly conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Libya.Separately, Dr Mamadou Tangara, the African Union Special Representative for the Sahel, led a delegation to the State House. Dr Tangara, second from left with his development members. (PC: State House)Speaking to GRTS, Dr Tangara said that their meeting is part of an ongoing dialogue and consultation between ECOWAS and the Association of Sahel States aimed at addressing regional challenges. He expressed hope that the discussions would strengthen the foundations laid by previous engagements, foster trust and confidence, and enable the sub-region to effectively tackle its challenges and promote peace and stability.

MANJAGO HEADS MEET PRESIDENT BARROW OVER KOMBO SOUTH LAND ENCROACHMENTS, URGE DIALOGUE AND LEGAL PROTECTION

The President His Excellency Adama Barrow on Wednesday met with the Manjago “Alkalolu” from the Kombo South District of the West Coast Region. The village heads represented the Manjago communities, who have expressed concerns about illegal encroachments on their ancestral land by neighbouring groups, leading to ongoing disputes and threats of violence.After the meeting, David Cardoman Gomez, the Alkalo of Faalah village shared that the Manjago communities are worried about these developments but are committed to addressing the issue through dialogue rather than confrontation, as they are law-abiding citizens. Gomez emphasised that the Manjago people are third-generation Gambians, having inherited their land from their great-grandfathers who arrived in the country long before British colonial rule. He expressed hope that the President and his government would work to resolve the land disputes affecting the Manjago community and return the land to its rightful owners, as outlined in the constitution and land policy.Yusupha Gomez, another community leader, conveyed sincere gratitude to President Barrow for hearing their concerns. He noted that through dialogue with all parties involved, an amicable solution could be reached regarding the land disputes. However, he advised the Manjago community to legally document their land to protect it from encroachments by speculators and neighbouring communities.Mr Gomez described President Barrow as tolerant, accommodating, and open to dialogue, expressing hope that the meeting would lead to a positive outcome, as they had presented a comprehensive report to him.

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GAMBIA’S NEW ENVOY TO SERBIA PRESENTS CREDENTIALS, EYES COOPERATION IN AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION, ICT

The Gambia’s Ambassador to Belgium and the European Union, H.E. Pa Musa Jobarteh, recently presented his Letters of Credence to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, formally accrediting him as The Gambia’s Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia.The ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace in Belgrade.Ambassador Jobarteh conveyed fraternal greetings from President Adama Barrow to the Serbian President, Government, and people. He underscored Banjul’s commitment to deepen bilateral ties with Belgrade.During a tête-à-tête with President Vucic, the two discussed key areas for cooperation where both nations could benefit, including higher education, agriculture, engineering, tourism, and ICT.Ambassador Jobarteh highlighted The Gambia’s interest in agricultural mechanisation and scholarships for Gambians to study at Serbian universities, saying both would “greatly contribute to the socioeconomic development of the country.” The two sides also agreed to explore economic cooperation between the Chambers of Commerce of The Gambia and Serbia.President Vucic welcomed Ambassador Jobarteh to Serbia and congratulated him on his appointment. He noted The Gambia’s developing political and economic progress and reaffirmed Serbia’s commitment to support Banjul in the priority areas raised by the ambassador.Ambassador Jobarteh is The Gambia’s Ambassador to Belgium and the European Union, with concurrent accreditation to Serbia.

VP Jallow Meets Gambians in New York

His Excellency Mohammed BS Jallow, Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia, recently met with members of the Gambian Community in Bronx, New York.The visit underscores the Government of The Gambia's continued commitment to engaging with Gambians living abroad, listening to their concerns, and strengthening the bond between the homeland and the diaspora.

GAMBIANS IN BRAZZAVILLE PACK AIRPORT FOR PRESIDENT BARROW, SEEK HELP ON IMMIGRATION STATUS 

On the sidelines of his visit to the Republic of the Congo, President Adama Barrow met with representatives of the Gambian Association in Brazzaville. The meeting created space for discussions on national issues and the challenges facing the community, where thousands of Gambians have lived for decades.Community head and Consular Saikou Jawara thanked President Barrow for the visit, saying it reinforces the bonds of friendship and brotherhood between Congo and The Gambia. He described Gambians in Brazzaville as peaceful, united, and law-abiding, a reputation he said has earned them respect from local authorities. Jawara noted that residents spent hours at the airport to welcome the President. He appealed for government support to facilitate passports and ID cards to help members regularise their immigration status and access jobs.Demba Cham, an executive member of the association, echoed the request. He praised Barrow for development initiatives back home, saying the community has been following The Gambia’s infrastructure and electricity expansion projects closely. Cham called the projects evidence of the government’s commitment to improving lives and urged the President to help Gambians in Congo obtain national documents.Foreign Affairs Minister Serign Modou Njie commended the community for the welcome given to the President and his delegation. He said Gambians in Congo had shown patriotism and love for the country’s leadership and reassured them that the government would look into their concerns.President Barrow expressed gratitude to the community for turning out in large numbers at the airport. He advised them to remain united, hardworking, and respectful of the host country’s laws. The President said The Gambia has undergone unprecedented transformation, crediting democracy for restoring trust and opening new opportunities with development partners.“As the President, I love The Gambia more than anyone else because The Gambia is my project, and I am happy when Gambians are happy,” Barrow told the gathering. He cited roads built to last a century as part of his legacy. He urged the community to organise and compile a list of eligible citizens so the government can dispatch teams to issue national documents, in line with policy.In the December election, Barrow pledged to hold a “free, fair and peaceful election” and to “respect the outcome of the vote.” He added that The Gambia, under his leadership, has seen remarkable progress in infrastructure and electricity, with more developments planned in the coming years.Closing the meeting, the President declared himself an honorary member of the association and promised to forward his contributions as a gesture of support and goodwill to Gambians in Congo Brazzaville.

AUB MARKS 20 YEARS IN BANJUL, RALLIES GOV’TS TO BACK PUBLIC BROADCASTERS

Delegates gathered at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre for the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB) Assembly's official opening and its 20th Anniversary celebration. The event, led by Gambia's Information Minister Ismaila Ceesay, included representatives from AUB member countries, the European Union of Broadcasting, cabinet ministers, and key media partners.The focus was on overcoming challenges and enhancing public broadcasters in Africa. This is the second such gathering in Banjul, the first being in 1998 when it was known as the URTNA General Assembly. This year's event is themed: "AUB, 20 Years at the Service of African Media.”Speeches during the opening ceremony emphasised the necessity for African media to take the lead in telling African stories, while also addressing financial and infrastructural challenges, press freedom, the transition to the digital landscape, and the need for increased government support for public service broadcasters.Abdoulie Sey, the Director General of The Gambia Radio and Television Services praised the AUB for choosing GRTS to host this significant event, expressing his institution’s commitment to reform and acknowledging the government's support for media growth.Abdoulie Sey, the Director General of The Gambia Radio and Television Services (PC: Information Ministry)Challenges such as limited financial backing, the high cost of sports rights, and digital evolution were also underscored.Cleophas Barore, the president of AUB, urged governments to assist public broadcasters in securing rights for continental and global sports events.Speaking through an interpreter, Louisette Ndedi, the Secretary General of CONFEJES, emphasised the importance of the assembly finding solutions to these challenges.Due to the government's reforms aimed at strengthening democracy in The Gambia, Dr Ismaila Ceesay, The Gambia’s Information Minister, stated on behalf of President H.E. Adama Barrow that the Barrow-led administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to media freedom. “Here in The Gambia, there is no journalist in prison,” he said.Dr Ismaila Ceesay, The Gambia’s Information Minister (PC: Information Ministry)The information minister further commended GRTS for its unwavering efforts in providing accurate information and delivering quality services.As the African Union of Broadcasting celebrates its 20th anniversary, it has reaffirmed its ambition to leverage content exchange as a strategic tool for cooperation and a means of media sovereignty. 

PRESIDENT BARROW JOINS AFRICAN LEADERS AS SASSOU NGUESSO SWORN IN FOR FIFTH TERM

His Excellency President Adama Barrow arrived in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, to attend the swearing-in ceremony of President Denis Sassou Nguesso, who was elected for another five-year term following the elections held last month. The President was among several other African leaders invited to the event at the Kintele Stadium in the capital.He was welcomed at Maya Maya International Airport by Congolese Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makoso, the chiefs of the armed forces, the navy, and the police, as well as Gambia's Honorary Consul General in Brazzaville and his staff. Accompanying the President were Minister of Foreign Affairs Serign Modou Njai and Chief of Staff and Minister of the Presidency Alieu Loum.Outside the presidential lounge at the airport, members of the Gambia Association in Congo greeted President Barrow, having patiently waited all afternoon for his arrival.On Thursday afternoon, tens of thousands of Congolese gathered at the Kintele Stadium in the northern suburbs of Brazzaville to witness the inauguration of longtime President Denis Sassou Nguesso, who was re-elected for a fifth term in office following his overwhelming victory in the March 15 presidential election, where he received over 94% of the vote, extending his 42-year rule.(President-elect Denis Sassou Nguesso)Several African leaders attended the colourful ceremony, and President Adama Barrow received a warm welcome upon his arrival at the stadium.President-elect Denis Sassou Nguesso made a triumphant entrance into Kintele Stadium, accompanied by a heavy military escort. His arrival marked the beginning of the solemn ceremony, which was conducted by President of the Constitutional Council Auguste Iloki, who confirmed Sassou's electoral victory.With his right hand raised, the 82-year-old Denis Sassou Nguesso swore to uphold the constitution, defend the territorial integrity and independence of Congo, and serve the interests of the country.In a speech to the nation, President Sassou Nguesso promised to accelerate progress toward development, focusing on economic diversification, modernisation, agricultural mechanisation, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and skills training for the youth. He also pledged to promote peace and stability in the sub-region and beyond, as well as to advance pan-Africanism and regional integration.The President then took the salute during the traditional parade of the armed forces, which included detachments from the Congolese army, navy, special forces, and police. This marked the conclusion of the ceremony and the beginning of a new chapter for Congo, a nation of six and a half million inhabitants rich in minerals and rainforests.President Sassou Nguesso has been credited with maintaining peace and stability in this small Central African nation, which is surrounded by larger neighbours facing conflicts, instability, and insurgency. The next five years will serve as a test of his leadership, but with 42 years in power, this seasoned leader knows how to keep the country united and navigate the uncertainties and challenges of the sub-region.

OVER 2,000 KMC YOUTHS THANK PRESIDENT BARROW FOR RAMADAN NIGHT FOOTBALL TOURNEY, HAIL PEACE AND UNITY

More than 2,000 young people from the Kanifing Municipality met with President Adama Barrow to thank him for sponsoring the Ramadan Night Football Tournament held last month. The month-long competition brought together 40 teams and was designed to promote peace, sports, and unity among youths in the municipality.The delegation included participating teams, fans, organisers, officials, and youth leaders who mobilised to show appreciation for the President’s support.Abdoulie Juwara, a member of the organising committee, said the tournament was “much more than a football competition.” It gave young people a platform to showcase talent, interact with peers, and foster peace and unity. What began as an idea for 12 teams quickly expanded to 40, which Juwara said reflects the passion of youths to take part in activities that encourage healthy growth and responsible citizenship.Essa Jatta, vice president of Star Boys, champions of the tournament, called it “one of the most important events in the history of his club.” Star Boys took home a trophy and a D85,000 cash prize. Beyond competition, Jatta said the tournament kept youths engaged, focused, and united. He thanked President Barrow for backing what he called a “noble idea” and urged him to continue his patronage to help young people participate in national development.Youth leader Pa Njie, credited with the tournament’s success, said it brought “unprecedented unity” to KMC. He noted the overwhelming participation and peaceful conduct of the youths, stating that “no single incident of violence” was reported throughout the tournament. He linked this to the discipline of participants who upheld high standards of sportsmanship and respect for opponents. Njie added that the event also created off-field opportunities, with vendors benefiting from food and refreshment sales. He thanked the President and pledged to expand future editions to include more teams.Special Adviser to the President Momodou Sabally praised Barrow for empowering youths through sports and called for continued unity and respect for the law. He told the gathering that “the future is bright for Gambian youths.”Higher Education Minister Professor Pierre Gomez commended the youths for returning to thank the President. He said the Barrow administration has invested in sports infrastructure nationwide to empower young people. He encouraged the youths to embrace the President’s development efforts by registering in large numbers for the upcoming election to grant him another five-year mandate.His Excellency Adama Barrow President of the Republic of The Gambia provided a sponsorship package of D500,000 for the tournament. [PC: Saul Touray]President Barrow expressed “profound gratitude” to the young people for their unity during the tournament. He said their maturity and exemplary conduct showed that sports can serve as a powerful vehicle for national development, peace, and unity. The President urged them to maintain discipline and focus, noting that sports promote development, peaceful coexistence, and positive attitudes. The tournament, he added, proved that young people can shape their destiny when empowered. He renewed his commitment to supporting Gambian youths to become responsible and patriotic citizens.The meeting closed with entertainment from fan clubs, which organisers said added energy to the games and helped galvanise young people across the municipality.

PRESIDENT BARROW JOINS INAUGURATION OF DAR AL BER-FUNDED MOSQUE IN OLD YUNDUM, URGES UNITY AND RESPECT FOR LAW

President Adama Barrow recently joined residents of Old Yundum to inaugurate a new mosque financed by the Dar Al Ber Foundation. The ceremony drew religious scholars, senior government officials, and members of the community.The mosque is one of several funded by the foundation to expand prayer spaces for Muslims and support religious education across the country.The official opening began with a sermon from the local imam, who focused on peace, tolerance, and responsible citizenship. He told the congregation that obeying the law and respecting constituted authority is a religious duty necessary to preserve order and stability. He commended the government for creating an environment that allows citizens to live in harmony and called on all Gambians to practice responsible citizenship. The imam then led a two-rakaa congregational prayer to mark the mosque’s formal opening to the public.After the prayer, Alkalo Ousman Bojang thanked President Barrow for honouring the community’s invitation, describing his presence as “a great privilege.” He praised the President’s outreach to communities, saying it strengthens trust and understanding.The Chief Executive Officer of the Dar Al Ber Foundation also expressed gratitude to the President on behalf of the donors. He reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to supporting the government’s development agenda, especially in education. He said the new mosque will serve as a centre for worship and Islamic learning, contributing to the spiritual growth of Yundum.President Barrow called the occasion a homecoming, noting he had lived in Old Yundum for more than a decade. He praised the Dar Al Ber Foundation for its continued support of The Gambia, including other mosques it has built nationwide. The President urged Gambians to unite for development and progress, arguing that politics should be a platform for exchanging diverse views to advance the nation.