The head of the ECOWAS Election Observer Mission to the recently held National Assembly election Hon. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, praised the conduct of the polls calling them “peaceful and credible.”Dr. Chambas was at the State House to brief His Excellency, President Adama Barrow of his mission’s observation and findings during the elections. Dr. Chambas described The Gambia as a good example to the rest of the sub-region in the conduct of elections, stating; “The Gambia should be proud of itself”, for maintaining a reputation as a peaceful people, a peaceful country who have delivered a peaceful and credible election.
Continue Reading >>H.E President Adama Barrow’s Congratulatory Remarks on the National Assembly Elections Fellow Gambians,After weeks of intense political activities in the country, I am happy to congratulate all Gambians on the successful and peaceful conclusion of the National Assembly elections held on 9th April 2022. Exercising their rights in what was clearly very keenly contested legislative elections, Gambians made their choice of National Assembly representatives from an unprecedented number of candidates from political parties to Independent candidates. On behalf of my government and family, and on my own behalf, I express deep gratitude to all the peace-loving Gambians who contributed to this historic achievement. With warm sentiments, I also congratulate the Independent Electoral Commission, the security services, political parties, Observers, the media and all other stakeholders for the roles they played throughout the electoral process. The election of diverse political party representatives and independent candidates from different backgrounds is an indication of a vibrant democracy. Yet again, Gambians have fulfilled a vital constitutional mandate in an amicable manner, thus demonstrating that our democracy is thriving. It was another test of the credibility and viability of our institutions and the mechanisms and processes we are strongly determined to safeguard and strengthen. To our credit, as Gambians, we have got over the event with remarkable success. Fellow Gambians, during the political campaigns leading to the 2021 Presidential election and the recently concluded National Assembly elections, the citizens of this nation loudly expressed and showed their passion for efficient public services that would improve their lives and livelihoods. They have demonstrated the desire for stability, sustained good governance, and infrastructural development to boost the performance of all sectors. It is clear that our people wish to maintain an environment that is peaceful, stable, and secure enough for all citizens, which is one of the top priorities of my government. These aspirations can be achieved much faster if we work as a united force. In doing so, we need to be service-oriented and committed to the betterment of the people, strive to advance and strengthen our democracy, and observe the principles of peace and justice for all. These are essential elements for good governance and progress, which we cannot ignore. Ladies and gentlemen, based on party affiliation and trust for some independent candidates, Gambians have duly elected their representatives; none-the-less, we expect all the successful candidates to work together as a legislative body to promote and serve the national interest. At this point, I must congratulate all the successful candidates on their victories, and call on the remaining contestants to join forces with us and work in the best interest of the nation. The fact that you were eligible to contest is an achievement in itself. So, bravo to everyone! In a democracy, we must embrace diversity, and it is significant that, as a country, the Legislature works independently; however, it has to be in partnership with the Executive and the Judiciary to ensure that, jointly, we serve and fulfil the development aspirations of our citizens, within a just environment. Ladies and gentlemen, I expect all Gambians and non-Gambians alike to realise that these are challenging times. This is a period when global politics and instability continue to impact negatively on our local context. We must be ready, therefore, to take up the challenge of working harder, re-dedicating ourselves to duty, and committing enough time and resources to serve the nation, both in the public and private sectors. We are blessed with a youthful population and should explore and utilise its potential to the fullest. I will not conclude without emphasising the need for us to continue to nurture our democracy, protect all rights, and respect the freedom of association and speech, as required by law. As mature and cultured people, we must realise that, once elections end, we are duty-bound to unite and serve the country as one people. Whenever we exercise our political rights and compete in national elections, we do so as actors with different viewpoints, and not as enemies. It is now time to put behind us the divisive politics and hate speeches that seem to divide the nation. This is the time to re-energise ourselves for nation building so that every citizen becomes a winner. To reassure everyone, regardless of the results of the elections, the affairs of the entire country and the welfare of every citizen and resident here will remain central in my concerns and focus. Hand in hand, let us all move on.I pray for the continued peace, progress, prosperity, and security of our people. Long live The Gambia! I thank you for your attention.
Continue Reading >>Gambians have voted in a new legislature, thirty-three of them for the first time. NPP won 18 seats, UDP 15, NRP 4, PDOIS 2, and APRC 2. An unprecedented 12 seats are independent candidates. GDC, GMC, CA, and NUP did not win any seats. Out of the 19 women candidates, only three were elected
Continue Reading >>Gambians are voting to elect national assembly members of the 6th legislature five months after the Presidential elections. An unprecedented Two hundred and forty-six candidates are vying for fifty-three seats in the National Assembly. Eighty of them are independent candidates. Polls opened at 8 am and are expected to close at 5 pm. Reports across the country indicate that voting is peaceful but voter turnout is low compared to the presidential elections. President Adama Cast his ballot at the McCarthy Square in the Banjul Central constituency. He called on eligible Gambians to turn up to the polling stations and vote peacefully.
Continue Reading >>The Independent Electoral Commission on Wednesday conducted a briefing for election observer groups accredited to observe the National Assembly elections on Saturday. The briefing held in Bijilo discussed the modalities and preparedness of the election officials to conduct a hitch-free election. In his statement, the Chairman of IEC Alieu Momarr Njai, gave a rundown of the nomination process recording 251 candidates contesting the April 9 polls. Chairman Njie further informed the observers that measures are in place to ensure smooth, free, and credible elections. The Deputy inspector general of police Inspector Momodou Sowe gave an analysis of the current security.
Continue Reading >>The Center for Policy, Research, and Strategic Studies CEPRASS in partnership with the national endowment for democracy on Wednesday convened a day's opinion sharing session. The study on the country’s post-presidential election was shared with journalists, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. The forum was held in Bakau. Speaking at the gathering CEPRASS executive director Lamin Dampha gave a background of the project and said opinion polls are useful in making decisions on critical issues. The president of Gambia Press Union Muhammed MS Bah dilated on the importance of media in the dissemination of results on opinion polls.The polls can be accessed on the CEPRASS website: www.ceprass.gm
Continue Reading >>The IEC Regional Office in Banjul has received nominations bids from seven aspiring candidates for the April 9th National Assembly elections. Three aspirants from PDOIS, three from UDP and one from PPP have successfully submitted nomination papers to the IEC IN Banjul on Thursday. They include Ousman Sillah of PDOIS for Banjul North who is seeking a second term in office. Baboucarr Mboge and Mansour Foon of PDOIS are vying for the parliamentary seats in Banjul Central and South respectively. Muhammed Ndow of the PPP is also contesting for the Banjul Central seat. Thursday's nominations process ended with the United Democratic Party (UDP). The party has chosen Momodou Cherno Jallow for Banjul Central, Momodou Lamin B. Bah for Banjul North and Yaya Kuyateh for Banjul South. Similar engagements are also taking place in all the other administrative regions.
Continue Reading >>The Independent Electoral Commission officials at Brikama have rejected the nomination of Momodou sabally for the Busumbala constituency. This is the first time an aspiring candidate’s nomination is rejected on the spot in the run-up to the 2022 parliamentary elections. The IEC rejected Sabally’s nomination citing section 90 (1) (e) of Gambia’s 1997 Constitution. It states that “A person found guilty of abuse of office, corruption, or any offense connected with public elections by a court or anyone found by a report of a commission of inquiry to be incompetent to hold public office because of having acquired assets unlawfully or defrauded the State would also be disqualified”It could be recalled that the Janneh Commission indicted Mr. Sabally for aiding and abetting the theft of D14, 686,500 in relation to Carnegie Mineral accounts.
Continue Reading >>Five National People's Party and one independent aspiring candidate filed nomination bids on day five of nominations in Kanifing Municipality. NPP's Amadou S. Leigh is vying for the Serrekunda constituency, Assan Dampha for Bakau and a former parliamentarian for LK Sabiji Saikou Marong who is seeking re-election submitted necessary documents to IEC officials in Serrekunda. The fifth day of nominations also saw NPP aspiring candidates Fatoumatta K. Jawara of Talinding, Mustapha Lowe of Serrekunda West constituency, and one independent candidate, Ansu Camara of Serrekunda East had their credentials accepted by the Independent Electoral Commission's returning officers in Serrekunda. Another independent candidate Ibrahim Savage was asked to return on Friday after failing to present some major documents.The documents are pending scrutiny after which IEC's Joseph Colley says the aspirants will be given their acceptance letter by Thursday if all their documents are intact after the verification.Speaking to the press after submitting their credentials, all the candidates say they will win in April parliamentary elections.
Continue Reading >>The Leader of the Gambia Moral Congress (GMC) Mai Ahmed Fatty has presented his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral Commission in Basse Mansajang in URR. Mr. Fatty is contesting for the Wuli West National Assembly seat. He told waiting journalists that he is the choice of the people. Ebrima Conteh of the GMC also presented his documents for Wuli East Constituency. Mr. Conteh said was contesting because the people of his constituency were neglected for so many years. He promised to bring development to his constituency if given the chance. Meanwhile, IEC officials handed over an acceptance receipt to Hon Alhagie H.Sowe of The Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC).
Continue Reading >>Only one aspiring candidate from the lower Saloum Constituency appeared before election officials in the central river region on nomination day one. The All people's Party's Ebou K. Gaye arrived at the regional Independent electoral office to present his credentials for the April 6th National assembly elections. Gaye's nomination papers were quickly accepted, allowing IEC officials to vet his credentials pending a public scrutiny. APRC and ANRD party were also expected to present Nomination bids but the two parties didn't file any candidate in the Central River Region.After presenting his documents, Gaye told waiting journalists that he is the right candidate to represent Lower Saloum Constituency. He claimed to have the will and capacity needed for the job.
Continue Reading >>A team led by the Director General of the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB), Mr Gregoire Ndjaka, is currently in the Gambia as a guest of the Gambia Radio and Television Service (GRTS). The team, which also includes Rokehya Ndiaye, Head of Member Relations, is in the country to discuss preparatory works with government officials and GRTS ahead of the 2026 African Union of Broadcasting General Assembly meeting in Banjul. During the visit, the team held high-level consultative meetings with the Minister of Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services, while also meeting the Director General of GRTS Mr. Abdoulie Sey and the senior management team of the state broadcaster. The delegation’s latest engagements include site visits to the Gambia’s hospitality industry, including the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo, before a formal meeting with members of the GRTS Board of Directors, represented by the Board Vice Chair, Mr Kemo Conteh. The Gambia initially hosted the organisation's General Assembly in 1998 when the body used to be called the Union of African National Television and Radio Organisations (URTNA).This will be the first time the Gambia will host the General Assembly after its renaming to AUB in the 2006 URTNA General Assembly held in Nigeria. This is a remarkable move as GRTS moves to reposition itself as a critical player on the continental broadcasting landscape.
Continue Reading >>The Gambia has secured a notable position on the global climate stage. The Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Hon. Rohey John Manjang, has been assigned by the COP President to serve as Co-Chair of the Global Goal for Adaptation, known as the GGA. With this major recognition of The Gambia’s leadership on climate action, Hon. Rohey John Manjang will now serve alongside Germany’s Environment Minister as Co-Chair of the Global Goal for Adaptation, an important pillar of the international climate negotiations.The appointment places Minister Manjang at the centre of global efforts to strengthen resilience and help countries adapt to the worsening impacts of climate change.Her role requires complete neutrality, bringing together all negotiating groups, listening to their concerns, and guiding discussions toward a balanced agreement acceptable to all parties.This co-chairmanship is seen as both an honour and a responsibility, as countries look to chart a clear path for adaptation ahead of future climate milestones.With this appointment, The Gambia’s voice takes on an even stronger role in shaping global climate policy, highlighting the country’s commitment to a fair and inclusive climate agenda.
Continue Reading >>The 30th United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP30) officially opened in Belém, Brazil, bringing together global leaders, negotiators, and stakeholders to accelerate climate action.Honourable Rohey John Manjang, The Gambia's Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, who is leading The Gambia’s delegation, called for access to climate finance to strengthen the country’s resilience and adaptation to climate change.“The Gambia has developed ambitious climate policies and strategies, but access to adequate and predictable financing remains crucial for achieving our national targets,” she said. This year’s COP focuses on turning commitments into concrete implementation, with priorities including mobilising large-scale climate finance, enhancing global climate governance, accelerating Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and scaling up adaptation efforts in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva the President of Brazil, in his opening address emphasised that, “for this year’s COP to matter, it must be the COP of Truth and Implementation. We are moving in the right direction, but at the wrong speed. We must turn commitments into concrete actions,” he said. The host presidency has set an ambitious goal of mobilising US$1.3 trillion annually by 2035 to support developing countries in meeting their climate goals.For nations like The Gambia, access to climate finance remains a critical enabler of adaptation, supporting initiatives that build climate-resilient agriculture, restore mangrove ecosystems, protect coastlines, and enhance water resource management. However, limited technical capacity, complex access procedures, and data challenges are reportedly hindering progress.Minister Manjang reaffirmed The Gambia’s unwavering commitment to climate action and called on the global community to work collaboratively to ensure that no country is left behind in the fight against climate change.
Continue Reading >>The Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Rohey John Manjang, has reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to working with all Parties “in the spirit of equity, cooperation, accountability and hope for posterity” in the global climate discourse.“As we convene at this critical moment for global climate action, The Gambia stands ready to work with all Parties in the spirit of equity, cooperation, accountability, and hope for posterity.” “Let us be reminded that The Gambia, though among the nations least responsible for global greenhouse gas emissions, remains one of the most vulnerable to the devastating impacts of climate change. Our economy depends heavily on climate-sensitive sectors, such as agriculture and fisheries, and our coastal zone is under increasing threat from sea-level rise and storm surges,” she said. Minister Manjang made these remarks during the High-Level Segment of COP30/CMP20/CMA7, where leaders present national statements and outline their countries’ climate priorities.The Gambia’s Emission Reduction TargetsThe minister highlighted the country’s ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions despite its limited resources.“The Gambia’s second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC2) sets a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 49.7 per cent below business-as-usual levels by 2030, while working toward a vision of net-zero emissions by 2050, costed at 4 billion USD,” she stated.She added that climate considerations have been integrated into the national development plan, alongside strengthened partnerships and the rollout of nature-based solutions and broader resilience-building initiatives. “The country has also developed a Climate Prosperity Investment and Financing Strategy to mobilise resources for transformative climate-resilient growth.”The minister noted that The Gambia is working toward establishing a National Climate Change Act to provide a stronger legal framework for climate action.A Call for Adaptation Finance and Global SupportMinister Manjang emphasised that The Gambia’s climate ambitions depend on access to finance, technology, and capacity support.“Adaptation is no longer optional. It is an urgent necessity for safeguarding lives, livelihoods and ecosystems, especially in the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries,” she said. She urged parties to adopt practical adaptation indicators and operationalise them to track progress toward global climate resilience.This she said will be:• A significant increase in adaptation finance for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), in line with Article 9.4 of the Paris Agreement.• Substantial and timely contributions to the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), commensurate with the scale of losses already experienced.“Without accessible, reliable and predictable climate finance, building resilience will remain a mere aspiration,” she said.Climate Justice and Just TransitionMinister Manjang stressed that LDCs and SIDS must be at the heart of all climate action. She welcomed the recent International Court of Justice advisory opinion affirming that restitution, including ecosystem restoration, is a legal obligation, reinforcing the justice dimension of loss and damage.On Just Transition, she emphasised equity and the special circumstances of LDCs and SIDS, calling for the elevation of the Just Transition Work Programme as a central pillar of the UNFCCC process.“We cannot fail our women, our children, and our youths, who are the most affected and the least responsible for the climate crisis,” she said.Concluding her statement, Minister Manjang reiterated The Gambia’s readiness to work constructively with all parties to deliver a “balanced and implementable” outcome from Belém.“Let us leave Belém with renewed resolve, united in strengthening hope and partnerships, with a clear path toward climate action and resilience for all,” she said.
Continue Reading >>Rohey John Manjang, The Gambia's Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, joined world leaders and ministers at a High-Level Ministerial Event on National Approaches to Protein Diversification and International Collaboration, in her first engagement at COP30 in Belém, BrazilIn her remarks, Minister Manjang highlighted the deep connection between climate change, food security, and public health, emphasising that for The Gambia, protein diversification is not a luxury but a national necessity.“Erratic rainfall patterns and warming seas now directly affect our traditional protein sources from groundnuts to fisheries. For us, protein diversification is not a lifestyle choice. It is a strategic imperative for national survival, public health, and economic development,” she said.She further noted that “food and climate insecurity are two sides of the same coin,” stressing that the climate and food crises are not distant threats but present realities that demand urgent, coordinated, and inclusive responses.Sharing The Gambia’s national approach to protein diversification, Minister Manjang explained that the strategy builds on local strengths and realities rather than external blueprints. It focuses on empowering local food systems such as sourcing school meals from local farmers producing climate-resilient, protein-rich crops while promoting sustainable aquaculture, poultry farming, and climate-resilient fisheries. Minister Manjang stated that, the approach also ensures a just transition for smallholder farmers, pastoralists, and fishers, with strong attention to gender equality and youth inclusion.She also underscored the importance of international collaboration, calling for partnerships that are inclusive, balanced, and responsive to national priorities.“International collaboration is essential, but it must be equitable and pragmatic. We call for partnerships that invest in our priorities and amplify our solutions,” she said.
Continue Reading >>The ECOWAS Commission, in partnership with Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya, organised the West African Islamic Conference on Security and Governance at the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja. This significant conference took place from Tuesday, November 4, to Thursday, November 6, 2025. It brought together representatives from Islamic organisations, government officials, traditional and religious leaders, scholars, policymakers, youth, and regional partners to create actionable strategies aimed at countering terrorism, violent extremism, and governance challenges across West Africa and the Sahel.Focusing on the theme "The Role of Islamic Organisations in Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism in West Africa and the Sahel," the conference underscored the urgent need to strengthen governance, protect vulnerable children in traditional Islamic education systems, and foster collaboration between state and non-state actors in promoting peace, social cohesion, and regional stability.
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