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 >>On the sidelines of his visit to the Republic of Gabon, President Adama Barrow on Monday toured landmark projects in the capital, Libreville, and met with members of the Gambian community.The President, accompanied by First Lady Fatou Bah Barrow, began with a visit to a major hotel constructed by a Turkish conglomerate that has helped transform Gabon’s hospitality industry.The Chief Executive Officer conducted President Barrow and the First Lady on a guided tour of the hotel located on the shores of the coastal city.President Barrow was then driven to the site of one of Gabon and Central Africa’s most ambitious projects — a twisting tower that, when completed, will be the tallest building in the sub-region.Gabonese and Turkish contractors briefed the President on the progress of the tower and related infrastructure. The project is expected to be ready for inauguration next year and will permanently transform the skyline of the Central African nation. The gesture mirrored the tour accorded to President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema during his recent visit to The Gambia.Following the site visit, President Barrow and the First Lady proceeded to the Radisson Blu Hotel for a meeting with Gambians living in Gabon.Consul General Saikou Dukureh welcomed the President and thanked him for the engagement. He described Gambians in Gabon as hardworking, united, and law-abiding, and commended the government for supporting their welfare.Jakarta Dampha, a community representative, said there has been marked improvement in the well-being of Gambians in Gabon since President Barrow took office. He noted that the President’s leadership has ensured that Gambians in the diaspora are not discriminated against and that their concerns are addressed promptly.Hawa Dukureh, speaking on behalf of the youth, commended the President for dispatching a team of immigration officials to issue national documents. She said nearly 200 people were processed, but appealed for support to ensure the passports are delivered.In his remarks, President Barrow expressed gratitude for the warm reception at the airport, which he said even impressed his host, President Oligui Nguema.He said dialogue is key to national unity and described it as a great honour to serve as Chief Guest of Honour at Gabon’s Independence Anniversary.On diaspora support, the President reaffirmed his government’s commitment to assisting Gambians abroad. He said the decision to send immigration officials to Gabon was to ensure citizens have access to documents. He pledged to prioritise the delivery of all processed passports upon his return to Banjul.The President also updated the community on developments at home. He said the government has laid the foundation stone for 1,500 km of roads across the country and highlighted progress in electricity, health, transport, and education.With the December presidential election approaching, President Barrow encouraged those with voter cards to exercise their right, and urged those without to encourage family and friends to vote for continuity.He concluded by urging the community to maintain unity, peace, and respect for lawful authority. He also advised Gambians seeking repatriation to apply through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a smooth process.
Continue Reading >>The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, joined the people of Gabon on Monday to celebrate the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary with a grand military parade in the capital, Libreville.The national day celebrations were held at the Palais de l’Indépendance in central Libreville. President Barrow, accompanied by First Lady Fatou Bah Barrow, served as Chief Guest of Honour.The ceremony was attended by several African leaders, including Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Carlos Vila Nova, President of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, and General Horta Nta, Interim President of Guinea-Bissau.Gabonese President Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, presided over the official celebrations.Ahead of the parade, President Oligui Nguema inaugurated La Concorde, a memorial dedicated to Georges Damas Aleka, composer of Gabon’s national anthem. A representative of Aleka’s family received a posthumous award in honour of his contribution as one of the architects of modern Gabon.The main highlight was a parade by the armed and security services. Detachments from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Special Operations Forces, and Commandos marched past the Commander-in-Chief.Units of the Police also participated, including General Services, the Special Intervention Group, Riot Control, and the K-9 Unit. The Fire Service, Ambulance Service, and Medical Corps also took part.The second phase featured a display of military hardware. Dozens of armoured personnel carriers, rocket launchers, artillery, and anti-aircraft guns rolled through the boulevard, while military aircraft and helicopters conducted a flypast overhead.Service vehicles operated by the Armed Forces, Police, Paramilitary, and Engineering Corps were also displayed, marking the end of the parade.Following the ceremony, President Barrow and First Lady Fatou Bah Barrow were driven to the Presidential Palace for a reception hosted by President Oligui Nguema and First Lady Zita Oligui Nguema.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow continues his week-long development tour with the inauguration of key infrastructure and health projects in CRR North.The President also presented an ambulance to the community of Ballanghar Jaloto.President Barrow was seen off at Farafenni by a ceremonial guard from the 2nd Infantry Battalion of The Gambia Armed Forces before proceeding to Yalal Tankonjala.In Yalal, he laid the foundation stone for a new road connecting Yalal to inland communities. The road is expected to improve access and connectivity for residents.From Yalal, the President inspected the ongoing construction of an agro-logistics centre at Maka Farafenni on the main highway. The centre is jointly funded by the Government of The Gambia and the World Bank.When completed, the facility will include training, logistics, and food processing units, in line with the Ministry of Agriculture’s long-term plan for sustainable agricultural development.The President then returned to Farafenni to lay the foundation stone for the Farafenni Roads Project. The initiative aims to transform Farafenni into a major sub-regional trade and transit hub due to its strategic location on the Senegambia trade and transport corridor.The event was met with celebrations by residents.The President continued north to Ballanghar, where he was welcomed by large crowds. At the local health post, he presented an ambulance to the community.Residents celebrated the handover, describing it as a major step forward in healthcare delivery for the area.In Upper Saloum, President Barrow inaugurated the Njau, Bati-Gui Jahanka loop road. The road completes the North Bank road project, which runs from Kerr Gibbi in Upper Saloum to Nyanga Bantang in Niani District via Nianija.In Nianija, the President also inaugurated a new health post in Buduk — the first of its kind in the community.Minister of Health Dr Ahmadou Lamin Samateh described the facility as “another significant milestone”, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services.President Barrow said the opening aligns with his administration’s broader goal of ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Gambians.For residents of Buduk and surrounding villages, the new health post will provide primary care for women and children and reduce pressure on the nearest health centre in Chamen.
Continue Reading >>Dr Fatou Bensouda, High Commissioner of The Gambia to the United Kingdom, has received the prestigious Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture Award for her outstanding contribution to the promotion of the rule of law, justice, and human rights globally.Dr Bensouda delivered the 19th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture in 2021. In recognition of that address and her longstanding commitment to justice and accountability, the Nelson Mandela Foundation honoured her with a commemorative award bust.During Dr Bensouda’s visit to South Africa in November 2025, the Foundation proposed to present the award in person. Due to time constraints, it was received on her behalf by Her Excellency Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay, High Commissioner of The Gambia to South Africa, in Pretoria.Madam Jahumpa Ceesay later brought the award to London, where she formally presented it to Dr Bensouda in a brief ceremony at the Gambian High Commission.The recognition places Dr Bensouda among a distinguished group of global leaders associated with the Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture. Past lecturers and honourees include former U.S. President Barack Obama, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former South African President Thabo Mbeki, Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai, and philanthropist Bill Gates.The Annual Lecture is one of the Foundation’s flagship programmes and celebrates individuals who advance the values of human dignity, justice, and equality championed by Nelson Mandela.The award is a fitting acknowledgement of Dr Bensouda’s distinguished career in international law. As former Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, she played a key role in advancing accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity.The High Commission said the honour reflects not only Dr Bensouda’s personal legacy, but also The Gambia’s continued commitment to justice, the rule of law, and human rights on the global stage.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow, accompanied by First Lady Fatou Bah Barrow, arrived in Libreville on Sunday to attend Gabon’s 66th Independence Anniversary celebrations.President Barrow is among five African leaders invited to the ceremony scheduled for Monday at the Palais de l’Indépendance.The Gambian delegation landed at Léon Mba International Airport in the afternoon, where they were received by Gabonese President Gen. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and First Lady Zita Nguema.The two heads of state took national salutes before President Barrow reviewed a guard of honour mounted by a detachment of the Gabonese Armed Forces.Outside the VIP lounge, members of the Gambian community in Gabon gathered to welcome the President, waving flags and chanting slogans.From the airport, President Barrow and the First Lady visited the mausoleum of Gabon’s first President and founder of modern Gabon, Léon Mba, in central Libreville.They laid a wreath at the tomb and offered prayers. President Mba led Gabon from independence in 1960 until his death in 1967, and remains a revered figure in the country.The mausoleum also houses a museum displaying the late President’s personal effects and official documents from his tenure.After touring the museum and signing the visitor’s book, the President and First Lady proceeded to the Presidential Palace.At the Palace, President Barrow held a brief closed-door meeting with President Oligui Nguema. Also in attendance were the Transitional President of Guinea-Bissau, Gen. Horta Nta, and President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo of the Democratic Republic of Congo.Later in the afternoon, the leaders took part in the inauguration of Gabon’s new Ministry of Foreign Affairs building. The complex has been named after former AU Chairperson and Gabonese statesman Jean Ping, in recognition of his service to the nation.President Oligui Nguema cut the ribbon to officially open the facility before guiding dignitaries on a tour of the building.Following the ceremony, President Barrow and the First Lady returned to the official guest villa.
Continue Reading >>President Adama Barrow on Saturday departed Banjul for a week-long tour of the country to launch, inaugurate, and lay foundation stones for key projects in infrastructure, health, and agriculture.The President is accompanied by a high-powered delegation of Cabinet ministers, technocrats, and supporters. The tour will take him to all regions of the country as part of his administration’s commitment to bring development closer to citizens.President Barrow was seen off at the Banjul Ferry Terminal by Vice President Mohammed B.S. Jallow, Cabinet ministers, heads of security services, and supporters. A guard of honour mounted by the Naval Fleet and the Army Battalion welcomed the Commander-in-Chief before he boarded the ferry to cross to Barra.Speaking on board, President Barrow said the tour reflects his government’s strategy of delivering social projects directly to ordinary Gambians.“Infrastructure is the foundation upon which all other sectors rely,” the President said, describing it as a key pillar of his development agenda.Upon arrival in Barra, the President was received by North Bank Region Governor Lamin Saidykhan, security chiefs, NPP regional executives, and members of the Gambia Democratic Congress who recently joined the NPP-led National People's Alliance.Outside the terminal, hundreds of supporters lined the streets to welcome the President.President Barrow laid the foundation stone for the Essau-Barra Back Way Road. He then travelled to Fass Njaga Choi to launch construction of an 8.5km road linking Madina Manneh, Samba Johen, and Ndungu Chareh.Communities expressed joy over the projects, saying the new roads will open access to markets and improve delivery of social services such as schools and health facilities.Similar scenes were witnessed in Kerr Samba Kalla, Upper Niumi, where the President laid the foundation stone for another 8.5km road connecting Ndungu Charreh, Lang Sarr, Malick Sarr, and Samba Yassin.The delegation later made a stop in Bakalar via the newly inaugurated Hakalang Road, where President Barrow laid the foundation stone for a 15km road to Pakela Demba Solleh, Sare Mama, and Sare Bajonkoto.The President’s tour continues across the country this week.
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