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President Barrow Swears In New Public Service Commissioners, Emphasises Integrity and Reform

His Excellency Adama Barrow has presided over the swearing-in of three Commissioners of the Public Service Commission at a ceremony held at the State House.  Kebba Sarr, Edmond Snowby and Mariama Ndure-Njai took the three oaths of office,  allegiance and secrecy, and later signed the oath registry to officially confirm their new appointments at the ceremony conducted by the Secretary to the Cabinet Alieu Njai. Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Commissioner Kebba Sarr thanked the President for his trust and confidence in them, reassuring him that they will “live up to expectations.”  Mr Sarr also pledged to “uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.”The President H.E. Adama Barrow congratulated the three Commissioners on their appointments,  noting that the “Public Service Commission is one of the most important guardians of uprightness and good governance in the Republic,” adding that a “principled and capable civil service is the engine of national development.”The President advised  the Commissioners to take up the responsibility with the seriousness it deserves, adding that “expectations are high.”  President Barrow urged the PSC to “embrace transparency,  digitalisation and prioritise reform of the civil service to enhance efficiency,  discipline and professionalism.”

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ECOMIG SENEGALESE TROOPS BID FAREWELL: PRESIDENT BARROW PRAISES THEIR SERVICE

Eighty-seven personnel from Ecomig bid farewell after completing their tour of duty in Gambia under the ECOWAS Peacekeeping mandate. This contingent consists of Senegalese gendarmerie officers tasked with providing personal protection for the President and his immediate family.The President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Adama Barrow, extended his farewell to the 87 officers of the elite Group d'Intervention Gendarmerie Nationale. These men and women, who are responsible for the personal security of the President and his family, have concluded their year-long rotation and are now returning to their base in Senegal.During the farewell ceremony, President Barrow praised the Senegalese contingent for their discipline, hard work, and professionalism. He expressed gratitude to the Senegalese government for its support to The Gambia, emphasising that the two countries share similar socio-cultural values that transcend borders and colonial experiences.President Barrow personally thanked the Senegalese leader, Bashirou Jomaye Diakhar Faye, for his ongoing support. He concluded by expressing appreciation to the men and women for their service to The Gambia, highlighting that they have made a significant contribution to the country's democratic consolidation.Colonel Abdoulie Bah, Commander of the State Guard Battalion, spoke about the strong working relationship between the Gambian Forces and their Senegalese counterparts. He noted that this partnership has improved peace and security while fostering mutual understanding between the two forces.He also acknowledged the Senegalese officers for their dedication and professionalism, expressing his belief that the knowledge and experience they gained will advance their careers back home.Captain Amacodou Faye, Commander of the Gendarmerie Contingent, thanked President Barrow for the warm reception and the supportive working environment since their arrival in 2017. He also expressed gratitude to the State Guard Battalion for their collaboration, noting that the Gambian forces have been accommodating, professional, and dedicated. He reassured both the President and his counterparts that the Senegalese forces will continue to work closely with them to enhance peace and security in the country.At the end of the ceremony, all 87 officers of the Group d'Intervention Gendarmerie Nationale received certificates from the President in recognition of their service, dedication, and professionalism in The Gambia over the past year.The contingent is expected to depart the country in the coming days, to be replaced by another 78 men and women who will be deployed for another term of duty.

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GAMBIA'S GOVERNANCE RISES, 47.6 SCORE EARS TOP 10 SPOT IN AFRICA

The Gambia has achieved a significant milestone by being ranked among the top 10 best-governed countries in Africa, as highlighted in the 2026 World Economic Governance Index. The nation achieved an impressive governance score of 47.6, indicating notable progress in its governance framework. This advancement is particularly evident in key areas such as press freedom, where the country scored 65.4, indicating a growing environment for media independence and journalistic integrity. Additionally, political rights received a score of 54.8, reflecting enhanced democratic practices and increased citizen participation in governance.These positive developments are a testament to the efforts made by the government under the leadership of President Adama Barrow, whose administration has focused on reinforcing institutional frameworks, promoting transparency, and upholding the rule of law. The Gambia's commitment to improving governance and fostering a democratic society sets a positive example for other nations in the region, underscoring the potential for progress through dedicated leadership.

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  • GRTS
  • February 24, 2026 11:06
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OIC Chair Adama Barrow Urges Restraint Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

4 March 2026 — Banjul, The Gambia: His Excellency President Adama Barrow, in his capacity as Chair of the 15th Islamic Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), expresses deep concern regarding the rising tensions in the Middle East following reports of military actions involving the United States of America and the State of Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as subsequent retaliatory responses affecting interests in the region.President Barrow notes with concern that the unfolding developments risk further heightening instability in an already fragile environment, with potentially serious consequences for civilian populations, critical infrastructure, and broader regional and global security.In this regard, he calls upon all parties to exercise the utmost restraint, avoid further escalation, and adhere fully to their obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and international law, including respect for the sovereignty of states and the protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law.As Chair of the Islamic Summit, President Barrow reiterates the OIC’s longstanding and principled position that disputes should be addressed through peaceful means. He emphasises that dialogue, diplomacy, and constructive engagement remain the most viable avenues for reducing tensions and advancing sustainable peace.President Barrow, therefore, encourages all concerned parties to pursue diplomatic channels through the United Nations and other appropriate international and regional mechanisms. The OIC remains ready to support sincere efforts to de-escalate, mediate and achieve the peaceful resolution of disputes.The Republic of The Gambia reaffirms its enduring commitment to peace, justice, and the rule of international law. President Barrow further calls on the international community to intensify efforts toward restraint and renewed diplomacy to preserve regional stability and promote global peace.

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BENSOUDA BACKS GAMBIAN WRESTLING: HIGH COMMISSIONER PUSHES FOR UK TIES

Her Excellency Dr Fatou Bensouda, High Commissioner of The Gambia to the United Kingdom, accompanied Mr Matarr Saine, President of the Gambia Wrestling Association, to a maiden engagement with the British Wrestling Association at its headquarters in Manchester.H.E. Dr Bensouda, Deputy Head of Mission Mr Suntou Touray, and Mr Saine were received by Mr Craig Anthony, Chief Executive of the British Wrestling Association. Following opening courtesies, Mr Saine delivered a statement outlining the current landscape of Gambian wrestling, underscoring its significance as both a competitive sport and a pillar of socio-cultural heritage with a large grassroots following.Mr Saine emphasised that wrestling is deeply embedded in Gambian tradition and national identity, noting the pride the country takes in the achievements of its wrestlers on both domestic and international mats.Reflecting on the purpose of his visit, Mr Saine stated:“As we visit the British Wrestling Association today, I bring warm greetings from the people of The Gambia. Our patron is His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of The Gambia and a passionate supporter of wrestling, along with our Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Bakary Badjie.My aim is to explore opportunities to further develop our sport, enhance athlete performance, broaden coaching expertise, and foster cultural exchange between The Gambia and the United Kingdom, with whom we share strong diplomatic and cultural ties.”In his remarks, Mr Anthony expressed his delight at hosting the Gambian delegation and commended Mr Saine for initiating the collaboration. He noted that British wrestling continues to grow across disciplines and that a strategic partnership would strengthen technical development in both nations. Areas identified for cooperation include coach education, athlete welfare, performance training, technical skills development, and competition management.H.E. Dr Bensouda highlighted the unifying power of sport, particularly wrestling, which holds deep cultural roots in both societies. She also made a personal reference to her late father, who was a respected wrestling promoter in The Gambia, underscoring her longstanding connection to the sport.The meeting concluded with both parties agreeing in principle to formalise cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), scheduled to be signed next week at the Gambian High Commission in London.Also in attendance were Gambian community leader Mr Omar Keway Mbye, Mr Andreas Michaelas, Development Manager, and Mr Larence Dutton, Competition Manager of the British Wrestling Association.Deputy Head of Mission Mr Touray noted that enhanced collaboration in traditional and Olympic-style wrestling could strengthen bilateral relations, promote sports tourism, and encourage exchange programmes, including joint training camps and international competitions in The Gambia.26 February 2026End

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Barrow Facilitates Power Connectivity for 63 Communities: Advancing Towards Universal Electricity Access in The Gambia

In a strategic move to enhance energy accessibility, President Adama Barrow inaugurated the connection of 63 additional communities in the Lower River Region to the National electricity grid, concluding a comprehensive nine-day tour of the provinces. The project was launched in Sutukung village, marking a significant step toward The Gambia's goal of achieving universal electricity access by the year’s end.The President's visit commenced with a stop at the Central mosque for congregational prayers, reinforcing personal and political ties to the community where he had previously participated in the mosque's inauguration. Following this, he engaged with the community's spiritual leader, a figure held in high esteem by thousands in the region and beyond.The evening's official launch of the electricity project is targeted to benefit over 60 communities, allowing them unprecedented access to the national grid. Local leaders emphasised the significance of this development, framing it as a critical advancement that presents new economic and social opportunities for residents. National Assembly Member for Jarra East, Hon. Haruna Barry, articulated the transformative potential of electricity in facilitating rural development, expressing confidence in President Barrow's commitment to follow through on his promises ahead of the upcoming elections.Governor Seedy Lamin Bah of the Lower River Region highlighted that of the 170 villages in Jarra East, 63 have now received electrical connectivity, with plans in place to reach the remaining villages by year-end. He noted that the National Water and Electricity Company (Nawec) has progressed with infrastructure installations, including pole erection, positioning the project on schedule.Dr Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, outlined The Gambia's role as one of three West African nations implementing this regional electricity initiative, commending the country for its exemplary leadership and dedication to maintaining a stable socio-political environment, essential for the successful execution of the project.Additional endorsements came from Demba Jallow, High Commissioner of the Organisation for the Development of the Gambia River Basin (OMVG), and representatives from the World Bank, who praised President Barrow’s leadership, which has been pivotal in the project’s progress. They reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with the government and Nawec to achieve comprehensive electricity access.Nawec’s Managing Director, Galo Saidy, underscored the critical role of electricity in everyday life and pledged continued efforts to extend access to underserved communities. He advised on the safe usage of electrical supplies, emphasising the importance of community stewardship over infrastructure to mitigate risks associated with electrical hazards, vandalism, and theft.In his address, President Barrow reiterated electricity’s strategic significance in driving economic growth and unlocking opportunities, asserting that The Gambia is on course to fulfil its objective of universal access by the close of 2023, well in advance of the African Union's 2030 target.He praised the collaborative regional framework supported by ECOWAS and the World Bank and committed to ongoing efforts to secure funding to connect remaining communities. The President urged all stakeholders to work collectively to protect this national asset from vandalism.The ceremonial switching on of the power in Jarra Sutukung signified the official project launch, followed by a celebratory lighting event in Barrow Kunda, where community members expressed their excitement and gratitude. This positive reaction foreshadows similar scenes in other communities along the Trans Gambia Highway, as excitement over electricity access permeates villages like Dongoroba and Buithe, marking a transformative moment in their developmental trajectories.

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