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371 public and environmental Health officers suspended

The Ministry of health has slapped 371 public and environmental health officers with a two-month suspension from the beginning of July. In a letter dated 1st July, the ministry said the suspension without salary was a result of the staff's noncompliance to return to work after a long period of unauthorised absence. The health workers were on a sit-down strike in protest over unpaid allowances. Barely a week before sending the aggrieved staff on a two-month unpaid suspension, the ministry had issued a warning for the staff to return to work. A statement issued on June 25th stated that all efforts to resolve the dispute have failed. The ministry said steps being taken to ensure that extra allowances were paid were nearing completion.

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Barrow Appoints Ebrima G. Sankareh as Government Spokesperson & Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs

Acting in accordance with the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia and upon consultation with the Public Service Commission (PSC), His Excellency President Adama Barrow, has appointed Ebrima G. Sankareh Government Spokesperson & Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs effective 20 June 2022. Directly answerable to the President of The Republic, the Spokesperson manages the political information of the President and centrally coordinates the strategic internal and external communications of the government. He speaks on behalf of the President, Cabinet ministers, and all other senior officials both nationally and internationally. Mr. Sankareh who was initially appointed by Barrow in June 2018, will with his expanded portfolio advise the President on best practices for harnessing the potentials of the Diaspora and guiding statutory entities in charge of Diaspora matters. In 2017 President Barrow declared the Diaspora as the 8th Region of The Gambia and with the appointment of Sankareh as Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs, the government is showing the political will of addressing barriers to effective engagements with the Diaspora. Sankareh, a seasoned journalist holds double BA degrees in Political Science and History from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC, USA, and a Master of Arts Degree in English Literature from Graduate Schools of The University of North Carolina at Charlotte and Gardner Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, U.S.A. He proceeded to the University of Birmingham at Edgbaston, UK for his Ph.D. studies in African Studies with a specialization in Literature. He had earlier graduated with a Teacher’s Diploma in English and History from The Gambia College and Bristol University, UK.

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GFF ELECTIONS SET FOR AUGUST 27th 2022

The vice-chair of the Gambia Football Federation electoral committeeSaikou B. Jarju has declared that the GFF presidential elections will take place on the 27th of August 2022 at a venue to be disclosed in due time.Mr. Jarju also stated that nominations will open on the 21st of July 2022 and close on July 28th and announcements of the candidates will be made on the 4th of August 2022. This will be followed by an announcement of the final list of eligible candidates on the 13th of August 2022.

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NAATIP AND NIGERIAN PARTNERS SIGN MoU TO COMBAT HUMAN TRAFFICKING

The National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons [NAATIP] of the Republic of the Gambia and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons [NAPTIP] of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are cooperating in the fight against people trafficking. The two agencies signed a memorandum of understanding to prevent, suppress, and punish trafficking in persons of especially women and children in both countries and beyond.The agreement is aimed at establishing direct channels of communication, building trust, exchanging information, and taking a new approach in judicial cooperation to fight trafficking in person. The director of NAATIP Tulai Jawara Ceesay and Dr. Fatima Waziri-Azi of NAPTIP both said the agreement would help address their challenges when implemented effectively. The International Organisation for Migration’s chief of mission in the Gambia Fumigo Nagano expressed hope that the MoU will help tackle the menace.     The High commissioner of the federal republic of Nigeria to the Gambia Muhammed Manu said there is a missing link in the fight against trafficking. Trafficking in persons is a crime and a human rights abuse. The three most common forms are sex, Labour, and Child trafficking. Recent reports by the IOM have indicated that over 30 billion US dollars have been earned by the criminals involved in trafficking with over 2 million people falling into their traps across the continent. These two parties in their drive towards the implementation of the provisions of the MOU have set up a Joint Implementation Working Group with equal representation of members from both the Gambia and Nigeria.

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President Barrow appoints minister of communication

His Excellency President Adama Barrow in exercise of the powers conferred on him under Sections 71(1) and 71(3)  of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, has appointed Mr Ousman A. Bah as Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, effective today, 24th June 2022.

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Baba Hydara Testifies as Bai Lowe stand trial for crimes against humnity

Baba Hydara , son of the slain journalist Deyda Hydara has on Tuesday testified in the ongoing trial of a former member of Ex-President Jammeh’s hit squad Bai Lowe in Celle, Germany. Baba is one of the Plaintiffs in the trial of the former patrol team member. Bai Lowe is accused of being a member of the hit squad, known as the Junglers, between 2003 and 2006 and has allegedly participated in the assassination of opponents of former President Yahya Jammeh, including the murder of Deyda Hydara a journalist of the AFP news agency and Co-founder of Gambia daily The point Newspaper . Lowe is accused of crimes against humanity, murder and attempted murder including helping to stop Hydara’s car and driving one of the killers in his own vehicle.In a lengthy and cross-cutting testimony Baba discussed the history and content of the point newspaper where his father worked as well as his dedication to press freedom, Democracy and good governance. Baba explained that his late father had two columns in the newspaper called "Good morning Mr President and the Bite" where he wrote on issues of national concern and socioeconomic development. This according to Baba never went down well with the former president as he received several threats from the corridors of power. The  witness also discussed the killing of his father, his family's reaction to the news of the murder and the subsequent difficulties endured by his family including financial and, educational challenges. He also detailed the psychological trauma as well as security threats his family encountered after the killing of his late father. He disclosed that no formal or impartial investigation was launched on the assassination of his father by government. However, the international Journalists network Reporters without Borders carried out some investigations and put pressure on government to investigate the matter. This he said led to government issuing a partial report tarnishing Deyda's reputation. The witness also discussed his understanding of the patrol team, the assassination of his dad, Dawda Nyassi and the attack on Ousman Sillah. He stressed that he never wanted to discuss the assassination of his father with anyone because it disturbs him. Baba also said that everything he knows about the work of the Junglers and murder of his dad came during his time with Gambia's victims center. The presiding judges also asked clarification on whether Ida Jagne and Isatou Jagne refer to the same person who was in the car during Deyda's assassination and the witness said he knows only Ida Jagne and not Isatou. The plaintiff's lawyer Dr Patrick Kroker asked about the Junglers who returned from Equatorial Guinea and the witness explained that they were arrested, charged and taken to court and later discharged. The witness said government intended to shut down the Point Newspaper and threatened  Pap Saine, the co founder of the paper. Baba Hydara urged the government of the Gambia to ensure the implementation of the TRRC recommendations saying accepting them alone is insufficient. He expressed his commitment to fight for justice for his late father and other victims of ex-president Jammeh and his hit squad. He called for the swift prosecution of the perpetrators. The father-of-four, late Deyda Hydara worked as a Gambia correspondent for Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and was considered a doyen among journalists in the West African state. The court Presided by a panel of five judges is adjourned to Thursday 30th june 2022.

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Global media forum in progress in Germany

After 2 years, the Global media forum is back. The programme brings together hundreds of journalists in an interdisciplinary approach to tackle current issues shaping the way journalists do their work in a changing world. This years theme on “Shaping tomorrow now” comes at a time the world is going through a poly crisis, from the Covid-19 pandemic, wars and conflict to imminent issues overlooked in the coverage of Africa. Experts in media, science and related disciplines share perspectives on journalism in war times, the difference between activism and journalism, climate change to stories relevant to local realities.  Participating journalists shared insights on the engagements and the importance of bringing journalists together in such a conference after 2 years of being apart. Most of the journalists come from countries affected by the many issues dominating news coverage, it still does not solve the inequalities they face. This breeds the question of how news is covered and who is covering. However there are key takeaways that resonate with those at the frontlines One thing that speakers addressed is for Editors to check on the well-being of their reporters. That despite the efforts of journalists to bring forth stories that matter even when that means risking their lives and comfort, they are first humans with emotions and families.

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Bai Lowe on trial in Germany

The trial of a former member of ex-President Jammeh’s hit squad continues in Celle, Germany. Bai Lowe is accused of being a member of the hit squad, known as the Junglers, between 2003 and 2006 and has participated in the assassination of opponents of former President Yahya Jammeh, including a journalist of the AFP news agency, Deyda Hydara.  The suspect, identified as Bai Lowe, is accused of crimes against humanity, murder, and attempted murder, including the 2004 killing of longstanding AFP correspondent Deyda Hydara, who was also co-founder of Gambian independent daily The Point.Lowe, arrested in Hanover in March 2021, appeared in court on Monday in the nearby town of Celle as witnesses testified at the court. one of the witnesses who testified on Monday was Mr. D’Angelo. Mr. D’Angelo worked for the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees and conducted the second hearing in Bai Lowe’s asylum procedure. The goal of the second hearing was to establish whether there was a sufficient need of protection in order to grant asylum. Mr. D’Angelo used the protocol from the hearing to prepare his testimony. He recalls that Bai Lowe was in the military as a soldier and that Bai Lowe  told him he signed up voluntarily in 2003. He showed Mr. D’Angelo some military certificates and He was a member of the Patrol Team. His function was to be the driver. He also recalls some of the issues he discussed with Mr Lowe during his Asylum interview including his time in the army, the patrol team, the people he work with in the team and his subsequent imprisonment among other things. the other witnesses who testified on Monday was Bakary Sanyang a Gambian based in Hannover Germany and a friend to Mr Lowe. He explained their time together in Germany and issues they had previously discussed in relation to the work of the Junglers and activities participated by Mr Lowe during his time with hit squad. He discussed how he helped him settle in Germany and his involvement in the killings of Deyda Hydara, Dawda Nyassi, Haruna Jammeh, Macy Jammeh, and Daba Marena as well as the attempted murder of Ousman Sillah among other torture crimes by the Junglers. Sanyang also explained his previous discussions with the accused on the members of the hit squad headed by Tumbul Tamba. This the witness said included Sanna Manjang, Malick Jatta, Modou Jarju alias Rambo, Fansu Nyabally, Alieu Jeng, Kawsu Camara, Bora Colley, Pa Sanneh, Nuha Badjie, solo Bojang, Michael Correa, Saikouba Jarjue and Saul Badjie Among others. The trial is “the first to prosecute human rights violations committed in The Gambia during the Jammeh era on the basis of universal jurisdiction” which allows a foreign country to prosecute crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide, regardless of where they were committed.The Junglers unit was used by the then-president of Gambia to carry out illegal killing orders, among other things” with the aim of “intimidating the Gambian population and suppressing the opposition,” according to federal prosecutors.

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Khalifa General of the Niassen brotherhood meets President Barrow

The Khalif General of the Niassen brotherhood His Eminence Sheikh Muhammadul Mahy Niass has commended the President for his untiring efforts in enhancing peace and brotherhood between The Gambia and Senegal.  The Spiritual head of the Niassen brotherhood was speaking at State House during an audience with The Gambian leader. This is his first visit since ascending the highest post in the Niassen brotherhood and seeks to follow the footsteps of his predecessors by meeting his Talibehs or followers and the country's leadership. The President H.E Adama Barrow thanked the Sheikh and his delegation for what he called a special occasion.  He said religious leaders have a big role to play in fostering peace and unity on the continent, expressing believe that they will complement the efforts of governments in this direction. Commenting on the state of Senegal Gambia relations, President Barrow said he will continue to work with President Sall to take relations to the highest level possible, describing the two countries as one people with shared values and history.The President finally pledged to leave a legacy of peace and development that stand the test of time, adding such are the values that define good leaders. He however urged the Khalifa General to continue praying for the country, its people and leadership, describing prayer as a powerful tool. Speaking earlier, The Khalifa General His Eminence Sheikh Muhammadul Mahy Niass expressed gratitude to the President for granting him audience, commending him for his religious steadfastness. He urged African leaders to work together to resolve conflicts on the continent, citing his recent visit to Sudan in an effort to end the war in Darfur. The Sheikh also noyed with appreciation the marked improvement in relations between The Gambia and Senegal, attributing it to the efforts of the two leaders, whom he said have a shared vision of peace and good neighbourliness. The Senegalese High Commissioner to the Gambia H.E Basiru Saine heaped praises on the leadership of the two countries for building such unbreakable bonds of friendship and brotherhood, describing it as a classical example of African integration.  Imam Muntaha Faye described the meeting as historic. We have good relations with The Gambia, and this is set to continue in to the future, the Imam added. The High Representative of the brotherhood in The Gambia applauded the efforts of the President in promoting the relationship between The Gambia and Senegal, drawing comparisons with the first president Jawara who warmly welcomed the founder of the Niassen brotherhood in The Gambia. He described the Khalifa General as very humble, who has dedicated his life to scholarship and service to humanity The Khalifa General and delegation is expected to grace a massive religious conference later in the evening where he will dialogue with his followers as is customary.

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OIC Secretary General arrives in The Gambia

The President H.E Adama Barrow Friday received in audience the Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Conference Hissein Brahim Taha at the State House. The OIC boss is in The Gambia  for discussions with Gambian officials on the preparations of the upcoming OIC summit to be held in The Gambia. Mr Taha arrived in The Gambia Thursday evening to assess the state of preparedness for the hosting of the OIC summit later this year.Speaking to reporters after his audience with President Barrow, Mr Taha reaffirmed the OIC member states' full support for The Gambia's hosting of the summit. During his stay in The Gambia, the OIC boss will visit project sites within the Greater Banjul Area to see first hand the level of preparedness. Currently the OIC in partnership with government is constructing the 50km dual carriage highway from the airport through the bertil harding to the Kairaba Avenue and a VVIP Presidential lounge at the airport. 

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IGP frown over poor conditions of three police posts.

The inspector general of Police Abdoulie Sanyang has ordered the relocation of three police posts. A statement from the police says the relocation order was made following the IGP's visit to Farato, Latrikunda Picadilly, and Brikama Nyambai police posts. The IGP is on a nationwide tour of police officers and police facilities to assess their conditions. The statement indicated that the condition of the rented facilities was not conducive for police officers working there. The IGP observed that the facilities were not kept in good condition despite the high rent fees charged by the landlords. Regional police commanders have been asked to identify better locations in the communities for the police posts.

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Three more men in police custody in connection with Kerr Mot Ali Arson attack

Police have arrested three more men, including one Senegalese national, in connection with the Kerr Mot Ali arson attack. The police are investigating an arson attack in May that destroyed several homes in Kerr Mot Ali in the central river region. The three men, Sagarr Ceesay Secka, Momodou Habiboulie Secka, and Abdou Ceesay are being held at the Bansang police station and are expected to be brought before the courts. Sagarr Ceesay Secka, a Senegalese national from Kerr man village is accused of being the ring leader behind the arson attack. Fourteen other men pleaded not guilty in May and were remanded in custody while police continue their investigations

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VP JALLOW MEETS GUINEA-BISSAU COMMUNICATION MINISTER 

The Guinea-Bissau Minister of Social Communication and Government Spokesperson, Hon. Dr Abduramane Turé, has paid a courtesy call on The Gambia’s Vice President, His Excellency Mohammed B.S. Jallow, at State House. The visit is aimed at strengthening ties between Bissau and Banjul. Minister Turé was accompanied to the Vice President’s office by Guinea-Bissau’s Ambassador to The Gambia, Luís Camara de Barros, alongside The Gambia’s Minister of Information, Dr Ismaila Ceesay, Permanent Secretary Codu L. Jabang, and Director of Information Services, Aisha Davis.The delegation held a closed-door meeting with the Vice President. Afterwards, Minister Turé addressed the press on key issues discussed.“I did not come to discuss a specific agenda with His Excellency the Vice President. I'm here to brief him on the core objectives of my mission to The Gambia, and further update him on the current status of bilateral cooperation in the field of media and social communication,” he said.Minister Turé commended the cordial relations between Guinea-Bissau and The Gambia, describing them as strong and mutually beneficial.The Guinea-Bissau official also praised the Vice President for the warm reception, saying VP Jallow reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the development agendas of both countries. He expressed optimism that the visit will further deepen bilateral ties.

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PRESIDENT BARROW HANDS OVER 16 VEHICLES, 187 MOTORBIKES TO NPP GRASSROOTS MOBILISERS 

Sixteen brand-new pick-ups and 187 motorcycles were distributed to regional chairpersons and grassroots NPP party mobilisers by the President and Party leader, HE Adama Barrow.This is the first batch of vehicles and motorbikes purchased by the party to boost preparations for the upcoming Presidential election in December.Speaking at the presentation ceremony at the State House, NPP party executive members welcomed the development as timely, as it would strengthen grassroots mobilisation efforts by enhancing movement and engagement within party members.Alhaji Ousman Wadda, the regional chairman of Banjul, and his counterpart from the Upper River Region, Alhaji Bubu Drammeh, praised the party leader, President Barrow, for this innovative and timely intervention that will go a long way in strengthening the party. They described this presentation as unprecedented in the history of any political party and pointed to President Barrow's good leadership qualities, compassion, and charisma as the driving force behind the success of the NPP.The two-party officials advised beneficiaries of these logistics to take good care of the vehicles and motorbikes and ensure they are used for the intended purpose. On behalf of their colleagues at regional and grassroots levels, the two chairpersons expressed gratitude to the party leader, his executive, and all members for the support. They finally called for teamwork to secure a landslide victory for the party.The administrative secretary of the NPP, Sidi Ceesay, also welcomed this development, calling it a major achievement for the party, which continues to set the pace for other political parties in The Gambia. Mr Ceesay described President Barrow as a visionary leader who is widely respected across Africa as a democrat, development-oriented, tolerant, and peaceful—attributes he said set him apart from others.The Administrative Secretary reminded party members that these vehicles and motorbikes are costly and should be well maintained to ensure sustainability. He advised the beneficiaries to respect traffic rules and avoid any conduct that might damage the reputation of the party or its members.These words were echoed by Maimuna Baldeh, the national women's mobiliser of the NPP, who urged supporters to draw inspiration from these and other developments championed by President Barrow.She noted that President Barrow has fulfilled all his promises to Gambians and therefore deserves support to continue his transformative development across the country. President Barrow has a big heart; he is patriotic and hardworking. 'Therefore, I urge you to be patient,' Maimuna Baldeh told NPP supporters.She also advised drivers and riders to take very good care of these vehicles and motorbikes, ensure regular maintenance, and avoid reckless driving on the highways. She warned against flouting traffic rules or disobeying police officers on the roads, before thanking President Barrow for this intervention that will boost grassroots politics.For the NPP, National President Musa Drammeh, this week will be remembered as a historic milestone for the party, as it continues to organise groundbreaking activities to boost support.He noted that this is the first time a political party has engaged in such activities and highlighted that it demonstrates the NPP is a party with a difference. He attributed this success to President Barrow's leadership qualities, which emphasise teamwork, hard work, and patience.The President called the event a joyous day, marking a major milestone for the NPP. Since its founding, President Barrow noted that the NPP has continued to grow from strength to strength.He described this election as the most important and interesting, vowing to do whatever it takes to outpace his opponents. With the stakes so high, President Barrow promised to do everything to avoid what he called an embarrassment. 'This is more than a do-or-die for us,' he said, urging party supporters to be proud of themselves and the NPP.He disclosed that this first batch of vehicles and motorbikes will be followed by more, as the party plans to provide vehicles and motorbikes to their coalition partners, national executive members, and other allies. These vehicles, he added, will be allocated to regional chairpersons and grassroots mobilisers.He described them as the most vital members of the NPP, serving as a bridge between the leadership and ordinary supporters. 'The grassroots hold the key to our success,' President Barrow said. 'You are very important and the majority.' The party leader also cautioned members who may not have received a vehicle or motorbike to refrain from venting frustrations on social media, advising patience.To the beneficiaries, President Barrow urged them to use the vehicles and motorbikes strictly for official purposes to serve the party’s interests. He reassured that vehicles from the existing fleet will be repaired and returned to their owners.According to the President, this presentation of vehicles and motorbikes marks the de facto start of the campaign for the 2026 Presidential election and called on all party members to begin working earnestly to secure victory for the NPP.

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PRESIDENT BARROW LAUNCHES NPP MANIFESTO, NINE-POINT PLAN & DIGITAL PLATFORMS AHEAD OF DECEMBER POLLS

The President His Excellency Adama Barrow, Secretary General and leader of the National People’s Party, on Friday launched the NPP manifesto, nine-point plan, and new digital platforms at a landmark ceremony held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre.The launch, themed: “Consolidating Progress, Expanding Opportunity, Securing the Future”, is being hailed as a historic first for Gambian politics, just six months before the December Presidential election.MANIFESTO MAPS NEXT FIVE YEARS The manifesto and nine-point plan outline the NPP’s achievements over the last five years, its priorities, and a clear roadmap for the next term. The documents were shaped by extensive consultations and research with party members nationwide.Dr Amadou Scattred Janneh, who served on the drafting committee, described the plan as “unprecedented and truly revolutionary”, saying it reflects the hopes and aspirations of Gambians.“This is more than a campaign document,” President Barrow said in his launch address. “It is a well-thought-out framework for sustained socio-economic growth, infrastructure development, and youth and women’s empowerment.”DIGITAL SHIFT BRING PARTY CLOSER TO PEOPLE In a first for a political party in The Gambia, the NPP also unveiled digital platforms that give citizens direct online access to the manifesto, party activities, and updates, in all five national languages.Presidential Adviser Ousman Bah said the innovation is designed to make politics more inclusive and participatory. “This opens a new chapter for engagement, not just with Gambians, but with the rest of the world,” President Barrow added.SHOW OF UNITY Dressed in the party’s signature grey, President Barrow was accompanied by First Lady Fatou Bah-Barrow. They were joined by Vice President H.E. Mohammed B.S. Jallow, national and regional executives, ward representatives, and leaders of allied parties.Sidi Ceesay, NPP Administrative Secretary, said the approach proves the party’s commitment to building an organisation that responds to its supporters’ needs.Dr Demba Sabally, First Deputy National President, credited the party’s growth to President Barrow’s “dynamic and proactive leadership”, calling the NPP the biggest and most resilient party in the country.Speaking for allied parties, Mai Ahmad Fatty of the Gambia Moral Congress praised President Barrow for the democratic gains since 2016 and predicted a landslide victory for the coalition in December.NINE YEARS OF TRANSFORMATION President Barrow recalled the sacrifices Gambians made to build the NPP, noting how the party has transformed all facets of national life since 2016. With the launch of the manifesto and digital tools, the NPP and its allies say they are not just campaigning, they are strengthening their base, expanding outreach, and preparing The Gambia for the future.

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FIVE STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES HAND OVER D137 MILLION IN DIVIDENDS TO PRESIDENT BARROW

Five state-owned enterprises, SOEs, handed over cheques totalling D137 million in dividend payments to President H.E. Adama Barrow at a ceremony held at State House on Tuesday. The unprecedented development marks a milestone in government-SOE relations, following reforms aimed at making the enterprises more profitable, better managed, and financially viable.For the first time in The Gambia’s history, SOEs lined up at State House not to request bailouts, but to return dividends worth over D130 million to the President.Board chairpersons, managing directors, and officials of the State-Owned Enterprises Commission gathered in the Cabinet Room to witness the ceremony. The five SOEs and their contributions were:1. Gambia Ports Authority: D70 million.2. Gambia National Petroleum Corporation: D50 million.3. Gambia Civil Aviation Authority: D5 million.4. Gambia Publishing and Printing Corporation: D5 million.5. The Gambia Radio and Television Services: D2 million.Chief of Staff to the President, Alieu Loum, who chaired the event, described it as unique. “The SOEs have fulfilled their obligations to government and to Gambians,” he said.The Chairman of the SOE Commission, Ousainou Ngum, said since the commission’s establishment three years ago, there has been remarkable improvement in the operations, management, and performance of state enterprises. He expressed hope that this transformation will continue, starting with this first dividend payment. Ngum also commended President Barrow for his leadership, oversight, and support to the commission and SOEs.In his keynote address, President Barrow described the ceremony as historic, noting it marks a turnaround for SOEs that, until 2024, were running a combined net loss of D2.4 billion. He attributed the performance to his government’s deliberate, sustained, and evidence-driven reform agenda focused on governance, accountability, and performance management.The President praised the SOE Commission for transforming public perception of state institutions and promoting efficiency. However, he urged all stakeholders to build on these achievements to address challenges affecting growth, liquidity, and profitability.President Barrow also reassured Gambians that the government will continue robust measures to end recurrent power cuts. He noted that NAWEC has improved its financial performance, enabling investment in the energy sector.He concluded by urging all SOEs to maintain the momentum, as the government remains committed to building efficient, functional, and robust state enterprises that deliver for the Gambian people.

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PRESIDENT BARROW ENDORSED AT MASSIVE NPP RALLY IN BRIKAMA AHEAD OF DECEMBER 5 POLLS

The National People's Party and its coalition partners organised a mega rally on Saturday in Brikama to whip up support ahead of the December 5th Presidential election. The rally which attracted thousands of supporters from across the West Coast Region unanimously endorsed the President and NPP leader H.E. Adama Barrow as the candidate for the election. The mega rally is seen as the biggest political gathering Brikama has witnessed in recent years. It underscores the ruling party's resolve to consolidate its grip on The Gambia's political landscape.The National People's Party and its coalition partners staged a massive political rally in Brikama, West Coast Region drawing thousands of supporters in what organisers described as the biggest political rally ever organised by a political party.Supporters flooded the main highway leading to the SSP park in great excitement, whilst inside the venue itself party executive members, coalition party leaders and supporters kept a lively atmosphere waiting for the arrival of the President and party leader H.E. Adama Barrow.A moment later President Barrow made a triumphant entry into Brikama escorted by jubilant crowds who escorted his motorcade into the venue.His arrival marked the beginning of the mega rally, which was preceded by the unveiling of the party manifesto, nine-point plan and digital platforms a day earlier.The mega rally was organised by the Regional Executive Committee of the NPP in partnership with its coalition allies to drum up support for President Barrow's candidacy for the upcoming December 5th Presidential election.More than a dozen NPP party members at the regional, constituency and ward levels spoke at the rally, underscoring the need for concerted efforts to secure a landslide victory for President Barrow.They all pointed to his development track record in the areas of infrastructure, education, health care, electricity, women and youth empowerment and governance reforms as evidence of his commitment to the peace and welfare of the country. They all warned against voting for the opposition, which lacks the experience, foresight and resources to match President Barrow's development track record, adding that the country will be better off with President Barrow at the helm.The speakers also spoke of President Barrow's peaceful disposition, his tolerance and commitment to democracy as proof that he is the best candidate for the job, warning that the opposition risks nullifying the gains already registered under President Barrow.Therefore, they all called for a general mobilisation of people, particularly the youth and women to give President Barrow a landslide victory in December. Several other allied party leaders including Dr Ismaila Ceesay of the Citizens’ Alliance and Hamat NK Bah of the NRP endorsed President Barrow at the rally. Dr Ceesay spoke highly of the President and his achievements over the last 9 years, arguing that Gambians should vote for continuity. He called on the youths in particular to shun violence, and indiscipline and participate fully in the national development process. He advised the youth to respect constituted authority and desist from any unlawful activity that could endanger peace, security and stability. The Citizens Alliance leader also cautioned against the politics of hate and deception, arguing that elections are more than just rhetoric and propaganda on social media but concrete outcomes that improve the lives and the livelihoods of the people. He praised the coalition as the only viable force that can bring development for the people adding that Gambians are now politically aware to make informed choices.The NRP leader on the other hand defended the government's handling of the electricity crisis, noting that over the last 9 years, the government has invested resources to ensure a stable, reliable and accessible electricity supply across the country.  He reassured that President Barrow will address the current problems associated with supply, as his government has carefully taken stock of the issues involved.  Hamat Bah described President Barrow as the most experienced politician amongst his opponents, arguing that he has the pedigree, integrity and modesty to lead the country into the future. Senior executive members of the NPP namely Musa Drammeh the National President, Dr Demba Sabally the 1st Deputy President and Maimuna Baldeh the National Women’s Mobiliser, all called on the supporters to renew their commitment and loyalty to President Barrow. They described this year’s election as crucial as it will decide the country's fate for the next five years. They expressed confidence in President Barrow to lead the coalition to victory in December, judging by this unprecedented turnout, which will sow fear in the opposition. The leaders dismissed the opposition calls for term limits, noting that the constitution allows President Barrow to seek as many terms as he would like. The rally also witnessed the defection of several hundred people from the opposition into the NPP. Dou Sanno, a political adviser to the President paraded the purported defectors to President Barrow which was hailed as a victory for the NPP and a blow to the opposition in the West Coast Region. The mega rally climaxed with President Barrow's address in which he extended gratitude to the regional party structures for organising such a massive rally. The President recalled how in 2016 he addressed his first political rally in Brikama which marked the beginning of his political journey. He therefore expressed confidence that this rally will mark the beginning of his re-election bid in which he vowed to defeat his opponents in a landslide. President Barrow described the 2026 election as unprecedented as he could potentially face 4 former vice presidents. He however remained confident that he will defeat them either individually or in a coalition, as he knows his opponents all too well. He lashed at his political opponents for using the current electricity crisis as a political tool to attract votes, arguing that his government has a good track record in electrifying the country over the last 9 years. He described the current electricity problem as a technical issue which is being sorted out, and advised the opposition not to use it as a campaign strategy. The President pledged to continue on his development trajectory if re-elected, promising to increase workers’ salaries by 30% next year.Speaking about the NPP and its coalition partners, President Barrow called on his supporters to remain focused on the bigger picture as they are the biggest and strongest political force in The Gambia. He challenged his supporters to bring more people into the NPP to enable the party to double its tally from 450 thousand votes to nearly a million in December. With such a landslide victory, President Barrow reassured that the NPP will remain the dominant political force for the next 100 years, cementing its legacy as a party of development, continuity and progress.The President left Brikama convinced that the NPP and its coalition partners have set the ball rolling for what promises to be a busy and closely fought campaign to capture the hearts and minds of Gambians. With this impressive turnout, the NPP are hoping to keep the momentum ahead of the election in December by turning Brikama and the West Coast Region, which is the most populous in the country, into a no-go area for the opposition.  The belief is that any party that wins the West Coast Region will likely win the Presidential election.

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VP JALLOW BRIEFED BY AMBASSADOR KINTEH IN CHINA AS HE PREPARES FOR GLOBAL HUMAN RIGHTS GOVERNANCE FORUM

As part of his visit to China for the 2026 Forum on Global Human Rights Governance, Vice President His Excellency Mohammed B.S. Jallow, together with Musa Mbye, Permanent Secretary at the Office of the Vice President, met with members of The Gambia’s Embassy in China.During the meeting, The Gambia’s Ambassador to China, His Excellency Masanneh Nyuku Kinteh, described VP Jallow’s visit as a demonstration of The Gambia’s commitment to strengthening ties with the People’s Republic of China.  Ambassador Kinteh further briefed VP Jallow and the delegation on gains made by the Embassy. He cited progress in advancing infrastructural development, capacity building, green recovery, and sustainable development objectives.For his part, Vice President Jallow commended His Excellency President Adama Barrow for authorising his participation in the forum on behalf of The Gambia. VP Jallow also praised the Embassy staff for their dedication to strengthening Gambia-China relations.The meeting was also aimed at preparing the Vice President and his delegation for the next phase of engagements in China.

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