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NHRC condemns police action against civilian

The National Human Rights Commission, The GambiaPRESS RELEASENHRC/PR/ 03112022/001 (001)Unacceptable Police Brutality Against a CivilianThe attention of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has been drawn to a video on social media in which a group of Police Intervention Unit Officers in full riot gears were seen kicking and beating an unarmed, non-threatening civilian with batons all over his body. While the Commission is investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident which it believes occurred yesterday 10th March 2022, it wishes to state in no uncertain terms that no person, in particular law enforcement officers, has the right to torture, beat, injure or harm another regardless of the provocation. The Commission has also contacted the Office of the Inspector General of Police to raise its concerns. The actions of these Police Officers are condemnable, inhumane, degrading and, above all, a flagrant violation of human rights. A Police Officer is not only a guardian of the law but is also expected, as a duty bearer, to respect and protect the human rights of all people, including those who are even suspected of breaking the law. By the adoption in 2020 of the Guidelines on Policing Public Assemblies in The Gambia, the Gambia Police has placed upon itself the obligation to put in place mechanisms and standards for the peaceful management of assemblies and demonstrations. Having a group of officers acting contrary to the spirit of the Guidelines is both disheartening and disturbing. The Commission wishes to reiterate its unequivocal position against impunity and every form of human rights violation. Police brutality has no place in a democratic dispensation. Due process and rule of law are expected to be followed when a person breaks or is suspected of breaking the law. The Commission calls on the Inspector General of Police to immediately identify and bring to book the Police Officers who are in the video assaulting the civilian. They have violated the law and should therefore be punished accordingly. We wish to further remind all law enforcement officers that they have a duty to respect and protect human rights, and that they would be held accountable for any human rights violation committed whether under command or not. As we strengthen our democracy and good governance, we urge everyone to always be law abiding, uphold the rule of law and follow due process when aggrieved. Violence has the potential of disturbing the peace and security of the country and retarding its development. Emmanuel D. JoofChairpersonNational Human Rights Commission

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VP Touray speaks to GRTS

The Vice president Dr Isatou Touray has commended the government for promoting the advancement of girls and women's rights. She described the establishment of the ministry of women gender and social welfare as a symbol of hope that accelerates advocacy and promote issues surrounding the marginalised groups towards national development. Vp Touray made the remarks recently in an interview with GRTS, amid a week of celebrations marking international women's day. She noted the challenges in gender equality in the decision making positions in governance and political spaces. Dr Touray, said women are working on influencing the bill of rights to be included in the constitution of the Gambia and she expressed optimism that it would happen. She encourages women to vy for representation in local government and the national assembly elections in order to close the gender gap.

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PDOIS aspirants file for nomination in Banjul

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.  

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Methodist clergy visit President Barrow

A delegation of high ranking Methodist clergy, led by the new Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Rev Bannie E.F Manga, was Thursday received at State House. The delegation included Rev Hannah Caroline Faal, Claudiana Cole amongst others. Speaking to reporters after their meeting with the President, Rev Bannie E.F Manga, says the Methodist church of The Gambia is committed to enhancing its existing partnership with government to promote education, health care, and agriculture. Rev Manga spoke of the Methodist Church's efforts in providing social services and teaching the gospel. Rev. Hannah Caroline Faal also expressed immense gratitude to the President for the honor and privilege. 

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IEC rejects Momodou Sabally's nomination

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.  

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V.P Touray speaks on voluntary repatriation of Gambian migrants

The Vice president Dr. Isatou Touray has admitted that voluntary repatriation of Gambian migrants was taking place in a more humanitarian context, since the coming of President Adama Barrow. She explained that young Gambians including women were massively migrating for greener pastures mainly due to economic reasons and fear of persecution due to an authoritarian regime. Dr. Isatou Touray was responding to questions raised by Spanish journalist Pilar Requena, TVE Spanish Public Television in an interview at her office. The Office of the Vice president is the chair for the national coordinating mechanism for migration which comprises relevant stakeholders, working with international development partners in facilitating safe returns of Gambian migrants and migration issues as well as policy formulation for government. The Vice president further explained strategies that are being implemented to assist returnees better integrate while citing stigma from society as a huge challenge. 

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Bottrop reacts to expulsion and asks for proofs

Bottrop senior secondary school has strongly rejected the decision of the Gambia Secondary School Sports Association (GSSSA) to ban them from this year’s National championship. GSSSA recently expelled Bottrop and over a dozen other schools for cheating in the regional championships. Mr. Martin Gomez, Principle of Bottrop and life President of GSSSA challenged the governing body to provide proof that his school used an ineligible athlete. The student being queried, Mr Gomez said was enrolled using his WAEC exam results of 2019 from Presentation of Mary Basic Cycle and was since a student of Bottrop. As time was running out, Mr. Gomez called on GSSSA to reinstate his school, failing which he said, the school would seek justice.  The fifth time champions also felt that the school was unfairly targeted due to its unprecedented success in the athletics championship. Mr. Fa Kebba Saine, sports master at Bottrop, accused the Secretary General of GSSSA of unfairly targeting Bottrop on a number of occasions. He cited examples in the secondary school football competitions when he claimed Bottrop was disqualified on two occasions for unjustifiable reasons.

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TIKA donates equipment to National Beekeepers Association

The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) Wednesday donated an assortment of beekeeping equipment to the National Beekeepers Association of the Gambia. The items were handed over to the Ministry of environment at the National Beekeepers Association’s office at the Brikama Nyambai Forest. The Minister of Environment Climate Change and National Resources Lamin B Dibba said the gesture is part of series of supports from Turkey.  The Turkish Ambassador to The Gambia H. E Tolga Bermek said the support is meant to improve the economic status of individuals amidst the impact of covid-19.  The TIKA Country Coordinator Mehmet Akif Eyigun said the initiative would build the capacity of beekeepers and beekeeping communities. Director of Forestry Muhammed Jaiteh spoke on the importance of the need to support honey production as well as protecting the environment. The EBA Project Manager Dr. Malanding Jaiteh said the gesture will complement their project objectives on ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change. Musa Gibba of the National Beekeepers Association thanked the donors for the support.

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Energy Ministry validates Feasibility Study Report on Waste to Energy Project in the Gambia

The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy Wednesday validated the Feasibility Study Report on Waste to Energy Project in the Gambia at a daylong forum in Kotu. The feasibility study is meant to reduce environmental pollution and its impacts on society. The Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, Oulaye Camara spoke on the importance of the project noting that, energy is a catalyst to sustainable development. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing a clean energy supply across the country. Energy officials say the project would provide a safe and technologically advanced means of waste disposal that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

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NaNA implements training for Mothers Support group

A Three-day training for Mothers Support Group on Basic Nutrition and Screening is underway at FajiKunda Bajonkoto in the Kanifing Municipality. The training funded by UNICEF is being implemented by the National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) in partnership with the Health Directorate Western One of the Ministry of Health. The forum brought together twenty-three (23) participants from acrossFajiKunda Bajonkoto. NaNA Program Manager AlieuKujabie said the training is intended to build the capacity of participants on basic nutrition and active screening for early detection of malnutrition among infants. He said urban malnutrition is on the rise amongst children under-five. The Senior Program Officer, NaNA Musa Dahaba said mothers support Groups are important in raising awareness on exclusive breast and complementary feeding for infants. The Regional Nutrition Field Coordinator at NaNA BubaJatta noted that the initiative is meant to promote urban malnutrition using the baby-friendly initiative (BFCI). Fatou Njie a registered nurse at FajiKunda Hospital said the training would help to promote behavioral change towards the health of women and children.  The president of FajiKunda Bajonkoto mothers support group Jainaba Jarju lauded the initiative.

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Five NPP, One Independent Aspirant File Nomination Bid For NA Election

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.

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President Barrow receives Chinese Ambassador

President Adama Barrow Wednesday received in audience the ambassador of the People's Republic of China H.E Ma JIANCHUN. The two sides discussed the state of bilateral relations between Banjul and Beijing. As we hear in this report by Momodou Jallow the two sides also agreed to further enhance the Economic Technical Cooperation agreement signed between the two countriesThe ambassador, said China-Gambia relations have significantly improved in the last five years, with the two countries cooperating in diverse fields. Therefore the meeting provided the opportunity for the two sides to discuss the next steps, in line with China's global vision for an all inclusive approach to developmentAmbassador Ma also disclosed that the two countries have agreed to enhance what he called the pragmatic economic development strategy signed between the Gambia and China which provides D1.2 Billion in funding for various projects across the country He finally expressed hope that the cooperation and friendship between The Gambia and The People's Republic of China will continue to grow from strength to strength in the future.

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Latest Updates

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AUB Director General Meets GRTS and Top Government Officials Ahead of AUB Assembly In Banjul

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.

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The Gambia's Environment Minister Designated Co-Chair of the Global Goal on Adaptation

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.

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Gambia's Environment Minister Calls for Climate Finance Access as COP30 Opens in Belém, Brazil

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.

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“Adaptation Is No Longer Optional”: Gambia Calls for Fair Climate Finance at COP30

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.

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Gambia's Rohey John Manjang Advocates for Equitable Food Systems and Climate Action at COP30

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.

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ECOWAS and Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Address Extremism in West Africa

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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