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President Barrow To Attend the 16th AU Extraordinary Summit

The Office of the President informs the general public that His Excellency President Adama Barrow will join fellow African leaders in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, for the 16th Extraordinary Summit of The African Union on terrorism and unconstitutional change of Government in Africa.President Barrow and his delegation will depart from the Banjul International Airport on Thursday, 26th May 2022 at 10:00 AM.The summit, which will be held from the 25th to the 28th of May, will seek to draw a continental agenda to prevent and counter the scourges of terrorism and the unconstitutional means of change of government on the continent.The summit is preceded by sessions by heads of various security and intelligence units from countries around the continent. President Barrow will proceed on a two-day working visit after the Summit. 

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REVISED 2020 AND PROVISIONAL 2021 GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT

The Gross Domestic Product for the year 2021 is estimated at a growth of 4.3 per cent compared to the 2020 revised growth of 0.6 per cent showing an increase of 3.7 per cent. In 2021, GDP at constant market prices is estimated at GMD 64.8 billion compared to the revised estimate of GMD 62.1 billion in 2020. This increase is mainly attributed to the recovery from the negative effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in an increase in the economic activities in industries within the Agriculture, Industry, and Services sectors.GDP at current market prices is estimated at GMD 104.9 billion in 2021 compared to the revised estimate of GMD 93.3 billion in 2020. GDP per capita is GMD 44,696 which is equivalent to US$ 867 in 2021 as opposed to GMD 40,936 which is equivalent to US$ 802 in 2020. The Services sector continues to be the major contributor to GDP with a share of 57.5 per cent followed by the Agriculture sector with a share of 24.1 per cent and the Industry sector with a share of 18.4 per cent.For the year under review 2021, the Agriculture sector is estimated at a growth of 4.7 per cent compared to the revised growth of 10.6 per cent in 2020 showing a decline of 5.9 per cent. This decline is mainly attributed to the decrease in the production activities of Crop registering a growth of -9.1 per cent and Livestock registering a growth of -9.6 per cent.The Industry sector registered a growth of 10.4 per cent in 2021, which is 2.2 per cent more than the revised growth rate in 2020. The increase in growth in this sector is as a result of an increase in the economic activities of Construction registering a growth of 20.5 per cent and Electricity supply registering a growth of 7.0 per cent.The Services sector is estimated at a growth of 1.9 per cent in 2021 as against the revised growth of -5.0 per cent in 2020 showing an increase of 6.9 per cent. This increase is mainly attributed to the recovery from the negative effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic which increased the economic activities in Arts, entertainment and recreation with a growth of 33.7 per cent; Accommodation and food service activities with a growth of 20.2 per cent; Finance and insurance activities with a growth of 6.5 per cent; and Other service activities with a growth of 6.4 per cent.GDP BY EXPENDITUREGDP by expenditure at current market prices shows that Final consumption expenditure which is an aggregate of consumption expenditures of households, general government, and non-profit institutions serving households is estimated at GMD 102.7 billion in 2021 with a growth of 2.3 per cent, accounting for 96.5 per cent of GDP; compared to the revised estimate of GMD 90.3 billion in 2020 registering a growth of 1.5 per cent,  accounting for 95.9 per cent of GDP.  Gross fixed capital formation which constitutes expenditures on construction, machinery and equipment, and cultivated assets is estimated at GMD 34.1 billion in 2021 with a growth of      -2.3 per cent compared to the revised estimate of GMD 30.2 billion in 2020 with a growth of 44.1 per cent. Gross fixed capital formation accounted for 32.1 per cent of GDP both in 2020 and 2021.Finally, the Trade Balance which is the difference between exports and imports of goods and services contributed -27.9 per cent and -28.6 per cent to GDP in 2020 and 2021 respectively. However, the Trade Balance registered a growth of -11.6 percent in 2021 compared to the revised growth of 81.8 per cent in 2020.  

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Police clamp down on foreign commercial drivers

The Gambia Police Force has announced it embarked on measures to clamp down on the use of commercial vehicles by foreign nationals and the use of private vehicles for commercial purposes on public roads. The Police said in its Poliso magazine that the move is meant to curb road traffic accidents. The exercise that began a week ago, also saw the Police impound tricycles used as commercial vehicles. The police say the situation of the commercial tricycles is being reassessed in line with the Motor Traffic Act and Regulations. Commercial tricycle users and operators have called on the authorities to allow the much-needed means of transport back on the roads.

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African Liberation Day Declared Public Holiday

The Office of the President informs the general public that His Excellency, President Adama Barrow has declared Wednesday 25th May 2022, a Public Holiday throughout the country, in commemoration of the African Liberation Day.

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Fire Destroys large part of Fajikunda Health centre

A fire outbreak on Friday evening destroyed a large part of the fajikunda health Centre leaving several key units unrecognised. The units include the reproductive, child health, public health office, the pharmacy, and the vaccine storage room, causing huge disruption to service delivery at one of the busiest health facilities in Kanifing Municipality. Ramatoulie Camara, the Officer in Charge of the Health Centre says the incident paralyses services at the health facility. She paid tribute to the residents of Fajikunda who helped to put out the fire. Alhagie Sankareh, the Regional Health Director for Western One Region, who visited the scene, said the incident affected what he described as the nucleus of the facility.  The cause has not been established yet.

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Consultation on the Victims Reparations Bill in progress

A three-day National CSO/Victims Consultation on the Victims Reparations Bill organised by the Ministry of Justice in partnership with the American Bar Association’s Rule of Law Initiative is underway. The consultation is centred on formulating a representative and inclusive draft reparations bill to present to the government as it finalises the white paper for the implementation of the TRRC recommendations.Solicitor General Hussein Thomasi said the Gambia government and people have resolved to improve the country's human rights situation, the constitutional, legal, and institutional framework. Ismene Zarifis of the American Bar Association assured her association’s support to the Gambia’s justice sector in pursuing justice and accountability.  The Chairman of the Victims Centre Sheriff M. Kijera, said the TRRC reparations program does not adequately address remedial pathways to cater for long-term medical assistance and psycho-social rehabilitation for victims. He said the financial compensation on its own is not enough, and that long-term medical and livelihood supports are essential components of the government's reparations program. Mr. Kijera said victims felt that measures taken by TRRC were inadequate and recommend a post-TRRC reparations committee that would include victims.

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Accused Kerr Mot Ali arsonists remanded in custody

Fourteen men, Omar John, Ali Ceesay, Abdou Mbye, Ali Secka, Ali Ceesay, Musa Mbye, Haddim Ceesay, Mod Talla Secka, Modou Habib Secka, Abdoulie Sowe, Batch Samba, Modou Habib Secka, Sheikh Sey and Mustapha Ceesay are jointly charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit felony and Arson at Kerr Mot Ali the May this year.All fourteen are said to have conspired to commit a felony with Arson and willfully and unlawfully set fire and burned the houses of Musa Secka, Lamin Sowe, and Alagie Ousman Secka to ashes at Kerr Mot Ali. All accused persons pleaded not guilty on both counts as they appear before magistrate Sainey Joof at the Bansang Magistrate court. The prosecution applied for the case to be transferred to the high court and the accused remanded in custody, citing that the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the case in accordance with the special criminal code. The case was transferred to the high court and all accused persons were remanded in custody.

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Minister for Basic and Secondary Education tours schools

In her first official outing since re-appointment as the Minister for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Claudiana A Cole embarked on a familiarisation visit to several schools. The schools include New Jeshwang (Kandiba) Lower Basic School, Latrikunda Sabiji Upper Basic, Senior Secondary School, and Muslim High School in Brusubi. The visit accorded her the opportunity to see for herself current ongoing projects the sector is embarking on. At New Jeshwang LBS she saw the construction of twenty-four classroom and twelve office block funded by the MRC Holland Foundation. The construction when complete will accommodate more than 2000 pupils. The Minister then toured the Latrikunda Sabiji UBS and SSS where a magnificent 24 classroom facility was recently handed over to the school after laying the foundation stone one year ago. The 24 classroom block has 6 offices with rams that catered for the differently able persons. In addition to the classrooms, twenty-two toilets were built for the 2688 students and staff of the two schools combined. The Minister and her team also went to the New Muslim High School in Brusubi. The school was relocated from Banjul to Brusubi in the 2021/2022 academic year due to its close location to the Ports and the terrible conditions of the structures. The new Muslim High School in Brusubi is a State-of-the-art facility that has 24 classrooms and 16 toilets and accommodates 1611 students including the Arab section. The familiarization tour gave the Minister the opportunity to meet and discuss with school heads who shared with her some of the challenges the schools face and appealed to her office to help in addressing them. Honourable Cole assured them of her Ministry's commitment to ensuring that the needs of the schools are met.

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SIX MONTHS ON, GUNJUR STILL MOURNS MISSING MIGRANT BOAT

Family members of close to 200 migrants still lived in a perpetual state of anxiety, trauma, and uncertainty as the boat carrying their relatives is still missing. Spain-bound migrant boat left the shores of Gunjur on the 8th of November 2021 for a journey that is supposed to last not more than 15 days, but   222 days and still counting, their whereabouts are still unclear. Over 30 of the hundred-plus migrants are all natives of Gunjur in Kombo South of the West Coast Region, a community that has recently become the epicentre of the perilous journey. Without any information on their fate, this is already a tragedy for Gunjur and the family members of the rest of the migrants in other parts of the Gambia and Senegal.Family members are deeply concerned about the fate of the migrants. “Even if they are dead, we just want to know what happened to our relatives”, Mba-Fatou a mother of one of the migrants said. “Our situation is worse than losing a loved one. We are totally traumatised, and I find it difficult to sleep at night. We want the government to help us know the situation of this boat” she added. The migrants on board were mainly from within the West Coast and the Lower River Region of the Gambia and other parts of Senegal.Family members are desperately waiting for news about their loved ones so much so that they take every piece of information seriously. Since the incident occurred, several reports circulated on social media indicating that the missing migrants were intercepted and detained in Mauritania. Upon receiving those unconfirmed reports, Kebba K. Barrow the National Assembly member for Kombo South said they engaged the Foreign Affairs Ministry to follow up on the issue. Mr. Barrow said that the Foreign Affairs Ministry had engaged the Mauritanian authorities on the information but were told that those detainees are none Gambians. 

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Police Trained on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

Police investigators of the Gambia Police Force are being trained on sexual and gender-based violence. The nine-day programme is expected to equip police investigators and operatives with the skill in delivering quality service in dealing with SGBV cases. The training is rolled by GIZ with support from Police Programme Africa.

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Police track and seize counterfeited number plates

The Mobile Traffic Unit has confiscated over 100 counterfeited motor-vehicle number plates. The police say the suspects unlawfully changed private number plates to commercial plates. The suspects on their own accord applied yellow paint on private number plates, without formally applying for a change of class of the vehicle registration. The assistant police Public Relations Officer Inspector Alieu Jamanka said the suspects have already been charged, and are awaiting trial.

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Government to Release White Paper on TRRC Recommendations

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice Honourable Dawda Jallow has disclosed that Cabinet's conclusions on the Government’s stance on all the recommendations in the TRRC report will be released on Wednesday 25th May 2022. Mr. Jallow’s comments follow a cabinet review of the draft White Paper developed to look into the recommendations of the Truth Reconciliation and Reparations Commission's (TRRC) report.  

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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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