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Gambia allocated Nine hundred and five for hajj 2022

The National Hajj Commission has announced that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has approved Hajj for International Pilgrims this year but with limitations.  In a press release, the commission stated that the quota allocated to the Gambia is nine hundred and five (905) pilgrims. The commission advises intending pilgrims who paid a deposit to contact their agents for necessary advice and guidance as soon as possible. Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the Saudi authorities restrict intending pilgrims over the age of sixty-five from traveling. Intending pilgrims are also required to produce a COVID 19 and yellow fever vaccination cards. A negative PCR test within72 hours before arrival to the Kingdom is also a requirement. 

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THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH STRIVES TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE

The ministry of health on Thursday inaugurated the board of directors of the national health insurance scheme authority. The board is headed by Doctor Melville O. George. Speaking at the event the minister for health doctor Ahmadou Lamin Samateh said this move is long conceived by the government. The scheme is set to pay for the health services bills of a person who receives health care within the minimum benefit package from a health care services provider contracted under the scheme among other vital areas.  The health minister said this has been a key priority of the Barrow government. The National Health Insurance Scheme Bill 2021 has been passed by the National Assembly. The Scheme if available, will reduce out-of-pocket expenditure on the health of communities.  Authorities say the World Bank and the Gambia government will put the needful in place for the successful implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme  

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Dembo Santang Bojang passes away

The death has been announced of the Head Alkalo of Brikama, Dembo Santang Bojang. The late Alkalo, a former Police Chief, has also served as the Chief of Kombo Central. May his soul rest in peace.

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President Barrow appoints new cabinet

Press Release: Appointment of New Cabinet May 4th, 2022 The public is hereby informed that his Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of the Gambia, acting under sections 70 (5) (a) and 71(4) (b) of the Republic of the Gambia, hereby relieves Her Excellency the Vice President and all ministers in the cabinet from their positions with immediate effect. His Excellency the president thanks them for their service to the nation and wishes them the best in their future endeavors. The public is further informed that His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of the Gambia acting on under sections 70(3) and 71 (3) of the constitution of the Republic of the Gambia is pleased to make the following appointments to his cabinet, with effect from Wednesday 4th of May 2022. 1. Vice president   Mr. Badara Alieu Joof2. Attorney General and Minister of Justice  Mr. Dawda A. Jallow 3. Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad Dr. Mamadou Tangara4. Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Mr. Seedy Keita5. Minister of Defence   Serign Modou Njie 6. Minister of Interior    Mr. Seyaka Sonko 7. Minister of Tourism and Culture   Mr. Hamat N.K Bah 8. Minister of Lands and Regional Government and Religious Affairs Mr. Abba Sanyang 9. Minister of Agriculture     Dr. Demba Sabally10. Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure Mr. Ebrima Sillah11. Minister of Health    Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh 12. Minister of Basic and Secondary Education   Mrs. Claudiana Cole 13. Minister of Gender Children and Social Welfare   Mrs. Fatou Kinteh 14. Minister of Petroleum and Energy Mr. Abdoulie Jobe 15. Minister of Fisheries and Water Resources   Mr. Musa S. Drammeh 16. Minister of Higher Education Research Science and Technology Prof Pierre Gomez17. Minister of Environment Climate Change and Natural Resources Rohey John Manjang18.  Minister of Youth and Sports Mr. Bakary Badgie Honourable Seedy Keita will continue to oversee the ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment until the formalisation of the appointment of the minister-designate. His Excellency the President acting under section 71 (1) of the constitution has created a new ministerial portfolio in charge of the public service, administrative reform, policy coordination, and delivery. The new minister of the public service, administrative reform, policy coordination, and delivery will have general oversight over the public service and shall work towards the formulation of policy geared towards institutionalising a culture of discipline, excellence, and accountability in the public service. Furthermore, the minister shall continuously review the inner workings of the administrative machinery of the government and make proposals for reform to reduce inefficiency and increase output. Finally, the minister shall be charged with developing frameworks for monitoring the implementation of government policy and for ensuring effective communication and horizontal coordination between ministries. Accordingly, and acting under section 71 (3) of the constitution of the Republic of the Gambia, his Excellency, the President is pleased to appoint Mr. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof as minister in charge of the Public Service, administrative reform, policy coordination, and delivery with effect from the 4th of May 2022. In light of the new changes, His Excellency the President hereby makes the following administrative changes to the public service and the office of the president. 1. With effect from the 4th of May 2022, the Secretary-General and Head of the civil service shall be the titular head of the personnel Management Office with the sole mandate of supervising the civil service and answerable to the minister. His Excellency the President is pleased to appoint Mrs. Salimata E.T Touray as Secretary-General and Head of the Civil Service in accordance with section 168 subsection 1 of the constitution of the Republic of the Gambia, 1997. 2. Furthermore, the role of the Secretary-General as the administrative head of the office of the president shall be taken over by the Chief of Staff who shall be appointed by the President. His Excellency is therefore pleased to appoint Mr. Mod Ceesay as Chief of Staff. All correspondences for the President shall henceforth be addressed to the chief of staff. 3. Furthermore, his Excellency, the president has decided to decouple the ministry of information and communication infrastructure (MoICI) into two separate ministries namely (!) Ministry of Information and Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy. The existing departments and their manpower under the old MoICI will now stand as sector-specific departments. In this regard:1) The Department of Information Services will now serve as the technical arm of the government charged with the implementation of policy initiatives for visibility, public relations, and access to information under the new ministry of information. Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS) will continue to be the media conduit for the dissemination of information and public programming. 2) The Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) under the old MoICI will be transformed into a stand-alone department under the new ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, with the primary objective of increasing internet access and driving innovation geared towards unlocking new pathways for rapid economic growth, innovation, job creation, and technological advancement. These departmental structures already exist under the old MoICI with the necessary manpower, and under separate budget headings. Accordingly, and acting under section 71 (3) of the constitution of the Republic of the Gambia, His Excellency the President is pleased to appoint Lamin Queen Jammeh as Minister of Information. Honourable Ebrima Sillah will continue to oversee the new Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy until the formalisation of the appointment of the minister-designate.  

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The composition of President Barrow's new cabinet will be disclosed in a special GRTS broadcast at 6pm today.

The composition of President Barrow's new cabinet will be disclosed in a special GRTS broadcast at 6pm today.

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UK Human Rights Ambassador Hails Gambia’s Successful Democratic Transition

The British Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French was on Wednesday at statehouse to discuss with President Adama Barrow the Gambia's human rights situation. Ambassador French lauded the government's commitment to respect for the rights of the people and the promotion of democracy in The Gambia. She praised The Gambia’s successful transition to democratic governance since 2017 and noted noted the vibrancy of civil society organisations.

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Basse Market dispute resolved

Basse area council has announced that the controversy surrounding the Basse Market has been resolved. The council said the resolution of the dispute came after successful GALGA mediation. It could be recalled that a dispute erupted between the office of the Governor and the Area Council over over who should manage the newly built Basse market following its commissioning by President Adama Barrow.

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Bwiam General Hospital Successfully carries out Caesarean Delivery of triplets

A twenty year old woman from Senegal successfully gave birth to triplets at the Maternity Department/Theatre of Bwiam General hospital. The hospital announced the good news on its social media handle. The babies all female weighing 1.7kg, 1.9kg and 1.8kg it said were delivered through Successful Caesarean despite mother being anaemic, and transfused with 2 pints of whole blood. Dr. David Demba and team carried out the successful surgery. Mother and Babies are stable at the postnatal ward. Bwiam General Hospital, attracts large number of patients beyond its catchment area and across the borders daily.

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Police to deploy more officers on the roads

The Gambia police force say  new measures to avert the increasing road accidents will be introduced with immediate effect. The police said in a statement that  more boots will be deployed on the roads to enforce traffic rules and regulations. An Accident Response Squad and regular Highway Patrols will also be introduced. The police warned motorists to desist from flouting traffic rules and regulations

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World Food Programme launches cash assistance to victims of the cassamance conflict

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) launched cash transfers to assist internally displaced people (IDPs), refugees, and host families in Foni Kansala where conflict in the Senegalese Cassamance region led to cross-border displacement.One thousand two hundred households including approximately 10,000 women, men, and children, are targeted. Each household will be handed 2,330 Gambian Dalasis per month from April to June 2022. This assistance will help conflict-affected families, meet their basic food needs, and replenish destroyed or lost food stocks.Yasuhiro Tsumura, WFP Representative and Country Director in The Gambia said the beneficiaries already suffered from a difficult food security situation due to the poor harvest of last year, the socioeconomic fallout of COVID-19 pandemic, and the rising prices. This assistance comes at a time when the level of food insecurity and malnutrition is already very high in the country. The emergency response is being delivered in coordination with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and The Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCC). Targeted families were identified through a joint assessment conducted by WFP and UN partners in support of the Gambian Government.

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GFF condemns attacks on Gambian referee, and demand swift actions from FIFA and CAF

The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) expresses concern over the sustained verbal attacks launched against the person of FIFA Gambian Referee, Mr. Bakary Papa Gassama, by Algerian nationals. The federation’s reaction came after attacks through the various forms of media on the Gambian referee as a result of Algeria’s 2-1 home defeat to Cameroon which Mr. Gassama officiated. A GFF statement on its social media handle says the Federation has lodged a formal complaint to the Algerian Football Federation on the matter. The GFF also requested that FIFA and CAF open investigations and disciplinary proceedings against the Head Coach of the Algeria National Football Team Mr. Djamel Belmadi for his remarks on a video clip and on an Algerian Television. GFF further demanded that the Algerian federation make a public statement condemning the actions of Mr. Belmadi and all the verbal attacks against Mr. Gassama. 

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President Adama Barrow receives Burkinabe Minister of Foreign Affairs

President Adama Barrow on Monday received a special envoy of the Head of State of Burkina Faso at State House. The Burkinabe Minister of Foreign Affairs Madam Olivia Rouamba was at Statehouse to deliver a special message to The Gambian leader from the Burkinabe leader Lt. Col. Paul Henri-Damiba. Burkina Faso is currently undergoing a transition following the overthrow of former president Marc Roche Kabore earlier this year. The Sub-regional body ECOWAS is leading mediation efforts amongst various political factions in the country to end the crisis. The country is also suspended by the regional bloc until civil order is restored.

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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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