AGP Executive Report

Commonwealth Games in Glasgow: Team Gambia has arrived in Scotland for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with the opening ceremony set for 6pm on July 24 at the OVO Hydro and competition running July 23 to Aug 2 across 10 sports. Democratic governance: President Adama Barrow opened The Gambia’s first Tripartite Conference on the Commonwealth Latimer House Principles, bringing together the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary to strengthen constitutional governance, rule of law, and cooperation, with plans for a national action plan and tripartite communiqué. Security and sovereignty: The Gambia is strengthening its national security framework through UN Security Council Resolution 1540 implementation, while officials stress a whole-of-government approach to counter illicit trafficking and proliferation. Health and rights: A stakeholder forum discussed enactment of the Mental Health Bill, with calls for real funding, trained staff, medicines, and community outreach beyond the main hospital. Social protection: Urban expansion of the Nafa cash transfer programme is underway, reaching over 4,000 vulnerable households with electronic payments via Q-Money. Migration tragedy: UNHCR reports nearly 150 migrants feared dead or missing after maritime disasters off Mauritania, including a voyage that departed The Gambia and left 143 missing after 25 days at sea. Creative industry push: NCAC hosted artists and partners to boost The Gambia’s creative sector, with government urging young creatives to use music and the arts to project national heritage. Sports grassroots: Kerewan Samba Sira nawettan kicks off with prizes including D100,000 for winners, supported by ActionAid under a peace-building youth inclusion effort.

Public Health & Waste: A sanitation official warned that the rainy season can quickly turn into a public health crisis if drains stay blocked and waste bins overflow, urging households to separate biodegradable waste, stop dumping in drains and wetlands, and pushing councils to improve collection to prevent flooding and mosquito-borne disease. U.S. Visa Services Shift: The U.S. Embassy in Banjul will stop routine visa processing from 1 August 2026, directing applicants to apply through the Embassy in Dakar, while existing appointments before the deadline will still be honoured. Gambia–Senegal Border Fallout: Farmers along the Gambia–Senegal boundary say they are abandoning prepared fields due to fears of military activity and uncertainty after the Bullock border fence demolition incident. Judiciary Farewell: The Law Society and Bar Association paid tribute to Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow ahead of his retirement on 1 August, praising his defence of judicial independence. Audit & Accountability: The National Audit Office flagged unbudgeted D62.56m expenditure and disclosed the government owes over D8.5bn in unpaid subscribed capital contributions. Migration Tragedy: UNHCR reported 144 migrants dead or missing after a boat incident off Mauritania, including a vessel linked to departures from The Gambia. Sports: GNOC provided about D800,000 to the Gambia para-basketball team, but it failed to qualify for the Commonwealth Games.

Border Tension and Food Security: Farmers in West Coast and Central River regions are abandoning prepared fields along the Gambia–Senegal border, fearing military activity and uncertainty after the July Bulock fence demolition, leaving communities “in limbo” and threatening harvests. Judicial Independence in Focus: The Law Society and Bar Association, along with judges and magistrates, paid tribute to Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow at his farewell ceremony ahead of his August 1 retirement, praising his defence of judicial independence. Public Finance Under Scrutiny: The National Audit Office flagged unbudgeted D62.56m spending by the Department of Geology and said government owes over D8.5bn in unpaid subscribed capital contributions, urging investigations and stronger controls. Migration Tragedy: UN agencies report 144 migrants dead or missing after a boat from The Gambia drifted for 25 days off Mauritania; 38 were rescued, underscoring the deadly Atlantic route. Legal Win for Government: The Gambia secured a landmark ICSID annulment of a $33.2m compensation award, avoiding more than $32m exposure. Governance and Accountability Push: UNDP and AfDB launched the $803,520 BRIDGE project to strengthen inclusive, transparent governance and boost women’s participation. Banjul Environment Alert: Mayor Lowe warned sand mining is accelerating coastal erosion and flooding risks, calling for stricter, transparent permit regulation.

Border Tension Watch: Gambian soldiers at Darsilami were put on high alert after rumours Senegalese forces planned action at the post, following the Bulock Military Border Post fence demolition that has sparked fresh fears along the Gambia–Senegal line. Judiciary Milestone: Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow marked his retirement after nearly 50 years in public service, with a farewell ceremony honouring his role in the country’s justice system. Migration Tragedy: UNHCR says 144 refugees and migrants are dead or missing after boats off Mauritania, including a vessel that left The Gambia for Spain’s Canary Islands and was adrift for nearly 25 days before rescue left only 38 survivors. Sports & Youth: GNOC will celebrate Gambia Day in Glasgow during the Commonwealth Games, while Starlets goalkeeper Vivian Shinyonzo says Kenya’s France camp has boosted confidence ahead of WAFCON. Regional Energy Push: ECOWAS endorsed the Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic gas pipeline, with The Gambia listed among route countries.

Border Tension Watch: The Bulock Military Post fence demolition by Senegalese forces has sparked fresh concern in The Gambia, with PDOIS calling for a joint boundary commission and demarcation, while the Defence Minister urges restraint and de-escalation and says capacity-building is already underway. Judiciary Milestone: Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow bid farewell after nearly 50 years in public service, urging Gambians to protect judicial independence and uphold the Constitution. Electoral Confidence: The UDP is pressing the IEC to fully reconcile supplementary voter registration figures ahead of December 2026, saying transparency is key to public trust. Migration Tragedy: UNHCR reports 144 refugees and migrants dead or missing after maritime incidents off Mauritania, including a boat that left The Gambia and was stranded for 25 days. ECOWAS Regional Moves: ECOWAS endorsed the Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic gas pipeline and approved new appointments for 2026–2030, including a Gambian judge for the ECOWAS Court. Sports & Youth: GNOC will mark Gambia Day in Glasgow during the Commonwealth Games, while Gambian footballers continue to move abroad, including Abubacarr Ceesay to Finland’s KuPS and Abdoulie Joof to Kenya’s Tusker FC.

Commonwealth Games 2026: Athletes are arriving in Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games, now a smaller event with 10 sports after Victoria, Australia pulled out in 2024; about 3,000 athletes will compete using existing venues, with the city expecting a boost to the local economy. Youth & Agrifood: A two-day Youth-Parliamentary retreat pushed youth-led agrifood systems, with VP Muhammed B.S. Jallow urging a shift from subsistence farming to a modern, profitable sector that creates jobs. Cybersecurity for children’s data: SOS Children’s Villages says nearly half of NGOs have faced cyberattacks and launches a drive to protect children’s and beneficiaries’ information. Border tensions at Bullock: Senior officials praised Gambian soldiers’ restraint after Senegalese troops demolished part of the Bullock camp fence; both governments say they want dialogue, but the incident is raising fresh concern over sovereignty and border management. Justice updates: The State dropped remaining murder charges against former soldier Sanna Manjang, replacing them with assault counts, while police investigate a fatal stabbing of two minors in Tallinding. Sports: GNOC says Team Gambia’s Glasgow delegation grew from 10 to 12 athletes after securing extra quota slots. Health education: Africmed sponsored white coats for 74 UTG medical students.

Gambia–Senegal Border Tension: The Gambia condemned Senegalese troops for demolishing part of a perimeter fence at the Bulock military border post on 16 July without prior consultation, saying it was provocative and unacceptable, while Banjul insists calm is maintained and dialogue is underway through joint military and diplomatic channels. Irregular Migration Crackdown: Gambia Immigration intercepted 43 prospective irregular migrants at Sifoe Village—13 Gambians, 26 Senegalese, plus others—showing continued border security efforts through inter-agency operations. Fatal Violence: Tallinding Police are investigating a fatal stabbing of a 15-year-old by a 16-year-old, who has been arrested and the alleged weapon recovered. Sports & Youth: GNOC says its Commonwealth Games approach targets rankings and personal bests, securing two extra quota slots for Team Gambia; in volleyball, YMCA, Police and Olymp/SK East recorded big wins in the national league. Digital Revenue Push: The Accountant General signed a pact with SUTURA to expand government digital payment access for taxes and fees. Health Education: Africmed sponsored white coats for 74 UTG medical students, marking their induction into professional training.

ECOWAS Summit in Sierra Leone: Vice President Adama Barrow joined other West African leaders at the 69th ECOWAS Authority meeting in Lungi, where leaders are set to discuss peace and security, democratic governance, economic integration, trade, infrastructure and sustainable development. Border tensions, Bulock fence demolition: The Gambia condemned Senegalese troops’ demolition of part of the Bullock border camp fence, saying it was provocative and unacceptable, while insisting security remains calm and that dialogue through existing bilateral channels is underway. Gambia in regional justice talks: The National Judicial Institute and Nigeria’s Shippers’ Council will host an international maritime seminar for judges in Abuja, with chief justices and judges from The Gambia and other countries expected to attend. Commonwealth sports spotlight: The Commonwealth Fencing Federation confirmed 20 countries, including The Gambia, have registered for the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Lagos (Aug 9–14). Migration rescue update: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 216 migrants in two operations; survivors said a boat left Banjul for the Canaries but suffered mechanical failure and ran out of fuel. Local legal development: In Banjul, the High Court allowed amendments in the Sanna Manjang case, narrowing it to assault charges tied to witnesses.

Border Tensions: The Gambia condemned Senegalese troops’ demolition of part of the Bulock military camp fence, calling it “profoundly provocative and totally unacceptable,” while saying security remains calm and dialogue is underway through bilateral channels. Court Update: In Banjul, the High Court allowed prosecutors to amend the charges against alleged Junglers member Sanna Manjang, dropping murder-related allegations and narrowing the case to two assault charges tied to witnesses. Migration Rescue: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 216 migrants in two operations; survivors said a boat left Banjul for the Canaries but suffered mechanical failure and ran out of fuel, with more than 120 still missing. Mental Health & Inclusion: A disability inclusion column highlights that mental health stigma and lack of services are major barriers for people with psychosocial disabilities, urging schools and communities to treat mental health as part of inclusion. Local Justice: A Western Union cashier testified in a robbery trial, describing how the accused tied her hands, covered her eyes, threatened her with a knife, and escaped with D55,849. Sports: Commonwealth Fencing Federation confirmed 20 countries, including The Gambia, for the 2026 Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Lagos (Aug. 9–14).

Election Safety & Hate Speech: A viral UDP supporter video urges burning the IEC, rejecting 2026 results and calling for violence, raising fresh alarm ahead of the presidential vote. Border Tensions: The Gambia condemns Senegal’s demolition of part of the Bulock military camp border fence, calling it provocative and saying talks are underway via existing bilateral channels. Regional Security: ECOWAS commissioned the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre and an ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi, boosting regional preparedness and emergency response. Justice Update: In the High Court in Banjul, charges against Sanna Manjang were amended, dropping murder-related allegations and narrowing the case to assault charges. Agriculture & Livelihoods: Government says it will pay groundnut farmers directly after delays by cooperative marketing societies, while a union also buys borehole drilling machines to support year-round farming. Energy & Economy: The Petroleum Commission reports over US$1m earned from upstream activities in 2025, and Wave Gambia highlights continued gains in financial inclusion.

Border Tensions: The Gambia government condemned the demolition of a section of the border fence at the Bulock Military Border involving Senegalese forces, calling it provocative but saying the security situation is calm and dialogue is underway through existing bilateral channels. Courts & Justice: At the High Court in Banjul, the prosecution was allowed to amend charges against former Jungler member Sanna Manjang, narrowing the case to two assault charges after murder-related allegations were removed. Crime in Focus: A cashier at a Western Union bureau testified that a robber tied her hands, covered her eyes, threatened her with a knife, and escaped with D55,849. Economy & Finance: Wave Gambia says mobile money is driving record financial inclusion, while the Petroleum Commission reported earning over US$1m from upstream activities in 2025. Agriculture & Food Security: Government says it will pay groundnut farmers directly after delays by cooperative marketing societies, following verification. Youth & Jobs: VP Jallow urged youth-led agrifood transformation and investment, citing that over 60% of Gambians are under 25. Sports: The Gambia Premier League interim board was inaugurated, and Berewuleng FC will represent the country at CAF/WAFU Zone A women’s qualifiers.

Banking & Awards: Access Bank Plc says it won 16 Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026, including “Best Bank” recognition in The Gambia, as it highlights progress in digital banking, SME support, sustainable finance and customer experience. Court Update: In Banjul, the High Court allowed prosecutors to amend the charges against Sanna Manjang, dropping murder-related allegations and narrowing the case to two assault charges tied to witnesses who testified. Youth & Agriculture: Hon. Sulayman Jammeh told youth at an agrifood systems retreat that young people must lead transformation, calling for innovation, climate-smart farming, digital tools and better access to finance. Border Tensions: The Gambia government condemned the demolition of part of the Bulock military camp border fence by Senegalese forces, saying it was done without consultation and will be handled through dialogue and bilateral mechanisms. Finance & Inclusion: Wave Gambia says mobile money is driving financial inclusion, citing a rise in formal inclusion to 82% by 2025. Food Security: Government says it will pay groundnut farmers directly after delays by some cooperative marketing societies, while verification is ongoing.

Border Tensions: The Gambia Government condemned the demolition of part of the Bulock military camp border fence by Senegalese forces, calling it provocative and unacceptable, while saying security is calm and dialogue is underway through existing joint mechanisms. Judicial Cooperation: The Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the National Judicial Institute will host an 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges in Abuja (22–24 July), with Chief Justices and judges from The Gambia and other countries expected to discuss maritime law and dispute adjudication. Sports Focus: Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama urged football authorities to persuade Carlos Queiroz to stay as Black Stars coach and called for immediate preparations for the 2030 World Cup after Ghana’s 2026 campaign. Local Football: The Gambia Premier League’s interim governing board was inaugurated, aiming to guide the transition to a fully professional top-flight league. Human Rights & Justice: The NHRC urged police to investigate all reported unlawful killings, citing concerns in its 2025 State of Human Rights Report, including allegations of excessive force. Court Update: A Banjul High Court heard eyewitness testimony in the Yunusa Mbaye murder trial, as the prosecution called further witnesses. Digital Finance: A report highlights Wave Gambia’s role in driving financial inclusion, with formal inclusion rising sharply in recent survey findings. Religion & Community: In Banjul, Imam Ratib welcomed Pakistani scholar Shaikh Asad Madni in a major gathering focused on Islamic unity and teachings.

ECOWAS Connectivity: Liberia has launched free roaming with Ghana, Sierra Leone and The Gambia under ECOWAS’ Free Roaming initiative, letting users keep calling on Liberian numbers at domestic rates and receive incoming calls without roaming charges. Diplomatic Reset: Nigeria and The Gambia agreed to revive the Nigeria–Gambia Joint Commission to deepen cooperation in key sectors, with talks held on the sidelines of the ECOWAS mid-year summit in Freetown. TRRC Accountability: The NHRC says TRRC implementation remains slow: only 48 of 263 government commitments are fully implemented, with progress described as incremental. Public Finance Watch: Parliament’s PEC reports the government owes SSHFC D816.7m on behalf of NAWEC (2022), flags payment shortfalls, and also raises concerns over irregularities in GIA Hajj imprests. Justice & Rights: NHRC monitoring puts Mile II Central Prison at 784 inmates, with 34.3% on remand—highlighting ongoing detention-system pressure. Power & Safety: Nawec links Greater Banjul and Brikama outages to overloaded feeders, faulty transformers and reduced imports; meanwhile a Bakoteh garage fire destroyed 14 vehicles. Sports Development: GFF launched its maiden CAF-A coaching course, while Gambian players keep moving abroad—Ebrima Colley on loan to Konyaspor and Musa Ceesay set for AFC Leopards.

Social Protection Push: The government has launched the National Social Protection Policy 2026–2035, promising that “no citizen shall be left behind,” with D18.6 billion earmarked for social sectors in the 2026 budget and support expected to include cash transfers, school feeding, health insurance and livelihood help. Constitutional Governance: Lawyer Taal says a Supreme Court ruling on the unlawful removal of former Auditor General Modou Ceesay reinforces that the Executive must follow constitutional safeguards and cannot act on “whims.” Prisons and Rights: A new NHRC prison monitoring report says Mile II Central Prison held 784 people in 2025—515 convicted and 269 on remand—highlighting overcrowding and detention-system concerns. Power and Fire: NAWEC links ongoing Greater Banjul and Brikama outages to overloaded feeders, faulty transformers and reduced imports from Senegal, while a Bakoteh garage fire destroyed 14 vehicles and damaged three others. Tourism Land Rules: Minister Abdoulie Jobe warns against illegal land deals in the tourism zone, clarifying the legal basis and responsibilities around the Tourism Development Area. Football Developments: Gambia’s Ebrima Colley joins Konyaspor on loan; Musa Ceesay is set for AFC Leopards; and the GFF launches a CAF-A coaching course for Gambian trainers. Regional Mobility: Chad announced visa-free entry for all African nationals from 1 January 2027, joining a growing list of African visa-free moves.

Gambia-Indonesia Cooperation: President Barrow’s engagement with Indonesia’s experience is driving a new Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation focus on agriculture and food security, including rice irrigation, mechanisation, training and agro-processing—aimed at cutting Gambia’s dependence on imported food. Human Rights Watch: The NHRC says detention centres are “overcrowded & unsanitary,” with prolonged pre-trial detention, weak healthcare and excessive use of force; it also renewed calls for faster TRRC implementation and a constitutional amendment to abolish the death penalty. Courtroom Update: Defence in a Mecca visas for hajj trial urged the court to strike out the case, arguing for a dismissal after prosecution delays. Police Investigation: Gambia Police arrested 35-year-old Nigerian Audu Williams over the alleged murder of his girlfriend, Esther Tango, after her body was found near Kitty and Siffoe; police say he confessed during interrogation. Local Governance & Justice: Paramount Chief Yahya Jarjusey visited the Chief Justice to discuss district tribunal reforms, including updating the District Tribunals Act and improving staffing and infrastructure. Tourism & Business Skills: ITC-EU-YEP trained 50 Gambians on tourism product development, while IP protection guidance urged startups to secure trademarks and patents to attract investment. International Pressure: A US “third world” travel ban bill lists Gambia among countries targeted for entry restrictions.