AGP Executive Report

Gambia in CAF Football: Three Sierra Leonean officials were assigned roles for the CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU Zone A qualifier in The Gambia, including a general coordinator and assistant/reserve referees—showing how regional tournaments are giving match officials more international exposure. Gambia Sports Spotlight: The race for CAF Women’s Champions League spots is heating up, with WAFU A qualifiers currently in Banjul, The Gambia, and a final set for September 6. Gambia-China Education Ties: The Chinese Embassy in The Gambia held a “Bantaba” for Gambian degree-study students in China, with officials urging students to build skills and return to serve the country as ties mark a 10-year anniversary. Maritime Training (Gambia included): A regional course in Accra (24–28 Aug) trains West and Central African maritime officials—including participants from the Gambia—on seafarer assessment and certification under STCW standards. Fisheries Transparency: The Gambia signed on to the Mombasa Declaration pushing for better vessel and fisheries data transparency, while groups like FiTI and CFT warn implementation will be the real test. Health & Nutrition Research (Gambia named): A global study links nutrition gains to retaining more local catch, highlighting The Gambia among countries with major potential improvements in nutrient intake.

Fisheries Transparency: The Gambia has endorsed the Mombasa Declaration at the Our Ocean Conference, pushing for better vessel data and access to fisheries information—but FiTI and the Coalition for Fisheries Transparency warn that real change will only come with verifiable, stakeholder-led implementation. Health & Nutrition: A new global study on lifetime colorectal cancer risk highlights who is most vulnerable, while another report links nutrient shortfalls in parts of West Africa to how seafood is traded—urging fisheries deals to protect local food and nutrition security. Media & Accountability: CJID has opened submissions for the 2026 Excellence in Journalism Awards, calling for West African reporting that drives accountability, innovation and community-centred stories. Sports (Gambia in the spotlight): Three Sierra Leonean officials are set for CAF Women’s Champions League WAFU Zone A qualifiers in The Gambia, and the WAFU A tournament continues in Banjul. Education & Cooperation: The Chinese Embassy in The Gambia held a Bantaba for Gambian students studying in China, as both sides renew education cooperation. US Visa Policy: The US State Department says immigrant visa appointments were paused worldwide for a consular training initiative, after court challenges to earlier freezes.

Gambia-UK Mobility: The UK Ancestry Visa scheme is open to Commonwealth citizens including Gambians, if they can prove a UK-born grandparent and meet work and financial requirements, offering a five-year stay to live and work. Gambia Politics: UDP marks 30 years in Brikama with calls for unity and accountability, including renewed pressure over unresolved issues tied to Solo Sandeng’s death in detention. Elections Watch: APRC says it will keep its alliance with the governing NPP ahead of the December presidential election, citing continuity and stability. Health & Workplaces: A West Africa survey for World Mosquito Day finds 62% of workers receive no malaria prevention support from employers, including in The Gambia, urging businesses to move from awareness to action. Maritime Security: Ten African countries including The Gambia remain on heightened US port-security restrictions after the US Coast Guard cleared Nigeria off the list. Economy & Debt: A Gambian commentary warns that domestic borrowing and high interest costs could make infrastructure “the debt itself,” urging a serious look at growth versus debt burdens.

Sports & Gambia in Europe: Alasana Manneh has left Hibernian by mutual consent, with the club saying he hasn’t played enough this season. Health: A new survey by the Corporate Alliance on Malaria in Africa finds 62% of West African workers get no workplace malaria prevention support, including in The Gambia, urging employers to move from awareness to real action. Politics & Governance: The UDP marks 30 years, calling for unity and accountability, while APRC says it will keep its alliance with the governing NPP ahead of the December presidential election. Immigration: The UK Ancestry Visa is open to Commonwealth citizens including Gambians, if they can prove a UK-born grandparent and meet work and financial requirements. Maritime security: The US Coast Guard says ten African countries, including The Gambia, remain under heightened port-security restrictions after Nigeria was cleared. International justice: Rohingya refugees mark nine years since the 2017 expulsion from Myanmar, renewing calls for citizenship, justice, and safe return. Economy & debt: A Gambian commentary warns domestic borrowing and high interest costs are making development “expensive” by turning debt into the main infrastructure.

Gambia Politics: A new opinion poll by Gambia Participates puts President Adama Barrow on 51% electability for the 5 December 2026 presidential election, with Ousainu Darboe at 23% and Talib Bensouda at 12%; Barrow leads in most LGAs including Banjul (60%) and Basse (67%), while Darboe tops Mansakonko (46%); the group also denies claims that parties or candidates funded the survey, saying it was financed by the US National Endowment for Democracy. Coalition 2026: Coalition 2026 has formally signed a political alliance, with flag-bearer Talib Bensouda saying it is “game over” for Barrow and promising action against crime, corruption, poverty and tribalism. Local Sports & Youth: Brufut Youth and Sports Development Committee signs a three-year partnership with Africell Gambia worth D294,150 annually, plus jerseys for Nawettan finalists and support for Strasser Field. Football Tragedy: Sibanor United player Modou Kante dies while playing in Casamance, Senegal, with the GFF sending condolences. Public Finance: A commentary warns The Gambia to reform borrowing ahead of debt crowding out development, focusing on the risks of short-term domestic debt. International Spotlight: The UK launches an Ancestry visa route for eligible Commonwealth citizens, including Gambians, allowing up to five years to live and work in the UK.

Gambia Politics: A new Gambia Participates opinion poll puts President Adama Barrow on course for the 5 December 2026 presidential election, with 51% electability versus Ousainu Darboe’s 23% and Talib Bensouda’s 12%, while 11% remain undecided; the poll also shows Barrow leading in most LGAs, including Banjul (60%). Election Integrity: Gambia Participates director Marr Nyang rejected claims that political parties or candidates funded the survey, saying it was financed by the US National Endowment for Democracy (NED). Coalition 2026: Coalition 2026 has signed a Political Alliance Agreement, with Talib Bensouda saying it is “game over” for Barrow and promising action against crime, corruption, poverty and tribalism. Sports & Community: Brufut Youth and Sports Development Committee signed a three-year partnership with Africell Gambia, including D294,150 yearly support, jerseys for Nawettan finalists, free CUG calls for officials, and upgrades to Strasser Field. Football Tragedy: Sibanor United FC player Modou Kante died while playing Nawettan in Casamance, Senegal.

Gambia-Region Watch: A US federal judge in Manhattan has struck down the Trump administration’s immigrant visa suspension covering 75 countries, including The Gambia, saying the policy was “patently unlawful” and exceeded the State Department’s authority—meaning visa processing should resume case-by-case. Football (Gambia link): In Europe, Liverpool are weighing a third move for Gambia winger Yankuba Minteh after Brighton rejected earlier bids; meanwhile, Ghana’s Black Stars are still searching for a new coach after Carlos Queiroz’s short deal ended, with the GFA saying an appointment will be announced before key matches. Local Governance/Religion: President Adama Barrow inaugurated a new mosque in Gunjur, praising the project’s role in boosting spiritual development and community unity. Migration/Sea Safety: Senegal and Mauritania reported interceptions of 750+ migrants heading toward the Canary Islands, with Mauritania noting a rescue of people who departed from Gambia.

US Court Ruling on Visas: A US federal judge in Manhattan struck down the Trump administration’s immigrant visa suspension for nationals of 75 countries, including The Gambia, saying the policy was “patently unlawful” and exceeded the State Department’s authority. Gambia in Focus: The ruling lists The Gambia among affected countries, meaning visa processing for eligible applicants should resume. Football—Gambia Connection: Liverpool’s transfer pursuit of Gambia winger Yankuba Minteh continues after Brighton rejected a second reported £60m bid; Liverpool are also weighing other forward options as they try to replace Mohamed Salah. Local Governance/Community: President Adama Barrow inaugurated a new mosque in Gunjur, with religious leaders and residents attending, as the project was funded by the Presidency. Migration Update: Mauritanian coast guard rescued 315 migrants at sea, including 123 Gambians, after a vessel left The Gambia for Europe.

Immigration & Travel: A US federal judge in Manhattan has struck down the Trump administration’s blanket suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including The Gambia, calling the policy “patently unlawful” and beyond the State Department’s authority—meaning affected families can seek visas again. Local Politics & Faith: President Adama Barrow inaugurated a new mosque in Gunjur, praising peace and unity and marking a long-awaited community project funded by the Presidency. Gambia in Sports: Ghana’s Black Stars coach talks are ongoing, while Gambia’s Yankuba Minteh remains at the centre of big-club transfer chatter—Liverpool’s reported pursuit continues after Brighton rejected another £60m bid, with Minteh also linked to a potential return to action later this year. Regional Migration: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued more than 300 migrants at sea, including 123 Gambians, as the Atlantic route toward Europe remains deadly. Youth & Leadership: NAYCOM Commissioner Joseph Maada Lahai spoke at Liberia’s Model UN conference, urging young leaders to focus on diplomacy, civic responsibility and cooperation.

US Immigration Ruling: A US federal judge in Manhattan struck down a Trump administration policy that suspended immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including The Gambia, calling it “patently unlawful” and beyond the State Department’s authority. Gunjur Mosque: President Adama Barrow inaugurated a new mosque in Gunjur, with prayers led by Imam Alhagie Muhammed Lamin Touray, who urged peace, unity and stability. Liverpool Transfer Watch (Gambia link): Liverpool’s pursuit of Yankuba Minteh continues after Brighton rejected a second reported £60m bid; Minteh is recovering from a right-leg injury and is under contract until 2029. Migration Update: Mauritania’s coastguard rescued 315 migrants at sea, including 123 Gambians, after a boat left The Gambia for Europe. Youth & Diplomacy: NAYCOM Commissioner Joseph Maada Lahai spoke at Liberia’s Model United Nations, urging young leaders toward diplomacy and civic responsibility.

Migration Safety: Mauritania’s coast guard says it rescued 315 migrants at sea off Nouadhibou, including 123 Gambians, after a wooden boat left The Gambia for Europe and drifted in dangerous conditions. Football Transfers (Gambia link): Liverpool’s pursuit of Gambia winger Yankuba Minteh hit another wall as Brighton rejected a second bid—reported around £60m—while valuing him closer to £70m+; Minteh is sidelined with a right-leg injury and could miss about two to three months. Local Crime (Gambia): Police in Banjul arrested a suspect over the death of a woman, according to reports. Sports (Gambia player abroad): Cercle Brugge has signed Gambia forward Abdoulie Manneh on loan for the season, with an option to buy, after his recent scoring form in Sweden. Governance & Revenue (region): The AfDB launched a US$5.3m tax administration project covering The Gambia and five other West African states, aiming to boost domestic revenue systems.

Gambian Football Abroad: Liverpool’s pursuit of Yankuba Minteh hit another wall as Brighton rejected a reported £60m bid after turning down an earlier £50m offer. Brighton want £70m+ for the 22-year-old, who is sidelined with a right-leg injury and expected to miss about eight weeks. Transfer Deadline Pressure: Liverpool say they “definitely” plan to sign players before the window closes, with manager Andoni Iraola admitting the squad is “quite thin” after Mohamed Salah’s departure. Local Relevance: The Gambia’s presence in global sport also shows up in other moves, including Cercle Brugge snapping up Gambia forward Abdoulie Manneh on loan. Migration Update: Mauritania’s coastguard rescued more than 300 migrants, including 40 children, from a boat that set off from The Gambia. Education & Youth: WAEC says 2026 WASSCE digital certificates are now available online for school candidates. Governance & Economy: A new AfDB-backed tax administration project will benefit The Gambia and five other West African countries, aiming to strengthen domestic revenue systems.

Football Transfers (Gambia link): Liverpool’s £50m bid for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh has been rejected, as the clubs remain far apart on valuation. Minteh, a Gambia international, is currently sidelined after right-leg surgery from a pre-season injury and is expected to miss at least two months, while Liverpool continue exploring other wide options including PSG’s Bradley Barcola. Local Sports (Gambia): Gambia coach Jonathon McKinstry says the Scorpions’ AFCON 2027 qualifier opener against Somalia will be played at the Independence Stadium next month, a homecoming he calls special after a long wait. Politics & Alliances: Coalition 2026 is set to sign a political alliance today, bringing together eight parties and movements behind flagbearer Talib Ahmed Bensouda ahead of the December 2026 presidential election. Governance Debate: A councillor in Talinding North, Babucarr Mansally, is urging government to issue diplomatic passports to elected councillors to help them pursue opportunities abroad. Education: WAEC says 2026 WASSCE digital certificates for school candidates are now available online for download via its official platform. Crime (Malta): A campaign has been launched to stop the deportation of Gambian DJ Dollarino from Malta, where he has lived for 18 years. Health (Regional): A study highlights how climate change may affect childhood diarrheal disease risks across Mali, Kenya and The Gambia, with vaccination and access to services helping reduce impacts.

Education & Youth: WAEC says 2026 WASSCE digital certificates for school candidates are now available online via the WAEC Digital Certificate Platform (waec.org), urging students to download/view promptly. Politics & Alliances: Coalition 2026 plans to sign a political alliance today, bringing together eight parties and movements behind flagbearer Talib Ahmed Bensouda, focused on governance, unity and economic revival. Opposition Realignment: Dr Ousman Gajigo’s Patriotic Progressive Alliance (PPA) has dissolved its merger with Gambia For All (GFA) and says it will join the Unite/NUP alliance for the 2026 election. Local Governance: Talinding North councillor Babucarr Mansally calls for diplomatic passports for elected councillors to help them pursue opportunities abroad. Public Safety: Police in Banjul arrested a suspect in the death of Isatou Elizabeth Mendy, 34, after an alleged assault at Oxford Junction. Sports (Gambia abroad): Reports say Liverpool made a £50m bid for Gambia winger Yankuba Minteh, but Brighton rejected it; Minteh is sidelined after leg surgery.

Banjul Crime Update: Police in Banjul arrested a suspect, Ousman Kone, over the death of 34-year-old Isatou Elizabeth Mendy after an alleged assault at Oxford Junction; she was pronounced dead on arrival at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, and the case is ongoing. TRRC Reparations Watch: An explainer looks at what happened to victims after The Gambia’s TRRC work, saying the Gambia Reparations Commission has paid full compensation to 112 victims and disbursed GMD24.8 million, with more approvals in progress. Migration Pressure: A study using Afrobarometer data reports that 68% of Gambians have considered emigrating—highest on the continent—driven mainly by Europe. Sports Development: Festibad Gambia’s badminton push trained PE teachers and community participants across the country, partnering with the Gambia Badminton Association and international badminton bodies. Regional/Global Links: The US says routine visa services in Banjul are being realigned to regional visa hubs from August 1, affecting non-immigrant applicants. Health & Education: A report highlights period poverty’s impact, noting girls in The Gambia may skip school for up to five days each month.

TRRC Victims and Reparations: An explainer looks at what happened to The Gambia’s TRRC victims after hearings ended, noting the Reparations Commission has confirmed 112 victims received full compensation, disbursing GMD24.8 million so far, with about 200 approved for payment. Banjul Death Investigation: Police in Banjul arrested Ousman Kone over the death of 34-year-old Isatou Elizabeth Mendy after an alleged assault at Oxford Junction; she was pronounced dead on arrival at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, and the suspect is in custody while investigations continue. Migration Pressure: A new Afrobarometer study finds very high emigration interest in West Africa, with Gambia standing out at 68% considering leaving and 53% thinking about it “a lot.” Illegal Fishing Diplomacy: China’s refusal to sign the Mombasa Declaration is described as a setback for efforts against illegal fishing, even as several African states including Gambia signed it. Sports Development: Festibad Gambia’s badminton push trained PE teachers and brought the sport to communities nationwide, with an MoU planned between Fajara Club and the Gambia Badminton Association. Coalition Politics: NUP has withdrawn from APeX coalition talks, while APeX says negotiations have been extended to end of August.