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  The Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG) has arrested several individuals in separate anti-drug operations conducted across different parts of the country between April and May 2026. Among those arrested was 26-year-old Senegalese national Chiekh Diong, also known as John, who was intercepted at the Kerr Jatta checkpoint on May 12 with two blocks of suspected cannabis resin, commonly known as hashish, allegedly concealed inside his luggage. DLEAG also arrested 22-year-old Alasana Jarju of Sinchu Wurry with 64 bundles of suspected cannabis sativa reportedly concealed in multiple bags while riding a motorcycle without a registration number plate. In

  Former Attorney General and Justice Minister Abubacarr M. Tambadou has demanded a public apology from investigative journalist Mustapha K. Darboe over allegations published in a 2025 report by The Republic concerning the disposal of assets linked to former President Yahya Jammeh. In an open letter, Tambadou described several claims made in the investigation as “false and defamatory”, arguing that the publication wrongly portrayed him as acting unlawfully and dishonestly in decisions related to the management and sale of Jammeh-linked assets. Tambadou denied the allegations, insisting that the decisions referenced in the article were collective government actions involving Cabinet, a

  Fresh off its national congress at Paradise Suites Hotel, the Unite Movement for Change (UMC) wasted no time in staging a major rally at the Buffer Zone in Talinding — a venue long associated with political visibility in The Gambia. The choice underscores UMC’s intent to project legitimacy and momentum early. Supporters report a crowd dominated by youths and women, demographics that often decide Gambian elections. If sustained, this could give UMC a crucial foothold in shaping voter sentiment. The rally’s message zeroed in on cost of living pressures, insecurity, unemployment, and broader socio-economic frustrations — issues consistently ranked

The UNITE Movement for Change (UMC) has officially elected Kanifing Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda as its Party Leader and flag bearer, following its inaugural National Congress held today at Paradise Suites Hotel. This milestone marks a turning point in Gambian opposition politics as the party prepares for the December 2026 presidential elections. Delegates from across the country and the diaspora ratified UMC’s constitution, formalized its structure as a political party, and chose a new national executive. In a unanimous and widely expected decision, Bensouda emerged as the leader to carry the party’s banner into the upcoming polls. UMC has set

  The Gambia Police Force on Friday, May 15, 2026, marked the successful completion of a two-week intensive Public Order Management training for officers of the Police Intervention Unit (PIU), facilitated by the Turkish Gendarmerie. The training benefited one hundred officers comprising sixty-five male and thirty-five female personnel and was designed to strengthen operational capabilities in crowd control, public order maintenance, and tactical response in line with international policing standards and human rights principles. The closing ceremony was attended by Commissioners from various police formations and units, senior officers, government representatives, and invited guests. Delivering the welcome remarks, the Assistant

Today, members of the Central Committee of Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) paid a courtesy visit to the Police Headquarters in Banjul to officially submit our notification letter ahead of tomorrow’s commemoration marking one year since the establishment of our movement. Upon arrival, the delegation was received by the Inspector General of Police, where constructive discussions were held regarding the peaceful conduct of the event. We are pleased to inform the public that the Gambia Police Force has agreed to provide security during the gathering to help ensure a peaceful, orderly, and successful commemoration. Tomorrow’s event serves as an important

  In the early hours of Tuesday, officers of the Gambia Immigration Department (GID), through its Border Patrol Unit stationed at the Tanji Migration Management Unit, successfully intercepted 301 would-be migrants in Brufut. According to official reports from GID, the group comprised 259 males, 42 females, and 3 minors. Nationality breakdown revealed 218 Gambians, alongside 57 Senegalese, 14 Guineans, 8 Malians, 2 Sierra Leoneans, and 2 Nigerians. Authorities described the operation as one of the largest interceptions in recent months, reaffirming GID’s commitment to curbing irregular migration while promoting safer and more regular migration routes. A spokesperson for the department

  In recent months the relationship between the law enforcement and GALA has reached a critical juncture characterized by intensified, often violent and poor state response to peaceful assembly of the youth. While Police are mandated to maintain public order and security, the disturbance pattern of the abuse of power has emerged to take a stronger shape. Today, we have witnessed another disturbance action from police as members of GALA were arrested for simply wanting to celebrate their first anniversary at a venue they already secured from the Kanifing Municipal Council. We learned that in the same venue many events

  President Adama Barrow today, presided over the swearing-in of Special Prosecutor Mr. Martin Hackett at State House in Banjul. During his address, the President said Gambia government is “restoring truth in our institutions and ensuring that heartless crimes and violations of human rights are never repeated.” The President underscored that the Office of the Special Prosecutor will play a critical role in upholding the rule of law by investigating crimes referred for prosecution, bringing perpetrators to justice, and delivering justice to victims. Mr. Hackett expressed gratitude and said “this is a responsibility I accept with utmost seriousness, fully aware

The World Bank has warned that climate change poses a growing threat to The Gambia’s economic future, urging faster action and increased investment in resilience to limit potential damage. The warning was delivered by Ellysar Baroudy during the launch of the Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR), where she said climate-related shocks are already reshaping the country’s development path. She pointed to rising incidents of flooding, erratic rainfall, and coastal erosion, which are affecting livelihoods, infrastructure, and long-term economic planning. According to the report, although The Gambia contributes less than 0.01% of global greenhouse gas emissions, it remains among the

Mandinary youths give government seven-day ultimatum over Omar Badjie death The government has been given a seven-day ultimatum by youth representatives in Mandinary, who are demanding action and accountability following the coroner’s inquest into the death of Omar Badjie. The youths, speaking through Ebrima John, said authorities have remained silent since the release of the report, a situation they described as “deeply concerning.” “Since the release of that report, neither the Government of The Gambia nor the Gambia Police Force has made any official statement,” he said. They are calling for a formal apology from the police leadership, arguing that

  The Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines has announced a sharp increase in fuel prices for May 2026, citing rising international petroleum costs and global supply disruptions.   In a statement issued on 1 May, the Ministry confirmed that petrol will now retail at D112.00 per litre, gasoil at D120.00 per litre, and jet fuel (kerosene) at D133.72 per litre. The adjustment follows the latest monthly review of global market conditions, driven largely by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that have pushed up Platts prices and disrupted supply chains.   Authorities acknowledged the strain the increase places on

  Information Minister Dr. Ismaila Ceesay says he is uncertain what to believe regarding the controversy surrounding journalist Omar P. Jallow, citing what he described as conflicting accounts given by Jallow over the circumstances leading to his reassignment and resignation. Speaking during an appearance on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez, Dr. Ceesay said he personally contacted Jallow after reports surfaced on social media alleging that his passport had been confiscated and that he had been interrogated by the State Intelligence Services (SIS). According to the minister, Jallow denied those claims during their communication and instead offered a different explanation of

Professional services see steepest job losses in The Gambia Professional, scientific and technical activities recorded the sharpest employment decline in The Gambia, according to analysis by Briefcase PR. Based on Gambia Bureau of Statistics data, employment in the sector fell 62.1% between 2022–23 and 2025, dropping from 8,183 to about 3,100. Its share of total employment also declined from 1.5% to 0.5%. Administrative and support services saw the second-largest fall (46.3%), followed by information and communication (26.8%).  

The Management and Staff of the Council proudly congratulate our Internal Audit Clerk, Lamin K. Drammeh, on his outstanding academic achievement. Mr. Drammeh has successfully earned a Master’s Degree in Accounting with a perfect GPA of 4.0 and Cum Laude honors from Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), Indonesia. Throughout his three-year study program, he demonstrated exceptional dedication to academic excellence and research. He actively participated in various scholarly activities, including serving as a speaker at international conferences on climate change and contributing to both national and international academic discussions. In 2025, he was honored as Best Presenter at an international conference

UNITE expresses its full solidarity with journalist Omar P. Jallow, who has been intimidated, threatened with dismissal, and forced to publish false statements under coercion by officials of the Barrow government. We are deeply concerned by the obvious attempt to tamper with press freedom and institutional fairness in The Gambia. Journalists should never face retaliation for taking part in community events. Omar Jallow was targeted simply because his village invited Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda to a fundraiser. This confirms what Minister Amat Bah once mentioned during a political meeting: the government views Mayor Bensouda and the UNITE movement as such

The leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Ousainou Darboe, has said his party remains open to coalition discussions, insisting that any alliance must be guided by dialogue and internal party processes. Mr Darboe said: “Our position as UDP is party-led. But we didn’t say we would not form coalition with any party. Everything lies on dialogue.” He added that discussions are ongoing but acknowledged the difficulty of reaching agreement among  political actors. “We are in coalition talks. But building coalition is not easy. I hope it will go through,” he said. Mr Darboe also reflected on long-standing concerns about governance and

  President Adama Barrow on Saturday 25 April inaugurated the first road constructed in Kiang West since The Gambia gained independence in 1965. For a community that has endured decades of neglect, often attributed to its political stance during the former regime, the opening of this road marks a turning point. As the nation’s third president since independence, Barrow’s leadership has brought Kiang into the fold of national development. For the first time, residents of the area can enjoy a modern road network comparable to other regions of the country. The 87-kilometre road, fully funded by the Gambian government, stretches

Speaking in an interview with West Coast Radio, Dr. Ceesay confirmed the decision: “The issue of registration of journalists, we are removing it.” The move signals a shift after criticism from the media community over provisions in the draft rules. Dr. Ceesay said consultations are ongoing between his ministry and the Gambia Press Union, describing collaboration as central to the reform process. He stressed both institutions are interdependent in advancing media development. “GPU cannot succeed without the ministry, and we cannot succeed without them,” he said. He acknowledged differences between government and the GPU but called them a natural part

  The Independent Electoral Commission has an important role in every democracy. Its duty is to regulate elections, guide political parties, and ensure that the electoral process is fair, lawful, and peaceful. That responsibility must be respected. However, the IEC must also be careful not to confuse regulation with restriction. There is a clear difference between regulating how a political group contests an election and stopping citizens from organising themselves. The IEC has the authority to ensure that any group wishing to contest elections as a political party is properly registered and recognised under the law. That is understandable. Every

By: Modou Touray According to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), over 2,800 instances of attempted double voter registration have been identified during the ongoing 2026 Supplementary Registration of Voters. The Commission has emphasized that this practice is a serious offense under Gambian electoral laws. During the second monthly IEC Stakeholders Forum, IEC Chairman Joseph Colley expressed concern over individuals who have already been registered in the 2021 voter register attempting to register again. He stressed that this constitutes double registration and urged all eligible Gambians to follow the principle of “one person, one vote.” The Supplementary Registration, which began on

  The Gambia Armed Forces has welcomed home Lieutenant Dawda Lowe and Lieutenant Omar K Jarju following their successful completion of officer training programmes in Turkey. The two officers returned after undergoing rigorous academic and military training at top Turkish military institutions, where they gained specialised skills to strengthen The Gambia’s defence capacity. Lieutenant Lowe trained at the Turkish Land Forces Academy, where he earned qualifications in International Relations and Military Science. Lieutenant Jarju, on the other hand, trained at the Turkish Naval Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

President Adama Barrow on Wednesday met with Alkalos from Manjago communities to address ongoing concerns, particularly land disputes affecting local harmony. Speaking for the delegation, Davide C. Gomez highlighted persistent conflicts over land ownership and stressed the need for constructive engagement with authorities to secure lasting solutions. In response, President Barrow urged community leaders to remain calm and ensure proper land documentation. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to resolve disputes peacefully. The delegation expressed appreciation for the meeting, noting that the dialogue offered an opportunity to raise their concerns in pursuit of stability and unity.

  The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice welcomes the release of the coroner’s inquest report into the death of Omar Badgie of Mandinari in September 2025. The findings of the report have affirmed consistent accounts that his death resulted from police brutality, an entirely preventable and unjustifiable loss of life. We commend the Chief Justice for transmitting the report to the Ministry of Justice and urge the Minister of Justice and the Director of Public Prosecutions to act with urgency, diligence, and impartiality to ensure that all perpetrators are prosecuted and held fully accountable. While we acknowledge

Lawmaker Denies Allegations of Voter Fraud By Kemo Kanyi Yahya Menteng Sanyang, the National Assembly Member (NAM) and senior member of the Unite Movement for Change (UMC), has bluntly declined allegations of his involvement in voter registration fraud. The Latrikunda Sabiji NAM made this clarification at a press conference held on Monday at the UMC’s Kanifing Municipality regional office in Fajara. “Let me be very clear. I have not been charged with any crime because I have committed no crime. I was invited by the police operationally regarding issues related to birth certificates. Let me be very blunt. I have

  The Gambia Action Party (GAP) wishes to inform its members, supporters, and the general public that the party has not entered into any agreement, alliance, or coalition with any political party or group. GAP was invited to a recent engagement, and the Deputy Party Leader was pleased to attend and contribute constructively by sharing ideas with other participants. However, no commitments were made on behalf of the party during or after the engagement. Following careful consideration and internal consultations with the Party Leader, GAP has resolved to remain independent and committed to its principles and vision for The Gambia.

  Hon. Yahya Menteng Sanyang, the National Assembly Member for Latrikunda Sabiji and a member of the UNITE Movement for Change (UMC), was questioned by police in connection with issues reportedly linked to the ongoing voter registration exercise. Mr. Sanyang was summoned to the Fagikunda Police Station over allegations that he attempted to assist three individuals in registering for voter identification cards during the ongoing supplementary voter registration exercise. He was questioned and provided a statement before being released without charge. In a statement posted on his Facebook page shortly after his release, Mr. Sanyang said he had committed no

  Brikama PIU, on Sunday, April 19, 2026, intercepted twenty-nine (29) individuals suspected of preparing for an irregular migration journey in the Jalambang forest, West Coast Region. The operation followed credible intelligence on suspected illegal “backway” movements. The group, comprising foreign nationals and a few Gambians, including two females, was apprehended without incident. They are taken to the PIU Brikama base and will subsequently be handed over to the Immigration Department for further processing. The Gambia Police Force continues to intensify operations against irregular migration and urges the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or call

  Modou Sarr Jabou Sarr proprietor of Abdul Rahman Bun Zubair Quranic memorization center in Busumbala has called on the government, business entrepreneurs and philanthropists to come to the aid of the school ahead of the rainy season. The school which is located in Busumbala London, was opened in 2008 and is operating as a boarding school. Almost two hundred students are learning the Quran here and half of that were being lodged at the school, she disclosed. Oustaz Sarr highlighted some of their main constraints among which is lack of enough classrooms for the growing number of students, feeding

  The Gambia Immigration Department, through its Border Patrol Unit, has intercepted a total of 107 would-be migrants across five communities within two days, in a series of coordinated operations. On Friday, 17th April 2026, officers stationed at Tanji intercepted 94 migrants and two suspected agents in the coastal communities of Gunjur, Tujereng, and Sinchang Village. The group included nationals from several countries: 6 Gambians 51 Senegalese 16 Guineans 11 Malians 6 Sudanese 2 Somalians 1 Ivorian 1 Yemeni On the same day, an additional eight Guinean nationals were intercepted along the Sami Road in the North Bank Region. In

The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) has recently issued a statement in response to reports of “fraudulent passports from The Gambia” being seized by Canadian authorities. The GID clarifies that these passports were not issued by their official authorities. According to the GID, they have taken note of a release by the Canada Border Services Agency on 14 April 2026, which reported the confiscation of five passports bearing identical photographs but different identities – a clear sign of fake documentation. The GID emphasizes that any mention of “fraudulent passports from The Gambia” only refers to their supposed origin or appearance and

  Police in Farafenni are investigating an alleged armed robbery that occurred in the early hours of Wednesday behind the Oryx Petrol Station in the Mauritanian area. Preliminary reports indicate that seven unidentified individuals, some armed with firearms and cutlasses, attacked a business premises at around 03:00 hours. The suspects reportedly posed as police officers, overpowered night watchmen, and gained access to two shops. A substantial amount of money, including Dalasi and CFA, along with mobile phones and other valuables, was reportedly stolen before the suspects fled the scene. Police responded shortly after the incident, but the perpetrators had already

Frustration and outcry have risen among commuters in the Greater Banjul Area as they face the consequences of soaring transportation fees. People are feeling the strain on their household income as the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure has implemented an increase in fares across major routes such as Brufut, Sukuta, Tallinding, Brikama, and Yundum. Daily travel expenses have risen, causing great inconvenience for passengers. Ebrima Camara, a resident of Brufut, shared his disappointment at the situation, stating that his budget has been greatly impacted by the rising fares. He now has to shell out close to D100 on a

The situation in Gambia has taken a turn for the worse as the government faces increasing resistance over their plans for new media regulations. In response, media outlets have united to declare an indefinite boycott of government functions, effectively cutting off their coverage and participation. This comes after the Information Minister, Dr Ismaila Ceesay, was caught on a hot mic making disrespectful remarks towards the media’s rejection of the proposed regulations. These words have sparked widespread outrage and journalists, along with other media stakeholders, have joined forces with civil society and academia in a united front. Together, they refuse to

large crowd of Gambians has taken to the streets to commemorate the late Ebrima Solo Sandeng, renewing calls for justice and reparations for victims of past human rights abuses. Sandeng, a prominent member of the United Democratic Party, died in state custody in 2016 under the regime of former president Yahya Jammeh, following his participation in a peaceful protest demanding electoral reform. Marchers described Sandeng as a national hero whose sacrifice helped pave the way for democratic change in The Gambia. Many chanted slogans calling for accountability, justice, and the full implementation of recommendations made by the Truth, Reconciliation and

  Nearly 700 lives are feared to be at risk, 15 days after four migrant boats departed from The Gambia bound for the Canary Islands in Spain. According to Ebrima Migrant Situation, the boats, carrying between 600 and 700 people, left on March 29. Two of the vessels departed from Tanji, while one each left from Kartong and Gunjur. Their current location remains unknown, as there has been no confirmation of their arrival in Spain or reports of interception in Morocco, Mauritania, or Senegal. “I believe they are out of food, water and fuel,” Ebrima Migrant stated, raising concerns about

  His Excellency Mohammed B. S. Jallow on Friday, 10 April delivered a powerful keynote on behalf of President Adama Barrow at the opening of the SWEDD+ First Ladies’ Forum on Zero Tolerance to Gender-Based Violence, held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre. Bringing together First Ladies, global partners like the World Bank and the United Nations Population Fund. The forum marks a united front to end gender-based violence and protect the rights and dignity of women and girls across Africa. In a compelling message, VP Jallow emphasized that gender-based violence is not just a social issue—but

  By:Modou Sarr The Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat The Gambia Maulana Baba F Trawally has once again called on the people of the world to turn on to the glorious Quran inorder to address the different barrages of sickness affecting humanity. Amir Trawally made this remarks while addressing the 48th Jalsa Salana being hosted at Nusrat Senior Secondary School in Bundung. The theme of this year’s jalsa is ‘ the Holy Quran;; Solutions to the Challenges of the modern world. The world, Amir observed is now faced with moral decadence, social unrest, political divisions, economic uncertainty and spiritual

According to the police, the incident occurred on the night of April 8, 2026, and was reported to officers at the Farato Police Station. Emergency responders swiftly attended the scene following the report. Authorities said the fire resulted in the deaths of two children aged seven and eight. Two other minors sustained injuries and were transported to a medical facility for treatment. Preliminary reports indicate that the blaze may have been caused by an electrical fault. However, police said the exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined and remains subject to further technical investigations. The bodies of

By Modou Sarr The 48 Jalsa Salana of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat The Gambia opens Friday evening at Nusrat Senior Secondary School in Bundung. The program begins with the hoisting of the Jamaat and National flags by the Amir and witnessed by invited guests including the Honorable minister of Youth and Sports. The program proper followed swiftly with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Ustaz Lamin Nyabally. After the recitation, invited guests took center stage, first was Eliman Ounda Nyang the recently appointed adviser to the president on religious matters. He said he was very grateful and delighted to

  The Drug Law Enforcement Agency The Gambia (DLEAG) has arrested several individuals, including a 16-year-old Senegalese national, in a series of operations targeting prohibited and controlled substances across the country. The juvenile suspect was apprehended at Kalagi Checkpoint on April 8, 2026, with 1,654 pills of ecstasy and two wraps of suspected crystal meth, concealed in a plastic bag and hidden inside a flat-screen television. In separate operations conducted across various locations including Farato, Brikama, Bakau, Tanji, Barra and other parts of the country, DLEAG officers arrested numerous suspects found in possession of suspected cannabis sativa, kush, crack cocaine,

  The government of The Gambia has taken corrective action in Nyagen Village, Central River Region, following allegations of improper use of an official village stamp during the ongoing voter registration exercise. According to a statement from the Ministry of Information, authorities launched an inquiry after reports suggested the stamp used to verify residency and voter eligibility may have been misused. Regional officials, led by the governor, convened a meeting with key local leaders to investigate the matter. The village head, or Alkalo, acknowledged that the stamp had been entrusted to his son. In response, officials have confiscated the stamp

  The National Roads Authority (NRA) has announced plans to commence a long-awaited underground water control project in Ebo Town, aimed at addressing persistent flooding challenges in the area. Speaking on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, during a site visit to Ebo Town and Jeshwang, the NRA Managing Director, Sulayman Sumareh Janneh, said the initiative is expected to begin as early as next week. The visit, conducted alongside a technical team, sought to assess environmental conditions in the affected communities. Residents of Ebo Town and Jeshwang have long struggled with underground water seepage and poor surface drainage, particularly during the rainy

  The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) has facilitated the assisted voluntary removal of 85 non-Gambian migrants through the Nyamanari Border Post. The group, all Malian nationals, comprised 65 adult males, 17 females, and 2 minors. They were earlier intercepted on April 5 and 6, 2026, at Sinchu Sorri and Mandinaba as part of efforts to disrupt irregular migration routes. The operation was carried out by GID’s Border Patrol and Migration Management units, reflecting the department’s continued commitment to effective migration management, border security, and the promotion of lawful travel.

  The National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) has confirmed it is facing a major power crisis, citing capacity deficits, fuel shortages, and supply chain disruptions. Speaking at a press conference, Operations and Planning Manager Sanna Gomez revealed that current electricity generation stands at 78 megawatts, including imports and local production, against a demand of 106 megawatts, making load shedding unavoidable to maintain network stability. Gomez attributed the shortfall to technical challenges, fuel supply difficulties, and global factors affecting access to spare parts, noting that key engines in Brikama and Kotu are affected. He urged the public to conserve energy,

  Victims and families affected by the April 10–11 student killings have renewed calls for justice and full reparations, more than two decades after the incident. In a statement issued on 6 April 2026, survivors and concerned citizens said many victims are still waiting for compensation despite findings from both the Lartey Commission and the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission. Both bodies established responsibility for the killings and recommended prosecutions, compensation, and institutional reforms. However, the group said implementation has been slow, leaving many victims “unpaid or only partially compensated.”  

  Personnel of the Gambia Immigration Department intercepted a total of 128 would be migrants in two separate operations conducted on April 5 and 6, 2026. On Monday, officers at the Mandinaba Immigration Station stopped 59 migrants at a checkpoint. The group included seven Gambians, 13 Senegalese, 31 Malians, six Ivorians, one Sierra Leonean and one Nigerian, among them six females and one minor. In a separate operation on Sunday, the Tanji Border Patrol Unit, working with the Kartong Immigration Office, intercepted 69 non Gambian migrants in Sinchu Sorie. The group consisted of 60 Malians, two Senegalese, six Guineans and

  The leader of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), Mama Kandeh, has stated that any political coalition excluding the National People’s Party (NPP), GDC, and the United Democratic Party (UDP) would face significant challenges ahead of the 2026 elections. Speaking in an interview with Eye Africa, Kandeh emphasized that the three parties hold considerable electoral strength, making them central to any viable coalition. He also addressed his recent appearance at a protest in Brufut linked to the case of Ousainou Bojang, stating that his presence was to show solidarity with young people and understand their concerns. Kandeh noted that reactions