AGP Executive Report

Security Sector Reforms: Germany renewed its backing for The Gambia’s security sector reforms, stressing that police and other forces must be bound by the rule of law, not political will. Education & Skills: Government validated designs for two World Bank-backed Centres of Excellence under the $13M RISE project—agribusiness in Foni Brefet and fisheries/aquaculture in Kombo South—aimed at modern training and jobs. Energy Investment: Aliko Dangote pledged US$2 billion for a 250MW solar plant and a modern fuel tank farm, a major boost for power generation and fuel storage. Economy & IMF: The latest IMF disbursement of about US$22.5m sparked calls for a review of economic policy and less reliance on external financing. Courts & Rights: The Supreme Court case on the 2015 Women’s Amendment Bill/FGM ban moved forward as the State opened its defence, while another ruling on the Auditor General highlighted limits on executive power. Health: The Ministry of Health, with WHO support, is expanding differentiated HIV care to bring treatment closer to people. Road Safety: A Gambian-registered passenger vehicle crash in Guinea killed seven and injured 13, renewing concerns over the Guinea corridor. Media Support: CJID announced plans to fund investigative journalism and strengthen independent newsrooms across West Africa. Sports: Gambian U18 beach volleyball champions departed for the Netherlands; TMT’s Kaddy Jallow and Fatou Fatty joined Paro FC in Bhutan.

Supreme Court & Governance: The Supreme Court rejected plaintiffs’ bid to expunge National Assembly records tied to the 2015 Women’s Amendment Bill in the FGM constitutional case, after closing the plaintiffs’ case for failing to produce a final witness. Security Sector Reforms: Germany renewed support for The Gambia’s Security Sector Reforms, stressing that police and security services must be bound by the rule of law, not political will. Education & Skills: Government validated designs for a US$13M plan under the RISE project to build two Centres of Excellence—agribusiness in Foni Brefet and fisheries/aquaculture in Kombo South—aimed at modern, industry-focused training. Energy Investment: Aliko Dangote pledged US$2B for a 250MW solar plant and a fuel tank farm to boost power and fuel storage security. Youth & Innovation: UNICEF-backed young Gambians showcased digital innovations for children’s learning and exam prep, including an AI virtual teacher pilot. Sports & Football: GFF set 29 August for its presidential election congress, with nominations opening 22 July. Migration & Crime: EOCO and INTERPOL stepped up regional action against trafficking, smuggling and scams, with improved intelligence sharing across West and Central Africa. Art & Culture: ART27 Gallery announced plans for a permanent Kartong home to support artists and create a sustainable exhibition and visitor hub.

Supreme Court Watch: The Gambia’s Supreme Court ruled the former Auditor General Modou Ceesay was unlawfully removed, but declined reinstatement, ordering compensation including full pay and D4 million in damages—while keeping the current Auditor General in office. Migration & Borders: Immigration officers in Tanji intercepted 91 would-be irregular migrants (including 22 Gambians) and arrested four suspected smugglers, warning that women and children face heightened risks. ECOWAS Integration: ECOWAS launched School Clubs in The Gambia to promote regional integration, peace and unity, with youth urged to resist misinformation. Human Rights & Health: The UN Human Rights Council adopted a landmark resolution linking human rights and neglected tropical diseases, led by African states including The Gambia. IMF Support: The IMF approved about US$23m for The Gambia and extended reform programmes, citing resilience but warning of inflation pressures and spending overruns. Sports: Gambian winger Modou Barrow signed for Northern Cyprus club MTG, while midfielder Mustapha Badjie moved permanently to Czech side FK Viktoria Žižkov.

IMF Support for The Gambia: The IMF approved about US$23m in new funding and extended its ECF and RSF reform programmes by six months, with disbursement of SDR16.58m and higher ECF access as growth stays resilient but inflation and regional risks weigh on the outlook. Migration Crackdown: Gambia Immigration says it intercepted 91 would-be irregular migrants and arrested four suspected smugglers during a Tanji operation, highlighting the dangers faced by women and minors. Top Court on Auditor General: The Supreme Court ruling on the former Auditor General’s removal is framed as a constitutional moment protecting independence of key offices, with the state facing major financial consequences. Rohingya Diplomacy: PM Tarique Rahman says government is pursuing vigorous diplomatic efforts for an early, peaceful resolution and safe, voluntary repatriation. Regional Policy Push: ECOWAS Parliament begins community outreach in The Gambia to strengthen grassroots-driven action against irregular migration and human trafficking. Trade Finance Deal: ITFC signed a US$250m three-year framework with The Gambia to support trade finance, energy imports and food security. Governance Debate: Commentaries renew calls on SOE performance contracts, public spending on rented offices, and scrutiny of the Chief Justice appointment process.

African Caucus in Banjul: President Adama Barrow urged stronger Africa–IMF/World Bank partnership, calling for more investment in infrastructure, energy and digital connectivity to tackle unemployment, poverty and climate pressures. Supreme Court Watch: The Gambia’s Supreme Court is set to rule on a challenge to the FGM ban, with fears the legal protections for girls could be weakened. Justice & Rights: A justice fellowship programme for young women ended with fellows set to return home to tackle child marriage, teenage pregnancy and gender inequality through community projects. Environment: Government says it is stepping up plastic bag enforcement, including reforms to strengthen environmental enforcement capacity, while also reporting mangrove restoration progress. Governance & Accountability: Parliament’s committee warned over the Port Expansion deal, urging stronger monitoring so investors meet obligations and jobs and revenue are protected. Health Diplomacy: China held a rotation ceremony for medical teams in The Gambia, praising work on clinics, malaria prevention and training. Sports: Baalor Sarr FC won the men’s FA Cup on penalties, while Lam Basse was named for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Commonwealth Games: The Gambia has named Lam Basse (Lamin alias “Lam Basse”) for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with the National Olympic Committee confirming his athletics spot alongside sprinters Gina Basse and Ebrima Camara. Justice & youth rights: Young women in the Jali Young Women’s Justice and Legal Immersion initiative say they’re ready to fight child marriage and gender inequality after a week of training and visits to key justice institutions. Regional cooperation: A World Bank Group delegation led by Ousmane Diagana is set to visit The Gambia and join the Africa Caucus meeting, as President Barrow pushes for stronger IMF/World Bank partnership on investment, innovation and inclusion. Social security links: NSITF hosted a Gambian delegation for a study tour on Nigeria’s Employees’ Compensation Scheme, aiming to improve The Gambia’s compensation administration. Finance & governance: The Supreme Court is set to rule on the former Auditor General’s dismissal, a case that could clarify limits on presidential power over independent offices. Sports: Baalor Sarr FC won the men’s GFF FA Cup, beating AJ Soccer FC on penalties. Environment: Government says it will strengthen enforcement under a new environmental law as it continues efforts to curb plastic bag use and improve waste management.

US Migration Pressure: AFP reports the US is using visa bans and cash threats to force African countries to accept “third-country” deportees, with lawyers warning of a “legal black hole” and abuse even in places like Ghana. Gambia Identity Push: President Adama Barrow launched the unified GAM ID national identity system, receiving the first card as the government rolls out a secure, trusted identity register to boost services and security. Irregular Migration Warning: Gambia Immigration says smuggling networks are exploiting border weaknesses, with voluntary returns rising from 466 (Q1) to 575 (Q2), mostly from Libya. FGM Court Case: As the Supreme Court prepares to rule on the FGM ban, survivors in Wellingara fear daughters may lose legal protection. ECOWAS Parliament Campaign: A week-long regional citizen engagement in Banjul targets irregular migration and trafficking, with community sensitisation planned. Food Security: Rice farmers warn urea fertiliser shortages could cut this season’s harvest, urging urgent government action. Fuel Pricing Complaint: A local commentary says fuel prices have fallen but fares should drop too, calling for stronger consumer protection. Sports & Youth: Unique Foundation donates D100,000 to football academies; volleyball league and U18 athletics bring more local wins.

National Identity Rollout: The Gambia has launched its first unified National Identity Management System, GAM ID, with President Adama Barrow as the first enrollee after live biometric registration and authentication under a public-private partnership with Margins ID Group. ECOWAS Migration Push: ECOWAS Parliament begins a two-phase campaign in Banjul and Dakar to warn youths about irregular migration, trafficking and modern slavery, urging “Ask First, Move Safely.” Judicial Developments: The High Court temporarily halted the expulsion/return of Muhammad Rene Schwarze pending a full hearing, while another court ordered legal aid for a murder accused who appeared without a lawyer. Parliament Oversight: MPs set a late-July deadline for Gambia Ferry Services to explain the disappearance of a ferry worth over D13 million, citing major governance and documentation gaps. Environment Enforcement Debate: The Environment Ministry says it spent about D1.2 million in five days enforcing the plastic bag ban, but officials warn enforcement is costly and delays in court prosecutions weaken results. Sports & Youth: Serreh Sanneh won U18 long jump gold in Dakar; the Premier League’s second round kicked off; and Trust Bank reported deposits above D12 billion and assets rising to D14.69 billion.

National ID Rollout: The Gambia has launched its National Identity Management System, with instant GAM ID issuance and biometric cards, and a nationwide rollout schedule starting with Immigration staff from 6–10 July, then notaries (13–17 July) and other regions before continuous registration begins 4 August. Voter Register Update: The IEC will publish the provisional voter register on 7 July for public verification ahead of the 5 December presidential election, with a D50 fee for any claims or objections. Public Security Briefing: Police IGP Seedy Mukhtar Touray defended the force’s response to recent killings, saying suspects are in custody and fuel allocations exist, while acknowledging mobility challenges. ECOWAS Mission Support: Nigeria airlifted 198 troops to The Gambia for the ECOWAS mission, with rotations and equipment moved in two sorties in late May. Sports & Youth: The Gambia Football Federation is validating plans for a professional league, while President Barrow certified 730 young women under SWEDD+ for entrepreneurship training and business grants. Regional Spotlight: Russia says it will open new diplomatic missions in The Gambia and other African states. Crime Watch: A UK case highlights a £2m Gambian passport recycling and people-smuggling network, with multiple identities used to enter Britain.

National ID Rollout: The Gambia has launched its National Identity Management System, with instant GAM ID issuance and a pilot starting 6–10 July for Immigration Department staff, followed by notaries (13–17 July) and other registration phases, before nationwide continuous registration begins 4 August. Electoral Transparency: The IEC will publish the provisional voter register on 7 July for public verification ahead of the 5 December presidential election, including steps to correct errors and address multiple registrations. Police Response: The IGP defended police handling of recent killings, saying suspects are in custody and fuel allocations are available, while acknowledging mobility challenges. Regional Security: Nigeria airlifted 198 troops to The Gambia for the ECOWAS mission, supporting rotation and equipment movement. Women’s Empowerment: President Barrow certified 730 young women under SWEDD+ and announced D50,000–D75,000 business grants for each beneficiary. Health & Research: The ATBUTH Clinical Trial Centre was commissioned to boost clinical research and evidence-based healthcare.

National ID Rollout: The Gambia has launched its National Identity Management System, with instant GAM ID issuance after biometric enrolment, and a pilot registration starting 6–10 July for Immigration Department personnel before wider continuous registration begins 4 August. Elections Update: The IEC will publish the provisional voter register on 7 July for public verification ahead of the 5 December 2026 presidential election, with voters urged to scrutinise details and correct errors; claims/objections require a D50 fee. Security Briefing: Police chief Seedy Mukhtar Touray defended police response to recent killings, saying suspects are in custody and fuel allocations exist for operational vehicles, while acknowledging mobility challenges. ECOWAS Mission: Nigeria airlifted 198 troops to The Gambia for the ECOWAS mission, with rotation of personnel and equipment handled in two sorties in late May. Women’s Empowerment: President Barrow says no country can reach its potential without empowering women and girls, as SWEDD+ certified 730 young women and girls and awarded D50,000–D75,000 grants. Sports/Football: The GFF is set to validate a business plan for a professional league, while Samger FC sacked coach Amat Cham after relegation.

National ID Rollout: The Ministry of Interior has announced a nationwide rollout schedule for The Gambia’s new National Identity Card, starting with a pilot for Immigration personnel (6–10 July), then notaries (13–17 July), with continuous registration beginning 4 August at designated centres and via mobile teams. Elections Update: The IEC says it will publish the provisional voter register on 7 July for public verification ahead of the 5 December 2026 presidential election, with a D50 fee required for any claim or objection. Security Briefing: IGP Seedy Mukhtar Touray defended police response to recent killings, saying suspects are in custody and fuel allocations are available, while acknowledging operational challenges. Public Finance: Finance Minister Seedy Keita told Parliament that 2025 government revenue reached D33.1 billion, alongside efforts to strengthen public financial management and transparency. Women’s Empowerment: President Barrow certified 730 young women under SWEDD+ and announced business grants of D50,000–D75,000 for the first cohort. Sports/Football: Samger FC sacked coach Amat Cham after relegation from the First Division.

Security Update: The Gambia Police IGP Seedy Mukhtar Touray defended police response to recent violent crimes, saying officers are fuel-allocated and arrests have been made, while urging public cooperation. Elections Watch: The IEC says it will publish the provisional voter register on 7 July 2026 for public verification ahead of the 5 December presidential election, with a D50 fee for claims/objections. Digital ID Rollout: President Adama Barrow launched the National Identity Management System, promising instant GAM ID issuance via biometric cards, with a pilot for selected institutions starting 6 July. Public Finance: Finance Minister Seedy Keita told lawmakers government revenue in 2025 reached D33.1 billion, as public accounts and Auditor General reports were laid before the National Assembly. National Assembly Oversight: MPs set an end-of-July deadline for the Gambia Ferry Services Company to explain the disappearance of a ferry worth over D13m. Court: A High Court ordered the state to provide legal representation for a murder accused, Mamadou Bah, after he had no lawyer.

Women’s Empowerment: President Adama Barrow says no country can reach its potential without empowering women and girls, as SWEDD+ certifies 730 young women and girls and hands out D50,000–D75,000 business grants. Sports & Youth: The Gambia Football Federation begins a validation workshop for a future professional league business plan, while Gambia’s sports ties expand with Azerbaijan and other partners. Elections & Voting Integrity: The IEC deletes names of over 14,000 voters who registered multiple times in 2026, to protect the credibility of the voter register ahead of the December presidential election. Public Finance & Accountability: Parliament’s PEC flags governance and financial control concerns at SSHFC, warning pension funds face risk, and also sets an end-of-July deadline for Gambia International Airlines to fix 2022 audit weaknesses. Justice: A High Court grants an interim order stopping the deportation of Muhammad Rene Schwarze pending a substantive challenge, and orders legal representation for a murder accused who had no lawyer. Education Access: Access Bank donates 8,400 sanitary pads to help tackle period poverty and keep girls in school, while rural students in Nianija face long, unsafe walks to class and are calling for bicycles. International Links: The Gambia reaffirms ties with Indonesia through the JCBC, and Russia says it plans new embassies in The Gambia and other African states.

Fuel Prices Cut: Gambia’s pump prices have dropped, with petrol down to 101.10 dalasi and diesel to 113.52 dalasi, easing costs for transport and food. Port Delays Under Review: The National Assembly’s public enterprises committee says cargo handling delays at the Port of Banjul have worsened despite GPA reforms, with ship turnaround times still stretching to days. Digital Tax Push: The Gambia Revenue Authority has started a pilot electronic invoicing system to modernize tax administration, reduce paperwork and improve compliance. Agriculture Support: The Agriculture Minister says major rice projects are on track, and government will distribute 10,000 metric tonnes of free organic fertiliser nationwide, targeting women horticulture farmers. Politics & Parties: IEC registers UNITE Movement and All Inclusive Party as political parties ahead of 2026 polls. Courts & Justice: A High Court sentenced a man and minor to 10 years for violent robbery in Gunjur, while a separate case in Nigeria ordered prosecution of police over a truck driver’s killing. Security Claims: The IGP says crime is declining based on police reports, while urging venue owners to screen patrons for weapons. Football: Colley Stars won the GFF Second Division title; SWESO released Nawettan qualifying fixtures.

ICC Withdrawal: Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali have notified the UN of their withdrawal from the Rome Statute, arguing the ICC is “selective” and “politicized” while rights groups warn victims of abuses will lose a key route to justice. Football & Youth: GYCC marked 10 years with its Skill Rise 3.0 forum on turning skills into jobs, while Colley Stars won the GFF Second Division title after a tense finish. Politics & Security: The UDP condemned alleged excessive force by immigration officers against NDP leader Kebba Madi Bojang’s circle, as NDP claims deportation plans for German businessman Muhammed Rainey. Women’s Empowerment: President Barrow approved over D32M for the SWEDD+ project, backing entrepreneurship training for 738 out-of-school girls and young women. Port & Public Finance: Parliament heard that port cargo handling delays at Banjul persist despite GPA reforms, and that audited 2025 accounts were submitted on time. Tax & Telecom Reform: GRA begins a pilot electronic invoicing system, and PURA announced a nine-digit phone numbering change from 4 September 2026. Agriculture & Cooperation: Indonesia reopened the ARFTC training centre in Jenoi, and The Gambia is pushing rice self-sufficiency plans toward 2030.