AGP Executive Report

World Cup Logistics: FIFA has approved Iran’s late switch of its World Cup base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, with Iran saying the move avoids visa headaches tied to the US-Israel war and keeps travel to Los Angeles to about 55 minutes by flight. Immigration Crackdown (US): The Trump administration is temporarily moving USCIS lawyers to DOJ offices to speed up denaturalization cases, as attorneys are reassigned to focus on revoking citizenship claims. Gambia Economy & Policy: The Central Bank of The Gambia kept its monetary policy rate at 14% while noting remittances rose 17.2% to about US$246.08m; it also flagged food-driven inflation pressures. Digital Push: GRA is urging Gambians to embrace digitalisation as tax collection expands with technology. Health & Safety: A new study highlights fungal infections in TB-like patients who test negative for TB, pointing to a need for better diagnosis. Sports (Local): The GFF says injuries have forced changes to the Scorpions squad, calling up Bubacarr Tambedou and Karamba Gassama.

Central Bank Watch: The Gambia’s Monetary Policy Rate stays at 14% as the CBG warns inflation is creeping up—headline inflation hit 7.0% in April and food inflation 6.7%—with the US–Israel–Iran conflict pushing up prices and widening risks, even as remittances rose 17.2% to US$246.08m. Diaspora & Voting: The CBG MPC report also flags no consensus yet on diaspora voting rules for the Dec 5, 2026 presidential election. AFCON Roadmap: CAF has confirmed the 2027 AFCON qualifiers fixtures, setting out match windows and group paths for teams including Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa. Football Update: Injured Abdoulie Ceesay and Jesper Ceesay are left out of the Gambia squad; new call-ups join camp ahead of the Iran build-up. Health Alert: A WHO report says a hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship caused 11 cases and 3 deaths, but no wider outbreak is seen yet. Local Economy: Coffee relief in Murang’a—prices reportedly reached Sh105 per kilo after renewed push for climate-smart farming. Security: Police arrest a man at Amdalai with 14 rounds of ammunition, with claims of military links under investigation.

World Cup Build-Up: Iran has stepped up preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a training camp in Antalya, Turkey, and friendlies lined up against Gambia (May 29) and Mali (June 4) as players juggle visa appointments in Ankara for the US and Canada. CBG & Cost of Living: The Central Bank of The Gambia kept its policy rate at 14% while warning inflation is back—headline inflation hit 7.0% in April, with food inflation at 6.7%—and linked the pressure to the wider US–Israel–Iran conflict. Diaspora Money: CBG Governor Buah Saidy said remittances rose 17.2% to about US$246.08m (D17.712bn) in Q1, supporting foreign exchange liquidity. Tax & Digital Push: GRA boss Yankuba Darboe urged Gambians to embrace digitalisation, as the GRA prepares its 8th Taxpayer Awards. Justice & Safety: Police arrested a Senegalese man in Amdalai with 14 rounds of ammunition, while a High Court set strict timelines in the AKI case. Sports: Gambia’s football coaching leap forward—CAF approved the GFF to host the CAF A Coaching Diploma (A level) for the first time.

Football & Injuries: The Gambia senior squad has been reshuffled after injuries ruled out Abdoulie Ceesay and Jesper Ceesay, with Bubacarr Tambedou and Karamba Gassama called in to join camp. Sports Development: Medina United Academy will host an international coaching programme led by Spain-based instructors from 22–23 May, aiming to boost local technical capacity. Elections & Media Integrity: Media and civil society groups trained on how to spot and counter fake news and AI-driven manipulation ahead of the 2026 elections. Education: The University of Education, Brikama, has launched its first degree programmes, expanding teacher-focused and new education courses. Economy Watch: Food inflation rose to 6.7% and the Bank Governor flagged a widening current account deficit, while noting remittances and a stable dalasi. Health & Rights: A push to close Africa’s reproductive rights gap renewed calls for governments to align laws with the Maputo Protocol. Road Safety & Regional Ties: Gambia and Nigeria signed a road safety pact to tackle traffic fatalities. Justice: A man was sentenced to life in prison for raping a 4-year-old girl.

ECOWAS Cross-Border Push: ECOWAS is stepping up cooperation among member states to boost trade and tighten security, with Nigeria’s National Boundary Commission highlighting a programme built to tackle border threats and strengthen ties between border communities. Gulf of Guinea Security: Nigeria’s Navy says President Tinubu will flag off an AU combined maritime task force in June, with Gambia among the countries already onboard, aiming to curb piracy and other transnational crimes. Iran World Cup Logistics: Iran’s squad has started applying for US and Canada visas in Turkey ahead of the 2026 tournament, with friendlies against Gambia and Mali in the build-up. Gambia Sports Diplomacy: TOLAC 2026 wrapped with a MoU between The Gambia and the Canary Islands wrestling federations, while Senegal retained the overall TOLAC title. Local Politics: Veteran PDOIS figure Sidia Jatta rejects Barrow’s invitation, calling it election propaganda.

AFCON Qualifiers Shock: The Gambia has been drawn into a tough Group C for AFCON 2027 with Ghana and Ivory Coast, plus Somalia—coach Johnathan McKinstry says the Scorpions are excited, but fully aware of the “level of challenge” ahead. Iran Visa Crunch: Iran’s World Cup squad is in Turkey handling visa appointments, with Canadian visas for the full team and some US applications too, as they prepare for friendlies against Gambia and Mali. Sports Prep in Focus: Gambia has named its squad for the upcoming Iran friendly, with coach McKinstry pushing for government, GFF and fan support to match Africa’s best. Social Protection Push: The PEI programme is expanding enrolment for 3,420 vulnerable households across 12 districts, with 50% reserved for Nafa beneficiaries and D20,000 cash grants plus training. Roads and Rights: Barrow lays foundations for neglected rural roads like Choya–Dankunku, while the ACHPR session in Banjul ends with renewed calls to keep human rights central.

AFCON Qualifiers Shockwave: Gambia’s Scorpions have been drawn into tough Group C for AFCON 2027, facing Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire alongside Somalia, with coach Johnathan McKinstry saying the team is “excited” despite the “level of challenge ahead.” CAF Fixtures Confirmed: CAF released the full qualifiers schedule, kicking off in September 2026 across three match windows. Courtroom Update: Vista Bank staff linked to a D2.59m GPA fraud case have been acquitted after the court found the prosecution failed to show criminal intent. Women’s Rights Push: Equality Now urged African governments to strengthen laws and enforcement on sexual violence, FGM, online safety, and women’s rights at the ACHPR session in Banjul. Local Development: President Barrow continues rural road expansion in URR/CRR, while the University of Education The Gambia launches its first degree programmes. Sports Politics: Sadibou Kamaso’s “Restore Confidence” manifesto sets the stage for a new GFF leadership battle.

AFCON 2027 Draw Fallout: CAF has now released the full 2027 AFCON qualifiers fixture schedule, and The Gambia’s road looks brutal: Group C puts Ghana, Ivory Coast, Gambia and Somalia together, with Ghana starting away at Ivory Coast and Gambia hosting Somalia in the opening matchday. GFF & Football Politics: Team Restore Confidence leader Sadibou Kamaso says First Division champions would get D2m if he wins the GFF presidency. Health Policy: EFSTH says consultation fees have moved from D25 to D100, arguing it helps sustain services and includes medicines when available. Social Protection: The PEI programme is enrolling vulnerable households across 12 districts, with selected families set to receive D20,000 cash grants plus training and coaching. Jobs Warning: GBoS warns the formal sector job crisis is worsening, while informality remains the norm. Public Safety & Fire: CRR north residents are urging firefighters to be stationed locally as blaze risks rise.

AFCON 2027 Draw Shock: CAF has set the stage for a fierce qualification race after placing Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Somalia together in Group C, with the campaign starting in September and running through March 2027—meaning The Gambia’s Scorpions face a high-pressure run against two West African giants. Gambia Football Focus: The draw has already sparked big-match talk, with pundits calling Group C the “Group of Death” and pointing to the Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire rivalry as the likely decider, while Gambia’s challenge is to turn home advantage and tight margins into points. Local Sports & Talent: In Banjul, the Ministry of Youth and Sports met Gunjur Sports Committee ahead of its maiden award night, and preparations are also intensifying for Gina Bass’s return to international athletics as The Gambia gears up for the Commonwealth Games. Justice & Revenue Watch: A court case over an alleged D68.69M hajj visa scam was adjourned to June 15, while the Gambia Revenue Authority continues transfer pricing training and a wider push to protect tax revenues. Politics & Roads: President Barrow renewed promises to bridge rural gaps with new road projects, as political figures traded fresh remarks amid ongoing scrutiny of governance and prosecutions.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Draw: Ghana’s Black Stars have been placed in Group C with Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Somalia, setting up a high-pressure redemption run after missing AFCON 2025. Legends Essam El Hadary and Trésor Mputu called the group the “Group of Death,” with the Ivorian derby and the tricky Scorpions likely to decide who advances. Gambia in the Spotlight: The draw also confirms The Gambia will face Ghana and Somalia in the same tight pool, keeping regional rivalries front and centre as qualifiers begin in September. World Cup Camp Update (Iran): Iran’s squad has started training in Türkiye, but the coach warned readiness is a challenge after seven weeks with most players out of action. Health & Education: A global study links food-based prenatal supplements to better birth outcomes, while Merck Foundation marks World Hypertension Day with nearly 1,000 scholarships across 52 countries. Infrastructure Push (Gambia): President Barrow renewed momentum on road building, driving a plan for 1,500km of connectivity projects.

EU Border Watch: The EU’s 2026 Schengen report says irregular crossings fell 26% in 2025 and Frontex detections dropped 40% in early 2026, but warns smuggling risks remain—especially on the Central and Eastern Mediterranean routes. Ghana Football: Ghana’s Black Stars have been placed in Pot 2 for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers draw in Cairo, with Gambia listed in Pot 3. Gambia-Iran Sports Link: Iran’s national team has arrived in Turkey for training and visa steps, with a friendly against The Gambia pencilled in for May 29. Security & Counterterror: US and Nigerian forces carried out coordinated airstrikes in Borno, killing more than 20 IS militants, following the killing of a top commander. Gambia Football (Local): Hart FC slipped as Ports Authority beat Hawks and Ferry Boys reclaimed top spot; meanwhile, Iran-Gambia friendlies and women’s league results keep the sports calendar busy. Drugs Crackdown: DLEAG reports multiple arrests and seizures of cannabis, skunk, cocaine, ecstasy and meth across several communities. Roads & Politics: President Barrow launched major road projects in URR/CRR, while political debate continues over tribalism and election-era claims.

Sports & Diplomacy: Iran’s Team Melli landed in Turkey for a training camp, a final friendly and visa steps ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the US, with FIFA calling talks “positive and constructive” despite ongoing US-Iran tensions. AFCON Build-Up: CAF has revealed the seeding format for Tuesday’s 2027 AFCON qualifying draw in Cairo, with co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda placed to avoid sharing groups. Security & Drugs: DLEAG reported multiple arrests and drug seizures across The Gambia, including suspected hashish, crack cocaine and ecstasy, with operations spanning several communities. Governance & Capacity: 13 Gambian institutions completed EU–UNDP Monitoring and Evaluation training, pushing evidence-based decision-making in justice, security and local government. Infrastructure: President Barrow launched major road projects in URR and CRR under Connect Gambia, aiming to link remote communities and cut transport costs. Community & Unity: The Gambia hosted an ECOWAS wrestling tournament and renewed calls to fight violence against women. Politics & Media: A public letter demands an apology from Mustapha K Darboe over alleged defamatory reporting.

Global Death Penalty: Amnesty says executions worldwide hit the highest level in 44 years in 2025, with 2,707 deaths recorded across 17 countries—driven mainly by Iran (at least 2,159) and also rising use in places like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Singapore and the US. World Cup Diplomacy: FIFA and Iran’s football federation held “excellent” talks in Istanbul, easing fears over Iran’s 2026 World Cup participation; Iran’s squad is set to travel to Turkey for a camp and visa steps before heading to the US, with one confirmed friendly against Gambia on May 29. Ghana–Gambia Justice Push: Ghana renewed talks with The Gambia over accountability for the 2005 killing of migrants, including about 44 Ghanaians, under Yahya Jammeh’s rule. Regional Security: ECOWAS lawmakers urged a stronger, united response to terrorism across the Sahel. Gambia Sports & Culture: The European Film Festival returns for its 5th edition in Gambia, while CAF prepares the AFCON 2027 qualifying draw in Cairo on Tuesday.

World Cup Diplomacy: FIFA says it held “excellent” talks with Iran’s federation in Istanbul to secure Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, with Iran’s squad set to travel to Turkey for camp and visa steps before heading to the US—though visas were still not confirmed earlier. Iran Squad Update: Veteran Sardar Azmoun was left out of Iran’s preliminary 30-man squad, while coach Amir Ghalenoei says selections are based on “technical criteria.” AFCON Build-Up: CAF will run the 2027 AFCON qualifying draw in Cairo on Tuesday, with 48 nations learning their routes to the June–July 2027 finals in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Regional Security Push: ECOWAS lawmakers in Abuja urged a stronger, united response to Sahel terrorism, warning that instability in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger spills into neighbours. Urban Development Spotlight: Gambia’s West Coast governor praised Baku’s urban planning and said Azerbaijan offers lessons for sustainable city growth.

World Cup Prep: Iran’s men’s squad is set to fly to Turkey for a final training camp in Antalya, with friendlies including one vs Gambia on 29 May, while visa steps for the trip to the United States are still being processed. Human Rights Watch: CONASADH used the ACHPR session in Banjul to call for an investigation into alleged Moroccan war crimes in Western Sahara and for the release of Sahrawi political prisoners. Migration Shock: A newborn migrant baby died of hypothermia after landing on Lampedusa, as investigations begin into the tragedy. Climate Push: African parliamentarians meeting in Nairobi pledged to speak with one united voice on climate and methane talks, stressing Africa’s development and food-security priorities. Sports & Business: CAA athletics leadership shifts as Tonobok Okowa becomes Senior VP, while in football, Mamelodi Sundowns are banking on Colombian striker Brayan Leon ahead of the CAF Champions League final first leg.

Migration Watch: Frontex reports a 78% drop in boat arrivals to the Canary Islands on the West African route in the first four months of 2026, with 2,331 detected cases—though officials warn May could bring a temporary shift. Counterterror Update: US and Nigerian forces say they killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as a top ISIS commander tied to Africa operations. Sports Spotlight: Mamelodi Sundowns are pinning CAF Champions League hopes on Colombian striker Brayan Leon ahead of the final first leg. Local Football: Gunjur United vs Suwokono is a survival clash in GFF Division Two today. Education & Rights: A Tennessee district banned Alex Haley’s Roots under a state law—while in The Gambia, the GPU warns journalists still face intimidation and restrictive actions. Food Security: VP Jallow backs universal school meals, citing USDA support, as FAO donates tablets to strengthen fisheries data. Culture: Gambian drill rapper SKELTA is rising, and kora star Suntou Susso wins an international songwriting prize.