AGP Executive Report

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.

Skills & Industry: Chinese-invested Twyford factories across Africa are training nearly 1,000 local workers in glass production, maintenance and digital inventory systems, helping staff move into supervisory roles and boosting job stability. Sports & Youth: Senegal’s Fatou Thiam and Nafi Segnane won silver at the CAVB Beach Volleyball Youth Development Cup in Saly, with the event linked to Olympic youth athlete development that previously included Banjul. Health & Education: A new report highlights how period poverty is costing girls in The Gambia school days each month, pushing families to skip education due to lack of products and facilities. Gambia in Regional Diplomacy: Bangladesh’s foreign ministerial outreach says The Gambia’s ICJ Rohingya genocide case against Myanmar is being actively pursued, with hopes it will support voluntary returns. Politics & Unity: NUP has withdrawn from APeX opposition coalition talks, while APeX extends negotiations to end of August; meanwhile, Tuti Faal urges Gambians to reject divisive politics ahead of December 2026. Security: A Gambian man was arrested in Paceville on drug trafficking charges after police found pills and suspected cannabis, cocaine and methamphetamine, plus cash and phones.

ICJ Case Update: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam says The Gambia’s pursuit of the Rohingya genocide case against Myanmar at the ICJ is moving forward, saying a successful outcome could boost Rohingyas’ confidence to return voluntarily. Opposition Talks: NUP has withdrawn from APeX coalition talks, while APeX says parties have agreed a two-week window to resolve remaining issues and reconvene on 30 August. Tribalism Debate: Commentaries and public figures continue to push back against divisive tribal politics, following recent remarks that sparked backlash. Sports & Community: Gambian football mourns legendary goalkeeper Kebba Massaneh Ceesay, remembered for his playing and technical leadership roles. Education: Mansa Colley Bojang SSS in Brikama Jalanbang tops the 2026 WASSCE rankings nationally. Football Qualifiers: CAF provisionally clears Independence Stadium in Bakau, giving The Gambia home advantage for AFCON qualifiers—raising the stakes for Ghana’s campaign. Migration & Security: Police report arrest of a 31-year-old Gambian man in Paceville on drug trafficking charges. Business & Regional Links: EU and IOM strengthen The Gambia’s migration monitoring capacity, while China and GAF hold a second China-Gambia military bantaba.

Reserve Management Focus: WAIFEM urged foreign exchange reserve managers across WAMZ to strengthen institutions and risk systems as shocks from geopolitics and climate become harder to predict, launching a five-day training in Monrovia for central bank staff from Liberia, The Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. ECOWAS Tourism Talks: ECOWAS convened COPITOUR and tourism stakeholders in Abuja to push regional business links, with tourism framed as a driver of jobs, investment and peace. Health & Care Spotlight: A feature on breast cancer care in The Gambia highlights the real hurdles patients face in getting treatment and support. Education Results: Mansa Colley Bojang SSS in Brikama topped the 2026 WASSCE rankings, with Yunus English School SSS Annex (Jamwelly) second. Politics & Unity: UDP leader Ousainu Darboe called for opposition parties to unite behind the “Gambia First Coalition” ahead of December 2026, while former first lady Tuti Faal urged Gambians to reject divisive politics. Football & Home Advantage: CAF provisionally cleared The Gambia’s Independence Stadium for AFCON qualifiers, shifting Ghana’s group matches back to Banjul. Security Incident: Police reported a break-in at the Cuban embassy in Brufut, with valuables stolen and investigations ongoing. Development Tour: President Barrow inaugurated roads and health projects in Central River Region North, including an ambulance handover.

Diplomacy & Security: The Chinese Embassy in The Gambia and the Gambia Armed Forces hosted the Second China-Gambia Military Bantaba, with senior GAF commanders and trainees discussing deeper military exchanges and capacity building. Crime: Police say an unidentified person broke into the Cuban embassy in Brufut and stole valuables; investigations are ongoing. Sports: CAF has provisionally cleared Independence Stadium in Bakau for AFCON qualifiers, ending a multi-year ban and giving The Gambia home advantage—an added challenge for Ghana in Group C. Opposition Politics: UDP leader Ousainu Darboe urged opposition parties to unite behind the Gambia First Coalition ahead of December 2026, as parties and movements formalise the alliance via an MoU. Unity & Elections: Former first lady Tuti Faal urged Gambians to reject divisive politics and hate speech ahead of the polls. Education: Mansa Colley Bojang Senior Secondary School topped the 2026 WASSCE, with 97.04% of candidates scoring five credits or more. Diaspora Politics: NPP’s Seattle chapter raised US$65,230 for the 2026 presidential campaign. Public Health & Sanitation: Foroyaa warned about filthy drainage and footpath conditions around Jobe Street and the road toward Serekunda School, urging urgent action to prevent outbreaks.

Gambia Politics & Elections: The IEC and Inter-Party Committee brought together all 24 registered parties in Banjul to pledge peace and tolerance ahead of the 2026 presidential vote, with training covering voter participation, civic rights, and preventing electoral violence. Opposition Alliance Moves: UDP and five parties plus two movements are set to sign a grand opposition MoU today, aiming for a united front for the 2026–2027 elections. Barrow’s Coalition Signal: President Adama Barrow said he expects UDP leader Ousainu Darboe to withdraw after GDC joined the NPP-led coalition, framing it as a “family reunion.” Development in CRR North: Barrow inaugurated roads and health projects, including an ambulance for Ballanghar Jaloto, and laid foundations for new road links and agro-logistics and Farafenni roads initiatives. Public Health Warning: Foroyaa urged urgent action over filthy drainage and footpaths in Jobe Street/Serekunda area, warning that preventable conditions could trigger epidemics. Sports & Local Talent: Star Sport Academy suffered a 4-0 loss in the West Africa Champions Cup, but the result doesn’t change its Sept. 5/12 CAF tie against Gambia’s Medina United.

Gambia Politics: NAM Abdoulie Njai says his Andandorr Movement is in talks about joining President Barrow’s ruling NPP, with no final decision yet, as opposition parties move to unite ahead of the 2026 polls. Opposition Alliance: UDP leader Ousainu Darboe and five parties plus two movements are set to sign a grand opposition MoU today in Banjul, aiming for a united front for the 2026–2027 elections. Election Peace Training: All 24 registered parties met in Banjul to pledge peace and tolerance, with IEC officials urging voter participation, civic rights, and prevention of electoral violence. Development Tour: President Barrow inaugurated roads and health projects in Central River Region North, including a new ambulance for Ballanghar Jaloto and foundations for road and agro-logistics initiatives. Social Protection Focus: ECA called for stronger social protection and expanded youth jobs across Africa, including discussions with The Gambia’s gender and welfare ministry. Public Health Warning: Foroyaa warns of filthy drainage and footpath conditions around Jobe Street and the road to Serekunda School, urging urgent action to prevent outbreaks. Sports & Gambia Links: Brighton says Gambia winger Yankuba Minteh could miss 2–3 months with a right leg injury; Star Sport Academy’s continental preparations took a hit after a 4–0 defeat, ahead of their CAF tie vs Medina United. Women’s Rights: A Gambian-linked lawyer announces a 220-hour reading marathon on SGBV laws across 15 African countries, including The Gambia.