AGP Executive Report

Oil & Gas Deal: Eni has entered The Gambia with an offshore Block A1 exploration development and production license agreement, covering about 1,300 sq km in deep Atlantic waters. Elections & Voting Integrity: The IEC says 24,058 people registered with multiple voter’s cards, warning double registration is a criminal offence that could bring fines, imprisonment, or bans. Justice & Public Trust: An Afrobarometer access-to-justice survey finds most Gambians doubt courts are fair, affordable, or timely, with many saying powerful people often escape punishment. Power Sector Watch: NAWEC’s electricity crisis remains under scrutiny as reporting separates claims about its debts and highlights ongoing instability and recovery plans. Hajj Fraud Case: Police have arraigned a man accused of defrauding intending pilgrims of millions of dalasis over promised Mecca travel and visa arrangements. Regional Connectivity: ValueJet launches direct Accra–Banjul flights, adding more travel options across West Africa. Sports: Coach Jonathan McKinstry’s Scorpions contract has been extended to 2028, and the Governor Famara Jatta memorial interbank trophy final is set for Saturday.

US-Iran Fallout: The IMF says it will step up support for Ethiopia, The Gambia and Burkina Faso as the Iran-linked shock drives up energy and food costs, with The Gambia seeking a 20% boost to its existing programme. Power Crisis: NAWEC blames maintenance and equipment rehabilitation for prolonged outages, warning spare parts delays could keep cuts going for about two weeks. Governance & Rights: The High Court in Banjul ordered Oryx Energy to pay over D1.95m for an unlawful, unfair dismissal of an IT manager. Sports Leadership: The Gambia extends Scorpions coach Jonathan McKinstry’s contract to 2028. Football: Second Division sides Baalor Sarr and AJ Soccer reach the FF Cup final after semi-final wins. Women & Community: A documentary and tribute honour Banjul’s former Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe, while Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri urged more women in leadership. Migration & Safety: Mauritanian coast guards report rescuing 181 Gambians among migrants intercepted near Nouakchott and after departures from Banjul. Travel Rules: Gambians applying for US visas will now process via Senegal, after US consular hubs were expanded.

Football & Women’s League: Berewuleng beat Gambia Police Force 2-1 in a week-13 fixture, with Sarah Jarju scoring twice; Police got a consolation from Nyima Sanneh. Berewuleng lead the table on 37 points. FA Cup Shock: Second Division sides Baalor Sarr and AJ Soccer booked spots in the Men’s FF Cup final after semi-final wins, setting up an all-lower-tier final. National Team Leadership: The Ministry of Youth and Sports renewed Coach Jonathan McKinstry’s contract, citing confidence in his role since taking charge in 2024 and aiming for AFCON 2027 qualification. Power Crisis: NAWEC says the worst outages are driven by maintenance and equipment rehabilitation, blaming long spare-part delays and promising gradual improvement within two weeks. Education Pay Dispute: MoBSE and teachers reached consensus over delayed salary upgrades, with officials saying remaining cases will be cleared by end-June. US Visa Processing: Gambians may now need to travel to Senegal for US visa processing as the US reduces routine consular services. Business & Taxes: Africell wins Gambia’s Largest Taxpayer Award for the 7th time, highlighting over a billion dalasi in annual taxes. Halal Trade Push: SMIIC is in The Gambia to train stakeholders on halal quality infrastructure and certification systems, positioning the country as a regional hub.

IMF Support for Gambia: The IMF says it reached staff-level agreements under both the ECF and RSF programmes, paving the way for about US$8.5m in a new disbursement (subject to Board approval), alongside an extension to July 2027. Electricity Pressure: GALA has set a June 19 deadline for the government and NAWEC to act on the power crisis, arguing the problem is political and planning-related, not just technical. Football—AFCON Roadmap: The Scorpions opened their 2027 AFCON qualifier campaign against Somalia in September, with further fixtures against Ivory Coast (Oct, away) and Ghana (Nov, home). Sports—AUSC Games in Banjul: The Gambia will host the 2026 AUSC Region 2 Games in Banjul from 7–13 June, bringing under-20 athletes and boosting sports tourism. Women’s League Update: Berewuleng moved closer to the title after a 2-1 win over Police, with Sarah Jarju scoring twice. Justice: The High Court in Banjul sentenced two men to 10 years each for armed robbery. Migration Warning: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 181 Gambians among 911 migrants over five days, highlighting the continuing danger of the Atlantic route.

IMF Support for Gambia: The IMF says it has reached staff-level agreements under the ECF and RSF programmes, paving the way for a disbursement of about US$8.5m to The Gambia, with total access under the ECF now set to rise after an extension to July 2027. Electricity Pressure: GALA has issued a warning and threatened a nationwide protest if NAWEC and the government fail to stabilize power supply by June 19, calling the crisis political and managerial, not just technical. Judiciary Leadership Change: Chief Justice Jallow announced he will retire 1 August 2026, thanking judicial staff and urging continued independence and efficiency in the justice system. Political Unity Calls: President Barrow and UDP leader Darboe urged Gambians to stay peaceful and united as election activity intensifies, framing Eid as a time for reconciliation. Women in Newsrooms: A new study highlights that gender inequality in Gambian journalism is driven by barriers to reaching leadership, with women underrepresented at top levels.

World Cup Logistics: Iran says its squad will fly to Spain this weekend en route to a Mexico base in Tijuana, even as US and Mexico visas are still pending—an unusual setup shaped by the Middle East war. Maritime Security: The US says it disabled a Botswana-flagged VLCC bound for Iran’s Kharg Island with a Hellfire missile after repeated warnings, as it enforces a blockade; the report also notes earlier actions against a Gambia-flagged vessel. Gambia Deportations: The US has published a list of 355 deportees from West Africa, including 14 Gambians, with names and photos released. Cost of Living: Justice for All calls for a nationwide sit-down strike starting 8 June over fuel and transport fare hikes. Energy Crisis: GALA warns of a protest if electricity supply and accountability don’t improve by 19 June. Local Sports: GFF Women’s Second Division results keep Future Bi on top; Gambian runner Sanu Jallow sets an NCAA 800m record. Business & Policy: Government signs a petroleum exploration deal for Offshore Block Al with Eni Gambia Ltd.

Fuel Relief & Cost of Living: The Gambia government reduced diesel by D5 per litre, bringing it to D115, while committing over D150 million in subsidies to cushion households and transport operators. Power Crisis Pressure: GALA warned it will push for action over electricity outages if NAWEC’s explanations don’t translate into real improvements by 19 June, while rights activist Madi Jobarteh said citizens can’t wait for promised fixes. Protest Threat: Justice for All called for a nationwide sit-down strike starting Monday, 8 June, blaming fuel and transport hikes for worsening hardship. Energy Policy Move: Government announced signing a Petroleum Exploration and Production Licence Agreement for Offshore Block A1 with Eni Gambia Ltd. Sports & Talent: Gambian runner Sanu Jallow set an NCAA 800m record, and striker Ousman Gai won a Golden Boot abroad. Justice: Banjul High Court sentenced two men to 10 years each for robbery. Regional/World Watch: US-Iran tensions continued with strikes and a fresh maritime incident involving a Gambia-flagged vessel.

Gambia Power & Water Woes: NAWEC MD Saidy says the current electricity crisis is technical, tied to OMVG regional power network load-sharing and fuel generation challenges, not politics, adding local generation and solar are helping while recovery is expected gradually by mid-June; he also points to bad timing during Tobaski. Regional Security Shock: US-Iran tensions keep flaring as the US bombs radar/drone sites in Iran after a drone shootdown, while Iran claims missile attacks on US-linked targets in Kuwait; the Strait of Hormuz remains a major concern for global shipping. Maritime Link to Gambia: CENTCOM says US forces disabled a Gambia-flagged vessel in the Gulf of Oman for attempting to breach the Iran blockade. Environment Risk: A water expert warns saltwater intrusion and salinization could trigger food crises and drive migration. Politics Watch: A commentary argues the opposition must unite ahead of the 2026 election to avoid handing Barrow another term.

Electricity Crisis: NAWEC says Greater Banjul and the West Coast are facing daily scheduled outages, with power imports cut by up to 60MW and domestic backup generation limited by maintenance and high fuel costs, leaving a shortfall of over 50% and some areas without power for up to 10 hours; the utility expects gradual recovery by mid-June. Accountability in Local Government: The Local Government Commission recommends Banjul City Council CEO Mustapha Bachilly be dismissed, banned from public office for five years, and prosecuted over alleged fraudulent accounting, abuse of office, and unlawful spending. Defence Leadership Shake-up: President Adama Barrow appointed Maj Gen Ousman Gomez as Acting Chief of Defence Staff after Lt Gen Mamat Cham’s resignation, while EFSCRJ calls for an independent investigation into allegations against the former CDS. Political Pressure Ahead of 2026: A fresh analysis argues the opposition must unite to stop President Adama Barrow seeking a third term, as economic hardship and broken promises fuel anger. Transport Costs During Tobaski: Reports say passengers were forced to pay double fares during the Tobaski travel rush as drivers and operators ignored capped rates. Water Shortage Hits Celebrations: In Bundung, Tobaski festivities were marred by severe water shortages, with families walking for water and paying for deliveries. Regional Concern: The Gambia condemns xenophobic violence in South Africa and says it is monitoring the safety of Gambians there. World Cup Prep & Friendly: Iran beat The Gambia 3-1 in an international friendly in Turkey as both teams fine-tune preparations. GRA Digital Reforms: GRA says digital reforms drove record revenue, with CG Darboe praising taxpayers and modernization efforts. Passport Processing Checks: Immigration warns of flagged biometric passport inconsistencies for applications enrolled in Spain, advising affected applicants to contact the designated officer to resolve issues. Debt-Climate Option: A World Bank report says The Gambia could consider debt-for-climate swaps to fund climate adaptation and ecosystem protection. ECOWAS Passport Reality Check: One Gambian migrant story highlights how an ECOWAS passport still failed to guarantee smooth movement at checkpoints. Energy Investment Push: Minister Nani Juwara led The Gambia’s delegation to the Africa Energies Summit in London, promoting petroleum exploration opportunities.

Gulf of Oman Security: The US Central Command says it disabled the Gambia-flagged cargo vessel M/V Lian Star with a Hellfire missile after the crew ignored more than 20 warnings while trying to reach an Iranian port; CENTCOM says the ship is no longer transiting to Iran and that five vessels have been disabled while 116 others were redirected to enforce the blockade. US-Iran Talks: Iran’s chief negotiator warned the US is not to be trusted and said Tehran will not approve any deal unless Iranian rights are secured, as reports say Trump has sent tougher changes to the draft framework and a 60-day ceasefire extension remains uncertain. West Africa Power Push: A World Bank-backed programme says electricity access has expanded to over 3 million people across West Africa, including The Gambia, through new transmission links and cross-border grid trading. Sports (USMNT vs Senegal): Christian Pulisic ended a long goal drought as the US beat Senegal 3-2 in a World Cup warm-up friendly in Charlotte, with Pulisic scoring and assisting.

Gambia in the spotlight at sea: The U.S. Central Command says it disabled the Gambia-flagged cargo ship M/V Lian Star in the Gulf of Oman with a Hellfire missile after the crew ignored “more than 20 warnings” while trying to reach an Iranian port. CENTCOM says the ship is no longer transiting to Iran and that five vessels have been disabled so far, with 116 others redirected, as Washington enforces its blockade while a fragile ceasefire with Iran remains in place. Diplomacy still stuck: Iran’s top negotiator says Tehran will not approve any U.S. deal unless Iran’s people’s rights are secured, while reports say Trump has sent tougher changes back to Tehran and has not publicly confirmed whether the ceasefire extension will be approved. Regional tensions: Iran claims it shot down a U.S. drone, and Israel’s forces captured the historic Beaufort fortress in Lebanon, as fighting continues. Sports link for readers: The U.S. and Senegal play a friendly in Charlotte today, with Senegal recently beating Gambia 3-1.

Gambia in the spotlight on the pitch: Iran beat The Gambia 3-1 in a World Cup warm-up in Turkey, but the bigger story is off-field pressure—Iran’s federation says visa delays have forced a base move from Arizona to Mexico and is now asking FIFA to clarify when World Cup visas will be issued. U.S.-Iran shipping tensions with a Gambia link: The U.S. says it disabled a Gambia-flagged bulk carrier, Lian Star, after it tried to breach the American blockade of Iranian ports; the ship remains adrift in the Gulf of Oman. Local football governance row: The Gambia Football Federation pushed back on a Ministry of Youth & Sports statement, saying Independence Stadium availability for June international friendlies was formally cleared through the National Sports Council. Crime and migration concerns abroad: Italian police say five African migrants, including two from Gambia, were arrested over the alleged abduction and gang-rape of a Colombian tourist in Rome. Tourism and travel: Reports highlight new direct flights to The Gambia from Birmingham, positioning Banjul and the “Smiling Coast” for winter sun visitors.

GFF vs MOYS Stadium Row: The Gambia Football Federation says the Ministry of Youth & Sports’ claim that its Independence Stadium friendly schedule was “premature” is wrong, pointing to formal letters via the National Sports Council clearing the venue around the June FIFA window. Iran-Gambia Football Update: Iran beat Gambia 3-1 in a World Cup warm-up in Turkey, while Iran also asked FIFA to clarify visa issuance after relocating its training base to Mexico. Gambia Special Prosecutor Debate: A commentary questions the “Gambian-driven” justice process after the appointment of British barrister Martin Hackett as The Gambia’s Special Prosecutor for Jammeh-era crimes. IMF Deal for The Gambia: IMF staff reached staff-level agreement with Gambian authorities on the fifth review under the Extended Credit Facility and the second under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, despite missing two fiscal targets. Football Politics Allegations: A stakeholder alleges bribery in GFF elections, warning that offering money for votes violates FIFA and GFF rules. Health Note: Research highlights that kangaroo mother care started immediately after birth may improve outcomes for premature and low-birth-weight babies, though hospital adoption varies. Tourism & Travel: TUI announced new direct flights from Birmingham to Banjul for winter sun, with weekly schedules and popular local attractions. Crime Across Borders: Reports say a Gambian migrant in Spain was arrested after allegedly attacking a police officer with a kitchen knife.

IMF Update for The Gambia: The IMF says its team has reached staff-level agreement with Gambian authorities on the fifth review under the Extended Credit Facility, plus a second review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, despite two fiscal targets being missed due to higher spending in 2025; growth is estimated at 6.0% for 2025 and inflation has eased, though the Middle East conflict and commodity price spikes cloud the 2026 outlook. Special Prosecutor Debate: A British barrister, Martin Hackett, has been sworn in as The Gambia’s Special Prosecutor for crimes from Yahya Jammeh’s rule, but critics question how “Gambian-driven” accountability fits with appointing a non-Gambian. Gambia in the Spotlight Abroad: A 26-year-old Gambian migrant in Spain was arrested after allegedly stabbing a Spanish police officer with a kitchen knife while shouting “Allahu Akbar.” Regional Travel Moves: Ghana has launched an e-visa system and waived visa fees for African passport holders, joining other visa-free or no-fee regimes that include The Gambia. Football & Community: Friendly match fixtures include Iran vs Gambia, and local youth voter awareness efforts are reported as voter registration for the presidential election ends.

Gambia Election Watch: Gambian youth have wrapped up a nationwide voter awareness caravan in Banjul as supplementary voters’ registration for the December 2026 presidential election ends, with the IEC now compiling the final voters’ roll and civic groups urging first-time voters to stay engaged and keep the peace. Justice & Accountability: A special prosecutor’s tour in The Gambia is framed as a “charm offensive” to win over victims, amid controversy over appointments linked to the Jammeh era and concerns about transparency in the justice process. Governance & Investment Treaties: Lawmakers and civil society discussed how international investment agreements can expose developing states like The Gambia to costly disputes, urging deeper scrutiny before Parliament approves such treaties. Regional Cooperation: Nigeria’s data protection regulator signed cooperation pacts with The Gambia and Morocco to support harmonised enforcement and knowledge sharing. Security & Integrity: A Canadian case highlights a passport forgery scheme involving falsified Gambian passports hidden in sandals, underscoring ongoing risks around document fraud. Local Development: Youth and civic education efforts continue alongside election preparations, including Civic Education Camp 2.0 activities in the Upper River Region.

Gambia Election Watch: Gambian youth have wrapped up a nationwide voter awareness caravan in Banjul, as supplementary voters’ registration for the December 2026 presidential election ends; the IEC is now compiling the official voters’ roll, with civic educators urging first-time voters to stay engaged and help maintain peace. Special Prosecutor in Focus: A report says Gambia’s special prosecutor is on a “charm offensive” tour, aimed at winning over communities affected by past abuses, as questions linger over justice and accountability. Diplomacy & Regional Links: Nigeria’s data protection regulator signed cooperation MoUs with The Gambia and Morocco to support enforcement and harmonisation of data protection laws. Public Administration & Oversight: The OMVG Council of Ministers session in Guinea heard warnings that financial constraints and contractual tensions could delay key energy projects, including the Sambangalou Dam and regional interconnection. International Spotlight: Russia has appointed a new ambassador to The Gambia, following earlier moves to open embassies across Africa. Migration & Fraud Crackdown: Canada’s border authorities arrested a Nigerian woman, Nnenna Oketa, after a shipment from Nigeria was found to contain seven falsified passports, including five Gambian passports, hidden inside sandals.