AGP Executive Report

IEC & Parties: The Independent Electoral Commission registered the UNITE Movement as a political party on 1 July 2026, and also registered the All Inclusive Party (AIP), bringing the number of registered parties to 24 ahead of the 2026 polls. Parliament & Accountability: The National Assembly received the 2025 audit report on time for the first time in decades, while lawmakers also warned that cargo handling delays at the Port of Banjul have worsened despite GPA reforms. Tax Administration: The Gambia Revenue Authority launched a pilot electronic invoicing system to modernize tax collection, reduce paperwork and strengthen compliance. Agriculture & Food Security: The Agriculture Minister said major farming projects are on track, and government announced free organic fertiliser for farmers—targeting women horticulture producers with 10,000 metric tonnes nationwide. Women’s Empowerment: President Barrow approved over D32 million for the SWEDD+ project, backing entrepreneurship training for out-of-school girls and young women. Security & Politics: NDP leader Kebba Madi Bojang alleged Immigration officers planned to deport his friend Muhammed Rainey after a chaotic arrest, saying authorities have not explained any charge. Justice: A High Court sentenced Ousman Ceesay to 10 years for robbery with violence in Gunjur, while two men convicted for indecent practices between males have appealed their five-year sentences. Fuel Prices: Fuel prices reportedly dropped again, with petrol and diesel pump prices reduced.

ICC & Human Rights: Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali notified the UN they will withdraw from the Rome Statute of the ICC, effective in a year, citing “misuse” and “selective” justice while critics warn the move comes amid repression and abuses by security forces. Political Tensions: The UDP condemned alleged excessive force by Immigration officers against NDP leader Kebba Madi Bojang’s associate, German businessman Muhammed Rainey, as the NDP alleges a plan to deport him without clear charges. Parliament Watch: The National Assembly says audited 2025 accounts were finally submitted on time, but lawmakers also report worsening cargo handling delays at the Port of Banjul despite GPA reforms, and question a D1.2bn ferry liability lacking a written agreement. Digital Governance & Tax: GRA launched a pilot electronic invoicing system to modernize tax administration, while IEC confirmed new registered parties including UMC and AIP. Economy & Services: Fuel prices dropped, and President Barrow approved over D32m for the SWEDD+ women’s empowerment project. Foreign Cooperation: Indonesia and The Gambia reopened the ARFTC training centre in Jenoi, framing it as a regional food-security hub. 2026 Politics: Former VP Isatou Touray launched an independent bid for a “Third Republic,” while IEC moves ahead with party registrations ahead of December polls.

National Identity Push: President Adama Barrow launched The Gambia’s National Identity Management System (NIMS) and inaugurated the National Data Centre in Abuko, saying the biometric platform will speed up enrolment, reduce duplication and fraud, and improve access to services. Telecom Reform: PURA unveiled a nine-digit national numbering plan, with mobile numbers shifting from seven digits starting 4 September 2026 and the changeover ending 30 November. Elections & Parties: The IEC registered the Unite Movement for Change (UMC) as a political party ahead of the 2026 polls, positioning it around youth employment, skills and anti-corruption. Parliament Oversight: The National Assembly’s Public Enterprises Committee questioned a D1.2bn ferry-services liability, citing lack of a written agreement supporting the arrangement. Health Sector Funding: MPs ratified a $37.5m financing deal for the University of The Gambia School of Medicine expansion. Presidential Race: Former Vice President Dr Isatou Touray launched her independent bid for the 5 December 2026 election, calling for a “Third Republic.” Justice & Security: A Gambian-linked suspect was charged in the US over an international corporate impersonation fraud targeting a Logan business for about $246,000, with a judge issuing an arrest warrant.

National ID push: President Adama Barrow launched The Gambia’s National Identity Management System and inaugurated a new National Data Centre in Abuko, saying the biometric, instant-enrolment platform will speed service delivery, cut duplication and fraud, and strengthen data sovereignty. Digital telecom reform: PURA announced a switch from seven-digit phone numbers to a nine-digit system, with a transition running from 4 Sept 2026 and seven-digit calls/SMS ending 30 Nov 2026. Health infrastructure debate: Farato Hospital was officially opened by Barrow, with commentators urging that new buildings must be matched by staffing, medicines, specialties and affordable access—not just construction. Justice and public safety: Courts handed long sentences in violent robbery cases and imposed a death sentence in a Brufut Ghana Town murder conviction, as public debate intensifies over crime and the death penalty. Community development: The National Roads Authority is set to build a culvert in Banni village to restore access to rice farmlands after decades of hardship. Governance and civil society: ActionAid’s TAC meeting in CRR discussed monitoring recommendations through sub-committees and widening participation across key ministries. Regional and international ties: Gambia-Indonesia cooperation talks covered trade, agriculture, education, tourism and migration governance, while ISO’s secretary-general visited to deepen standards partnership.

Military Leadership Reshuffle: President Adama Barrow has promoted and reassigned senior officers in the Gambia Armed Forces, confirming Major General Ousman Gomez as Chief of Defence Staff, elevating Brigadier General Sait Njie to Deputy CDS, moving Brigadier General Yaya Drammeh to Commander of the National Army, and appointing Colonel Alhagie Sanneh as Commander of the Republican National Guards. Presidential Politics & Coalition Claims: Barrow dismissed reports of an emerging opposition alliance, saying 21 parties are in talks to remove him but he will “beat them massively,” urging ruling allies to stay united ahead of the December 5 presidential election. Courts & Public Safety: The High Court sentenced Ismaila Janneh to death for the Brufut Ghana Town murder of Alieu Jallow, while Justice Ebrima Jaiteh also warned of rising knife violence as he passed death sentences. Crime & Youth Vulnerability: A Brikama case highlights child exposure to tobacco, with a 10-year-old reportedly smoking daily after being sent to buy cigarettes. Governance & Reform Debate: A legal commentary argues vetting reform still needs “keys,” criticizing the outdated Official Secrets Act and calling for a workable process for access to state secrets. Sports & National Pride: Team-Gambia athletics for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow was confirmed, and Berewuleng retained the GFF Women’s First Division title with a 5-0 win over Yakar FC. Regional Development: The World Bank approved $323m in regional financing including a Gambia-linked energy project under ECOWAS. International Diplomacy: Russia’s Lavrov said Russia will open embassies in Gambia and other African states soon.

Military reshuffle: President Adama Barrow promoted Major General Ousman Gomez to Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier General Sait Njie to Deputy CDS, Brigadier General Yaya Drammeh to Commander of the National Army, and recalled Colonel Alhagie Sanneh to lead the Republican National Guards—an immediate leadership change as security reform stays on the agenda. Security & governance: A fresh op-ed warns The Gambia is drifting toward a “security time bomb” amid funding shortages, while another argues vetting reform matters because the state still has “locks, but no keys” for handling access to secrets. Crime & courts: High Court Justice Ebrima Jaiteh condemned rising knife violence, sentencing an accused murderer to death, and the judiciary reiterated it will apply the full force of the law. Prison controversy: Prison Services clarified that a pardoned inmate was convicted of manslaughter, not rape, after public backlash. Elections & parties: A legal explainer says party registration now requires 10,000 registered voter declarations and a D2m deposit; it notes 22 parties are registered and more applications are pending. Agriculture & prices: Government began distributing free organic fertiliser nationwide, while lawmakers and critics continue to question fertiliser delivery and financing gaps. Regional diplomacy: Russia says it will open new diplomatic missions in The Gambia and other African states, and the Atlantic Africa agenda featured in Banjul via the Atlantic African States Process. Community development: Rotary commissioned a D5m water project in Essau Newtown, adding 35 taps to improve safe water access.

Fuel & cost of living: President Adama Barrow says fuel pump prices will be reduced nationwide starting July 1, after inaugurating the Farato National Emergency Treatment Centre, while residents in parts of the country question whether infrastructure is improving livelihoods amid unstable power and high costs. Prison & clemency: Barrow granted a free and unconditional pardon to 105 convicted inmates for Yawm al-Ashura, but public debate is already rising over whether clemency is being used transparently and fairly. Elections & coalition talks: The opposition Coalition Mediation Committee says it has agreed on flagbearer qualifications and power-sharing frameworks, including rules to avoid public attacks during talks. Agriculture dispute: The Gambia For All (GFA) challenges Agriculture Minister Demba Sabally over fertiliser delivery delays, saying no fertiliser had reached farmers upcountry at the time of his remarks. Courts & accountability: The High Court ordered the Accountant General to show cause in contempt proceedings over alleged failure to comply with an earlier order. Revenue & borders: GRA says it will use outcomes from the World Customs Organization council sessions to push customs reforms and improve border management. Regional governance: ECOWAS Court launches an electronic case management system aimed at faster, cheaper justice across the region. Health & development: NDMA and CRS disbursed D22m to 1,450 vulnerable households in LRR under the PROTECT project, including boreholes.

Opposition Coalition Talks: The Coalition Mediation Committee says it has agreed on flagbearer qualifications and power-sharing frameworks, including coalition governing body structure and rules to avoid public attacks while mediating in private. Presidential Politics & Governance: President Barrow, commissioning the Farato National Emergency Treatment Centre, Biomedical Engineering Hospital and Diagnostic/Imaging facilities, hit back at critics over funding claims and framed the project as proof of government delivery. Human Rights & Justice: The NHRC opened training for prison officers on international human rights standards and anti-torture safeguards, stressing inmates’ constitutional protections. Judiciary Spotlight: Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow was unanimously elected chair of the Advisory Council of Elders at the African Chief Justices Forum, with an award for judicial cooperation. Public Sector Pay Claim: A fact-check challenges Minister Hamat Bah’s claim that Gambian civil servants are the highest paid in West Africa, noting the lack of cited data. Agriculture Accountability Fight: GFA sharply rebuts Agriculture Minister Demba Sabally, insisting fertiliser deliveries were chronically late and citing a National Audit Office performance audit. Disaster Support in LRR: NDMA and CRS launched the PROTECT project, disbursing D22M to 1,450 vulnerable households and funding boreholes to improve flood and windstorm resilience. Regional Cooperation: The Senegalo-Gambian Permanent Secretariat discussed implementation of resolutions from the 4th Presidential Council in Dakar.

Water Access Gap: A new global map shows safe drinking water is still out of reach for billions, with access below 20% in several low-income countries—an issue that matters for public health and development planning. Prison Rights Training: The National Human Rights Commission pushed human-rights reforms for The Gambia’s Prison Service, urging officers to treat inmates as human beings and align practice with international anti-torture standards. Judiciary Recognition: Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow was unanimously elected to a top African judicial leadership role, boosting the Gambia’s profile in continental justice cooperation. Jobs Data Under Scrutiny: In Parliament, the Trade Minister defended claims of 163,660 new jobs between 2023 and 2026, but lawmakers pressed for clearer survey methodology ahead of the full Labour Force Survey report. Local Governance Accountability: Government says the Local Government Commission of Inquiry report will be published before end of August, alongside a cabinet White Paper response. Fertiliser Relief: Farmers welcomed the decision to keep fertiliser at D1,100 per bag for 2026, citing improved distribution through NFSC-linked channels. Sports Infrastructure: President Barrow inaugurated the O.J. Jallow Memorial mini-stadium in Serrekunda, urging residents to take ownership and use it responsibly. Opposition Coalition Tensions: UDP rejected claims of consensus on a candidate-led opposition coalition model for the 2026 election, signalling continued divisions ahead of December polls.

Judiciary Recognition: Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow was unanimously elected Chairman of the Advisory Council of Elders of the African Chief Justices Forum, a continental nod to The Gambia’s judicial leadership. Jobs & Data Scrutiny: In the National Assembly, Trade Minister Mod K. Ceesay defended claims of 163,660 new jobs created between 2023 and 2026, but lawmakers pressed for clearer survey methodology ahead of the full Labour Force Survey report expected by end-June. Local Politics: Opposition coalition talks hit fresh friction after UDP rejected claims of consensus on a candidate-led coalition model for the 2026 presidential election. Human Rights in Custody: The NHRC opened training for prison officers on international human rights standards and anti-torture safeguards, linking reform to the “Never Again” promise after past abuses. Local Governance Reform: Government says the Local Government Commission of Inquiry report and a cabinet White Paper response will be published before end-August. Fertiliser Relief: Farmers in the North Bank welcomed the decision to keep fertiliser at D1,100 per bag for 2026, praising improved distribution through NFSC channels. Sports Infrastructure: President Barrow inaugurated the O.J. Jallow Memorial mini-stadium in Serrekunda, urging residents to take ownership and use it responsibly.

Judiciary Recognition: Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow was unanimously elected Chairman of the Advisory Council of Elders of the African Chief Justices Forum, a continental nod to The Gambia’s judicial leadership. Parliament & Jobs Data: Trade Minister Mod K. Ceesay defended government claims that employment rose by 163,660 between 2023 and 2026, citing preliminary Labour Force Survey figures, while lawmakers pressed for clearer survey methodology ahead of the full report. Local Government Oversight: The Local Government Commission of Inquiry report will be published before end of August, with a cabinet White Paper outlining government’s response after legal review. Opposition Coalition Talks: UDP rejected claims of consensus on a candidate-led coalition model for the 2026 election, saying no agreement was reached and questioning the authority behind a mediation committee statement. Public Service & Accountability: NHRC opened a training for prison officers on international human rights standards, anti-torture safeguards, and accountability, linking reform to “Never Again” after past detention abuses. Food & Agriculture: Government kept fertiliser at D1,100 per bag for 2026, with farmers praising improved access through NFSC depots, seccos and authorised agents. Sports Infrastructure: President Barrow inaugurated the O.J. Jallow Memorial mini-stadium in Serrekunda, urging residents to take ownership and use it responsibly.

Judiciary & Rule of Law: Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow was unanimously elected Chairman of the Advisory Council of Elders of the African Chief Justices Forum, a fresh continental recognition for The Gambia’s top court. Jobs & Data Integrity: In Parliament, Trade Minister Mod K. Ceesay defended government claims that employment rose by 163,660 between 2023 and 2026, citing preliminary Labour Force Survey findings; lawmakers pressed for clearer methodology, including sampling and youth/women unemployment figures. Local Government Oversight: Government says the Local Government Commission of Inquiry report will be published before end of August, alongside a Cabinet “White Paper” response. Prison Reform: The NHRC opened a training for prison officers on international human rights standards, anti-torture safeguards, and accountability. Agriculture & Subsidies: Farmers welcomed the decision to keep fertiliser at D1,100 per bag for 2026, praising improved access through NFSC distribution channels. Elections & Opposition Politics: UDP rejected claims of consensus on a candidate-led opposition coalition model for December 2026, escalating coalition talks. Sports Infrastructure: President Barrow inaugurated the O.J. Jallow Memorial mini-stadium in Serrekunda, urging residents to maintain it.

Opposition Coalition Talks: The UDP rejected claims that opposition parties agreed to a candidate-led coalition model for the December 2026 election, saying there was no consensus and that a mediation secretariat statement was published without full approval. Local Government Oversight: The government says the Local Government Commission of Inquiry report will be published before end of August, alongside a Cabinet White Paper setting out its response after legal review. Jobs and Data Scrutiny: In Parliament, Trade Minister Mod K. Ceesay defended preliminary Labour Force Survey figures claiming employment rose by 163,660 from 2023 to 2026, while lawmakers pressed for methodology details, including sampling and youth/women unemployment. Prison Human Rights Training: The NHRC opened a training for prison officers on international human rights standards and anti-torture safeguards, linking reform to the “Never Again” promise after past abuses. Agriculture Support: Farmers in the North Bank welcomed the decision to keep fertiliser at D1,100 per bag for 2026, citing improved access through NFSC depots, seccos and authorised agents. Judiciary Recognition: Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow was unanimously elected Chairman of the Advisory Council of Elders of the African Chief Justices Forum. Legal Case Update: Defence in Rongo’s D30 million civil suit sought an adjournment to certify documents for trial. Public Enterprise Dividends: President Barrow announced five state-owned enterprises will pay D137 million in interim dividends to government.

Judiciary Recognition: Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow was unanimously elected Chairman of the Advisory Council of Elders of the African Chief Justices Forum, a continental nod to The Gambia’s judicial leadership. Jobs & Data Scrutiny: In the National Assembly, Trade Minister Mod K. Ceesay defended claims of 163,660 new jobs created between 2023 and 2026, citing preliminary Labour Force Survey figures, while lawmakers pressed for clearer methodology ahead of the full report. Opposition Coalition Tensions: The UDP rejected claims that opposition parties agreed to a candidate-led coalition model for the 2026 presidential race, deepening public disagreement over coalition architecture. Local Government Accountability: Government says the Local Government Commission of Inquiry report will be published before end of August, alongside a cabinet White Paper. Human Rights in Custody: The NHRC opened training for Prison Service officers on international human rights standards, anti-torture safeguards and accountability. Agriculture Support: Farmers welcomed the decision to keep fertiliser at D1,100 per bag for 2026, with distribution routed through NFSC depots, seccos and authorised agents. Political Economy Watch: Government also defended its stance that it cannot run a price control regime, saying it monitors markets and works to prevent shortages. Sports & Youth: Barrow inaugurated the O.J. Jallow Memorial mini-stadium in Serrekunda, urging residents to take ownership and use it responsibly.

Universal Jurisdiction Clash: Cameroon’s exiled former communications minister, Issa Tchiroma, is pushing a Paris case against President Paul Biya, arguing Cameroon courts can’t act impartially; ruling party ministers dismissed it as political noise, raising sovereignty concerns. Digital Civil Service Push: Nigeria unveiled an IPPIS-HR employee self-service app and a public service mentoring programme, part of a wider push to modernise HR and leadership pipelines. Gambia SOE Cash Returns: Five Gambia state-owned enterprises handed President Barrow D137m in dividends, a milestone tied to SOE reforms and improved performance. Public Finance Worry: Parliament’s FPAC flagged arrears on government loans by SOEs, citing over D452m in unpaid obligations. Fertiliser Price Kept: Government maintained fertiliser at D1,100 per bag for 2026, backed by a D1.601bn subsidy, urging purchases only through NFSPMC depots and approved agents. Student Funding Plan: MoHERST validated the Student Revolving Loan Scheme, with D40m committed and a D56.5m 2026 budget. Prison Reform: Interior officials outlined plans to shift from prisons to a Correctional Service and build a 2,000-capacity facility in Brikama. Football Governance Race: Kemo Ceesay launched a 2026–2030 GFF manifesto promising decentralisation, professional leagues, and stronger inclusion as the federation election nears. Sports Spotlight: Gambian karate won eight medals in Senegal; volleyball secured a Zone 2 qualification spot for Congo 2026. Regional Security: A new Gulf of Guinea maritime task force, led by six countries including The Gambia, targets piracy and illegal fishing.

State-Owned Enterprises & Economy: Five Gambia SOEs handed President Adama Barrow D137 million in interim dividends, a milestone tied to recent reforms and improved performance. Public Finance Oversight: MPs’ FPAC flagged arrears of over D452 million in loan repayments by public enterprises, including airport and broadband-related projects. Electricity Crisis: NAWEC is reportedly seeking government support to buy emergency power from Senegal’s Senelec amid ongoing outages and system strain. Justice & Land: A High Court trial resumed in the case involving former Lands minister Sheriff Abba Sanyang, with testimony on how village development committees handle forfeited land. Education Financing: Government validated the Student Revolving Loan Scheme, with D40 million committed and a D56.5 million approved budget, aiming to expand access to tertiary education. Governance & Reform: The government says it will adopt parts of Nigeria’s civil service reform model after a study visit to Abuja. International Law: Gambia officially launched Justice Veronic Wright’s ICC candidacy, stressing accountability and international criminal justice. Security & Violence: Commentary and calls for stronger, transparent action followed a wave of killings across the country.