AGP Executive Report

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Shock: Ghana’s Black Stars suffered a 4-2 home collapse against The Gambia after leading 2-0, with Carlos Queiroz apologising and taking full responsibility while urging fans not to blame players; the loss has intensified calls for sweeping football changes, including calls to disband the team and dissolve the GFA. GFA/Coach Fallout: Queiroz said the turnaround was driven by confidence damage before halftime and cited injuries and inexperience, while also explaining late substitute Augustine Boakye’s use to avoid “burning” new players. Ghana’s Prep Setback: Morocco cancelled a planned Oct 4 friendly in Tangier against Ghana, leaving Queiroz to find alternative opposition ahead of the next qualifiers. Gambia Election Watch: The Gambia Information Commission urged citizens to rely on accurate, reliable, timely information ahead of the December 2026 presidential election, warning misinformation could erode trust and social cohesion. Tourism Security: GTBoard condemned attacks on tourists and visitors in the Tourism Development Area, warning “bumsters” and violators will face action.

Coalition politics: The Gambia Movement for Progress (GMP) says it has quit Coalition 2026, citing unresolved breaches over coalition decisions and a dispute over who was allowed to speak at a Brikama rally; GMP’s Professor Sidat Yaffa also says the party will sign an alliance with the ruling NPP at State House today. Election information integrity: The Gambia Information Commission is urging stronger access to accurate, reliable and timely information ahead of the December 2026 presidential election, warning that misinformation and disinformation can distort voters’ choices. Ethnicity and campaign rhetoric: UNITE Party condemns divisive remarks attributed to Lands Minister Hamat Bah at an NPP rally, while EFSCRJ Election Watch also condemns the same comments for using ethnicity, ancestry and fear as election tools. Land governance: The Ministry of Lands inaugurated the National Land Policy Implementation Steering Committee and the Mansa Bengo Committee to implement the 2026–2035 National Land Policy, aiming to reduce land disputes and improve land administration. Tourism push: World Tourism Day in The Gambia focused on AI and digital transformation, alongside plans to diversify tourism products beyond the main areas. Health and inclusion: Pharmacists Society of The Gambia marked World Pharmacists Day with community screenings, and GADOH commemorated International Week of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, calling for sign language and stronger inclusion.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers (Ghana vs The Gambia): Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz urged supporters to back the players available and focus on attacking football, insisting “Black Stars is not a problem” despite absences. Former goalkeeper Abukari Damba said Ghana must “go all out” for victory, warning The Gambia will be disciplined and hard to break down. Gambia squad update: Gambia assistant coach Abdou Jammeh said the Scorpions will not dwell on missing players, relying on the 25 in camp after a 2-1 win over Somalia. Election politics (rhetoric): Malagen flagged remarks by Minister Hamat Bah during campaign mobilisations, including “This country will never be Lebanon” and “nobody will give this country to foreigners,” raising concerns about exclusionary election language. Public finance: Finance Minister Seedy Keita tabled the 2027 budget, projecting D16.17bn in debt service and higher interest costs, alongside growth targets and new excise duties. Sports governance: President Barrow rewarded WAFU U-17 champions with D2m; GFF also announced new pickup trucks for regional associations and appointed Amadou LS Jaiteh as Scorpions national team coordinator. International spotlight (digital safety): A UN panel in New York, organised by Türkiye and attended by Gambia’s First Lady Fatoumatta Bah Barrow, called for stronger rules to protect children from online risks as AI advances.

Election Politics & Rhetoric: Coalition 2026 and other voices are pushing back hard after Lands Minister Hamat Bah told a rally in Farafenni that “Gambia will never be Lebanon” and “nobody will give this country to foreigners,” warning it fuels ethnic politics ahead of the 5 December presidential election. Budget & Economy: Finance Minister Seedy Keita tabled the 2027 estimates, projecting D16.17bn for debt service (up 20.2%), while targeting 5.6% growth and new revenue measures including excise duties. Opposition Mobilisation: UDP leader Ousainou Darboe urged diaspora Gambians in London to mobilise funds, voters and election-day logistics for the December vote, framing it as a “consequential” change election. Sports & National Team Admin: The Gambia Football Federation will hand over eight pickup trucks to regional associations and its women’s unit, while Amadou LS Jaiteh was appointed Scorpions national team coordinator; on the pitch, Gambia beat Somalia 2-1 at Independence Stadium in a CAF AFCON qualifier return. Public Service & Labour: GIA staff say they are unhappy with working conditions and alleged preferential treatment of another unit, though they say they are not on strike. Justice: A Basse magistrate sentenced a man to 10 years with hard labour for raping a 16-year-old, stressing rape’s severity under Gambian law.

Gambia Politics & Governance: The Gambia’s football campaign got a boost at home as Ebou Adams said the Scorpions’ AFCON pain is driving him to deliver after their 2-1 win over Somalia, with the team now set for a tough trip to Ghana. Local Governance: In Abuja, Kuje Area Council chairman Danjuma Samuel Shekwolo marked 100 days in office, promising transparency, inclusive governance, and upgrades to services like water, healthcare, sanitation, and infrastructure. Regional Policy: West African leaders, through ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS, adopted a regional water agenda at the Abidjan forum, pushing stronger shared-river management and climate resilience. Finance & Compliance: Analysts warned that African regulators are tightening rules for foreign-owned banks, pointing to The Gambia’s order to phase out non-Gambian staff and Kenya’s Access Bank Kenya transfer to National Bank of Kenya. Global Watch (UN): Nigeria renewed its push for two permanent UN Security Council seats with veto power, arguing the 1945 power structure no longer fits 2026 realities.

Gambia-Myanmar Legal Watch: The ICJ is preparing a landmark ruling in The Gambia v. Myanmar, a case tied to alleged Rohingya genocide violations—after a 2022 decision kept the matter alive. UN Diplomacy Pressure: UNGA leaders urged the UN to shift from reacting to wars to preventing crises, citing Gaza as a key example of “counting the dead” instead of stopping violence. Humanitarian Payments Tech: Circle Foundation backed UNDP and WFP digital-payment trials, including regulated stablecoin infrastructure, aiming to speed aid delivery while keeping compliance and safeguards. Health Funding Alarm: ALMA warned that a 30% malaria financing cut could trigger 146 million more cases and nearly 400,000 deaths by 2030. Gambia Football Moment: The Scorpions opened AFCON 2027 qualifiers with a 2-1 win over Somalia at Bakau; Ebou Adams said the pain of missing the last tournament is driving his push for glory. Regional Governance & Jobs: Analysts link The Gambia’s order to phase out non-Gambian bank staff with wider pressure on foreign lenders to meet host-country rules. UNGA Youth Dialogue: UAE hosted a Youth Dialogue at UNGA 81 with a Gambian delegation, focusing on conflict, climate, AI, and youth roles in decision-making.

Gambia–ECOWAS Military Pay Dispute: Nigerian soldiers returning from ECOMIG deployments in The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau say they’re still owed months of unpaid allowances, while Ghana and Senegal troops were paid before leaving—renewing pressure on Nigeria’s federal government and defence authorities. Gambia Banking Localisation: The Central Bank of The Gambia has ordered commercial banks to phase out non-Gambian staff and replace them with qualified locals, drawing analyst warnings that foreign-owned lenders across Africa must tighten host-country compliance. UN Digital Aid Payments: Circle Foundation announced grants with UNDP and WFP to test faster, cheaper digital payments using regulated stablecoin infrastructure—aimed at improving aid delivery speed and transparency. UNGA Conflict Prevention Push: UN leaders urged a shift from counting the dead to investing in diplomacy and conflict prevention, citing Gaza as a key example of the UN’s reactive pattern. Malaria Funding Warning: ALMA warned a 30% malaria financing cut could add 146 million cases and nearly 400,000 deaths by 2030, calling for stronger domestic funding and multisector action. Regional Climate Security: ECOWAS lawmakers warned shrinking land and water are fueling farmer-herder conflicts, displacement, and security risks.

ECOWAS & Security Clarity: ECOMIG says Senegal’s routine troop rotation in The Gambia is not linked to the December 5 presidential election, urging the public to rely on verified information. Gambia Election Politics: UNITE Party leader Ebrima Dibba says talks with APP-Sobeyaa’s Essa Faal on an opposition arrangement failed, with Faal rejecting a proposal to support Talib Ahmed Bensouda and instead discussing a possible “prime minister/president” style deal. Gambia FGM Legal Fight: Imam Abdoulie Fatty and MP Almameh Gibba push their Supreme Court case to overturn The Gambia’s 2015 FGM ban, arguing it violates constitutional rights to culture and religion. Sports & National Pride: In AFCON 2027 qualifiers, Ebou Adams’ late impact helped The Gambia beat Somalia 2-1 in Bakau, setting up a key match-up with Ghana. Regional Finance Pressure: The Central Bank of The Gambia ordered banks to phase out non-Gambian staff, adding to wider pressure on foreign-owned lenders across Africa to meet tighter local rules. UN & Humanitarian Finance: Circle Foundation announced new UNDP and WFP digital-payment trials, including regulated stablecoin infrastructure, aimed at speeding aid delivery.

Gambia Politics & Governance: ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG) says the current Senegalese troop rotation is routine and not linked to the December 5 presidential election, urging the public and media to rely on verified information. Constitutional Rights & Social Policy: Imam Abdoulie Fatty and MP Almameh Gibba are pushing a Supreme Court challenge to overturn The Gambia’s FGM ban, arguing the 2015 law violates rights to culture and religion. Elections & Opposition Dynamics: UNITE Party leader Talib Bensouda’s presidential bid is defended by party president Ebrima Dibba, who says talks with APP-Sobeyaa leader Essa Mbye Faal on an opposition arrangement failed. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Nigeria’s UNGA message, delivered via VP Kashim Shettima, renewed calls for UN Security Council reform—two permanent African seats with veto power—plus stronger cross-border cooperation against terrorism and cyber threats. Health & Development: ALMA warns a 30% malaria funding cut could trigger 146 million more cases in Africa by 2030, as leaders call for stronger domestic financing and multisector action. Digital Aid Payments: Circle Foundation announced UNDP and WFP initiatives to test faster, cheaper digital payments using regulated stablecoin infrastructure.

UN diplomacy: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima, delivering Tinubu’s UNGA message, pushed for UN Security Council reform—at least two permanent African seats with veto rights plus five non-permanent seats—while warning that propaganda and military wins alone can’t deliver lasting peace. Gambia politics & rule of law: A Supreme Court fight over The Gambia’s 2015 FGM ban is heating up as Imam Abdoulie Fatty and MP Almameh Gibba argue the law violates constitutional rights to culture and religion. Elections & coalition-building: UNITE’s Ebrima Dibba says talks with APP-Sobeyaa leader Essa Faal on an opposition arrangement ahead of Dec 5 failed, with Faal rejecting a Bensouda-led deal. Security messaging: ECOMIG says Senegalese troop rotation in The Gambia is routine and not linked to the presidential election. Economy & services: The NHIA wrapped stakeholder validation of its 2026–2030 strategy, calling for stronger health financing and wider coverage. International justice: US authorities sold Yahya Jammeh’s Maryland mansion and returned $2.5m to The Gambia. Digital payments: Circle Foundation backed UNDP and WFP trials of faster, lower-cost digital payments, including regulated stablecoin infrastructure.

UN diplomacy and reform push: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima, speaking for President Tinubu at UNGA81, renewed calls to overhaul the UN Security Council—at least two permanent African seats with veto power and five non-permanent seats—arguing the “1945 power structure” can’t govern the world of 2026. Gambia banking policy: The Central Bank of The Gambia ordered commercial banks to replace non-Gambian staff not covered by approved expatriate quotas with qualified Gambians by 31 Dec 2026, drawing criticism over how it fits with regional free-movement ideals. Rohingya burden-sharing: Malaysia urged greater responsibility-sharing for Rohingya refugees and backed Gambia’s ICJ case against Myanmar, while calling for root-cause solutions and dignified, voluntary returns. Human smuggling brutality: Reports from the North Africa–Sahel migration corridor describe shifting smuggling routes and tactics; separate accounts allege horrific abuse on a migrant boat, including a child thrown overboard. Gambia-linked rights monitoring: The UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances concluded its 140th session, reviewing cases including The Gambia.

Gambia Politics: President Adama Barrow warned voters to beware of politicians allegedly paying people to attend rallies and then using photos online to manufacture support ahead of the December 2026 presidential election. Coalition Politics: Team Gambia Grand Coalition 2026 says it will push constitutional and economic reforms, including a presidential term limit and measures to cut extreme poverty. Rights & Power: EFSCRJ demanded the first public update from President Barrow’s Presidential Task Force on Electricity Supply after the two-week reporting period passed. Local Governance & Elections: NAFAA leader Ousainou Allen said the pending Local Government Commission white paper is a credibility test and warned against using findings to block opposition candidates. Banking Jobs: The Central Bank of The Gambia ordered banks to phase out non-Gambian staff outside approved expatriate quotas by December 31, 2026, triggering debate on local employment. Justice Cooperation: Special Prosecutor Martin Hackett met Senegal’s justice officials in Dakar to strengthen judicial cooperation. Regional Borders: A joint Gambia-Senegal boundary team completed the first phase of demarcation work, installing new pillars to clarify the border.

Gambia Football: The Scorpions returned to Bakau’s Independence Stadium for the first training session there in five years, stepping up preparations for Friday’s AFCON 2027 qualifier against Somalia at 4 p.m., with coach Jonathan McKinstry reporting almost the full squad in camp and new recruit Joseph Colley joining after his first senior call-up. Regional Jobs: ECOWAS opened recruitment for qualified nationals across its 12 member states, listing vacancies across health, finance, energy, legal affairs and anti-money laundering, and warning applicants that it charges no recruitment fee. Ghana AFCON Build-Up: Ghana’s Black Stars head to Bouaké for the opening Group C qualifier against Côte d’Ivoire amid a wave of withdrawals; GFA president Kurt Okraku says players didn’t deliberately refuse call-ups, while Carlos Queiroz has added late replacements. Rohingya Diplomacy: UNGA President Dr Khalilur Rahman and PM Tarique Rahman urged sustained international action for safe, voluntary, dignified repatriation and accountability, warning attention must not fade.

AFCON Qualifiers (Gambia): The Scorpions returned to Independence Stadium in Bakau for the first training session in five years, ahead of Friday’s home opener against Somalia, with most of the squad in camp and new recruit Joseph Colley taking part. Opposition Politics: Gambia For All (GFA) has formally joined the UDP-led Gambia First Coalition, signing an alliance MOU with UDP leader Ousainou Darboe ahead of the December 5 presidential election. Rohingya & International Law: Gambia’s Justice Minister Dawda Jallow says the ICJ may deliver its Rohingya genocide judgement in October, while Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman urged the UN to move from humanitarian aid to a durable repatriation roadmap. Reparations Pressure: Victims’ groups welcomed the US return of $2.5m from the sale of Jammeh’s mansion, demanding the money be used judiciously to pay victims as agreed. Banking Regulation: The Central Bank of The Gambia ordered commercial banks to phase out non-Gambian staff by end-2026. Fisheries & Food Security: Fishermen at Tanji called for urgent regulation of fishing activities and stronger controls against unauthorized trawlers. Agriculture Inputs: NACOFAG warned against distribution of unapproved fertilizers, saying they could harm soils and food security.

Gambia-US Money Recovery: The U.S. Department of Justice is returning about $2.5m in seized corruption proceeds to The Gambia to compensate victims of former President Yahya Jammeh’s regime, tied to the forfeiture of a Potomac mansion bought with misappropriated funds. Gambia Public Finance: Finance Minister Seedy Keita told the National Assembly the government spent D3.1bn on debt interest in the first half of 2026, with debt-interest taking 45% of the annual budget allocation and rising 18% year-on-year. Ghana-AFCON Qualifiers (Regional Sports): Ghana’s Black Stars face Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia amid a growing injury crisis, with Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, Baba Rahman, Alidu Seidu and Prince Adu Kwabena all withdrawing or ruled out, as Carlos Queiroz pushes for a disciplined start in Group C. Gambia Democracy Reminder: A commentary urges Gambians and political actors to keep election competition peaceful and constructive, warning against divisive rhetoric and propaganda.

US-Gambia Justice Return: The US Department of Justice will return about $2.5m in corruption proceeds from the sale of former President Yahya Jammeh’s Potomac mansion, to be used to compensate victims of the Jammeh regime. Military Accountability: In Banjul, Sanna Manjang, a former “Junglers” commander, appeared in military court facing desertion charges after his 2017 disappearance; murder charges were previously dropped while the state prepares its case. Banking & Jobs: The Central Bank of The Gambia ordered commercial banks to replace foreign staff with qualified Gambians by Dec 31, 2026, citing Labour Act and expatriate staffing guideline breaches. Cost of Living Pressure: Finance Minister Seedy Keita told lawmakers the government spent D3.1bn on debt interest in the first half of 2026, with domestic interest costs rising. Power Crisis Politics: Banjul North MP Modou Lamin Bah defended the candlelight protest over outages, urging NAWEC to publish a clear load-shedding timetable. Elections & Coalitions: Team Gambia coalition coordinator Halifa Sallah says the group will adopt the 2016-style model where the coalition flagbearer resigns from their party to run as an independent. Sports (Gambia-linked): Gambian forward Abdoulie Ceesay had a goal ruled out for offside as St. Pauli drew 1-1; Ebrima Singhateh scored his first for Sparta Praha.