AGP Executive Report

Energy & Security (Gulf of Oman): The US says it disabled a Botswana-flagged VLCC, Lexie, bound for Iran’s Kharg Island, firing a Hellfire missile into the engine room after repeated warnings. Regional Escalation (US-Iran): CENTCOM also reported strikes on Iranian ground control sites on Qeshm Island and intercepts of missiles/drones aimed at Bahrain and Kuwait, as Trump signals talks are not satisfied. Gambia in the Middle (Shipping): Iran-linked attacks hit the MSC Sariska V in Iraq’s Umm Qasr port, while US actions earlier targeted Gambia-flagged vessels enforcing the blockade. Cost of Living (Fuel): Government reduced diesel by D5 per litre (to D115), with transport union leaders warning prices remain high versus current tariffs. Power Crisis (Accountability): GALA threatened action over electricity outages, while rights voices say the crisis is structural, not just technical. Politics & Governance: NPP-led alliance rejects “disinformation” claims over corruption allegations; separate criticism continues over alleged political victimisation in Nyangen. Economy & Policy: Government says it signed a Petroleum Exploration and Production Licence Agreement for Offshore Block Al with Eni Gambia Ltd.

Fuel & Cost of Living: The Gambia government cut diesel by D5 per litre, with D150m in subsidies, but transport unions warn prices still don’t match official fares and costs remain high. Electricity Crisis: Civil society pressure is rising: GALA says it will mobilise a nationwide sit-down protest if power outages and accountability don’t improve by 19 June, while rights activist Madi Jobarteh argues the crisis is structural, not just technical, and questions why Senegal can export power without similar disruptions. Energy Policy/Investment: The Ministry of Petroleum announced signing a Petroleum Exploration and Production Licence Agreement for Offshore Block Al with Eni Gambia Ltd, positioning it as a step toward unlocking offshore hydrocarbons. Local Governance & Political Tensions: A letter claims the Central River Region governor’s move to “retire” an alkalo in Nyangen is politically motivated persecution disguised as administration, tied to opposition links. Corruption & Information War: The government condemned misinformation on corruption after CDS Mamat Cham’s resignation, while the NPP-led alliance accused opposition-aligned media of running a coordinated disinformation campaign ahead of the December 2026 presidential election. Regional Diplomacy: The Gambia pushed for deeper economic cooperation with South Korea in Seoul, including trade, infrastructure, agriculture, and digital transformation. International Pressure on Migration: The US confirmed deportations of 355 people from West Africa, including 14 Gambians, and released names and photos. Maritime Security in the Region: US-Iran tensions spilled into shipping incidents, including strikes involving a Gambia-flagged vessel, underscoring how regional conflict can hit Gambian-linked maritime interests.

Gambia–Power & Governance: NAWEC MD Saidy says the current electricity interruptions are a technical issue tied to OMVG regional load-sharing and fuel-related generation problems, not politics—pointing to local generation and solar as the cushion while Tobaski season timing makes the impact feel worse. Gambia–Security & State Leadership: Barrow has appointed Maj Gen Ousman Gomez as acting army chief after CDS Mamat Cham’s resignation, while a separate report says the National Assembly submitted a report on Jammeh’s assets to government. Gambia–Economy & Public Finance: GRA says it has surpassed its 2025 revenue target by 10% and highlights digital reforms driving record collections, as UDP continues to press the government on governance and corruption concerns. Regional Shock With Local Links: CENTCOM says it disabled a Gambian-flagged ship (M/V Lian Star) with a Hellfire strike for attempting to breach the Iran blockade, underscoring how Gulf tensions can directly affect Gambian shipping. Middle East Escalation: US and Iran trade strikes as a fragile ceasefire strains, with Iran warning it may suspend talks and threats around the Strait of Hormuz growing amid Lebanon/Hezbollah flare-ups.

Opposition & Elections: A new analysis warns The Gambia is at a crossroads ahead of the 2026 presidential election, arguing a fractured opposition could hand President Adama Barrow another term despite his broken promise of a limited tenure. Security Leadership: President Barrow appointed Maj Gen Ousman Gomez as Acting Chief of Defence Staff after Lt Gen Mamat Cham’s resignation, while the EFSCRJ is calling for an independent, transparent investigation into alleged misconduct. Local Government Accountability: 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 false accounting and unlawful spending. Power Crisis: Reports say electricity supply remains unstable, with Nawec citing reduced imports and fuel/technical issues, and warning of continued load management into mid-June. National Justice: Chief Justice Hassan Jallow will retire on 1 August. Tax & Governance: GRA says digital reforms drove record revenue, and UDP criticizes government governance and corruption across multiple sectors. Foreign Affairs: The Gambia condemns xenophobic violence in South Africa and urges Gambians there to stay vigilant. Maritime/International: US forces disabled a Gambia-flagged ship, Lian Star, for attempting to breach the Iran blockade.

US-Iran Diplomacy Stalls: Trump’s team traded and then toughened proposed Iran ceasefire terms, but no final decision followed a Friday Situation Room meeting; Iran’s top negotiator says Tehran won’t sign unless Iranian rights are secured. Maritime Blockade Escalates: Despite ceasefire talk, CENTCOM says it disabled the Gambian-flagged MV Lian Star in the Gulf of Oman with a Hellfire missile after 20+ warnings, adding to a tally of disabled ships and redirected traffic enforcing the blockade. Regional Tensions: Iran claims it shot down a US drone as the Strait of Hormuz remains volatile, while Oman warns of a suspected mine and the US signals it can restart strikes if talks fail. Lebanon Front: Israel seized Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon in its deepest incursion in decades, as fighting continues and truce hopes stay thin. Gambia in the News: The recurring appearance of Gambian-flagged vessels in US blockade operations keeps Gambia tied to the wider Hormuz standoff.

Gulf of Oman Flashpoint: The U.S. Central Command says it disabled the Gambian-flagged cargo ship Lian Star with a Hellfire missile after the crew ignored 20+ warnings while trying to breach Washington’s blockade toward an Iranian port; CENTCOM says five vessels have been disabled and 116 redirected since the blockade began, with the ship left adrift and not boarded. Iran-US Deal Stalls: Iran’s top negotiator says Tehran won’t approve any agreement unless Iran’s people’s rights are secured, while reports say Trump has sent tougher changes to the draft ceasefire/terms, including nuclear and Strait of Hormuz reopening demands. Regional Pressure Builds: U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reiterates the blockade is still in place and the U.S. is ready to restart strikes if talks fail, as Iran claims it controls Strait navigation and warns against interference. Banjul-Linked Angle: The repeated targeting of a Gambian-flagged vessel keeps The Gambia’s maritime registry in the spotlight amid escalating enforcement.

Gambia-flagged shipping under spotlight: The U.S. military says it disabled the Gambia-flagged bulk carrier Lian Star after it tried to breach the American blockade of Iranian ports, leaving it adrift in the Gulf of Oman. The U.S. says six ships have been stopped this way, with one allowed through. Football governance friction: The Gambia Football Federation pushes back on the Ministry of Youth & Sports, saying MOYS wrongly claimed its Independence Stadium friendly schedule was “premature,” insisting it followed formal clearance through the National Sports Council. World Cup visa pressure hits Gambia-linked match: Iran beat The Gambia 3-1 in a warm-up in Turkey, while Iran’s federation demands FIFA clarify World Cup visa timelines after moving its base from Arizona to Tijuana. Local politics in sport: A Gambian football stakeholder alleges bribery in GFF elections, while a separate report claims a presidential candidate is offering 25,000 dalasis to stakeholders for 2026 votes. Regional accountability question: A feature raises concerns about The Gambia’s first Special Prosecutor being non-Gambian, questioning how that fits the “Gambian-driven” accountability framework. Economy & reforms: The IMF says it reached staff-level agreement with The Gambia on reviews under the ECF and RSF, despite missed fiscal targets.

Special Accountability: The Gambia’s “Special Prosecutor” spotlight is back in focus as a British barrister, Martin Hackett, was sworn in to handle crimes under Yahya Jammeh’s rule—raising fresh debate over whether the process is truly “Gambian-driven” given the appointment of a non-Gambian. Sports Governance: The Gambia Football Federation pushed back hard on claims from the Ministry of Youth & Sports, saying its Independence Stadium plans were cleared through the National Sports Council and were not “premature.” IMF & Economy: IMF talks in Banjul ended with staff-level agreement on reviews under the ECF and RSF, despite missed fiscal targets tied to higher 2025 spending. Health Policy: A new push for clearer rules on “immediate” kangaroo mother care for premature and low-birth-weight babies highlights gaps in how hospitals apply the approach. Security & Justice Abroad: Italy arrested suspects including Gambians over a Rome gang-rape case involving a Colombian tourist, while Spain also detained a Gambian migrant over an alleged knife attack on police.

Justice & Accountability: The Gambia swore in its first Special Prosecutor, British barrister Martin Hackett, to handle crimes from Yahya Jammeh’s rule—raising questions about how “Gambian-driven” the process is when the inaugural prosecutor is not Gambian. Economy & Reform: An IMF Article IV update says staff-level agreement was reached on extending The Gambia’s Extended Credit Facility and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, despite missing two fiscal targets tied to higher 2025 spending. Elections & Youth Mobilisation: Youth voter awareness efforts wrapped up as voter registration for the presidential election ended, with organisers pushing participation ahead of polls. Security & Migration: A Gambian migrant in Spain was arrested after allegedly stabbing a police sub-inspector with a kitchen knife while shouting “Allahu Akbar,” injuring the officer’s shoulder. Regional Governance & Law: Nigeria’s data protection regulator signed MoUs with Morocco and The Gambia’s Information Commission to support legal harmonisation and enforcement cooperation.

Special Prosecutor’s charm offensive in Gambia: British lawyer Martin Hackett, newly sworn in as special prosecutor at the Gambia presidency, is on a nationwide tour aimed at reassuring communities affected by the Yahya Jammeh era, even as questions linger over justice and accountability. Elections & youth civic push: Gambian youth have wrapped up a nationwide voter awareness caravan in Banjul as supplementary voter registration for the December 2026 presidential election ends; the IEC is now compiling the final voters’ roll. Local governance & accountability: A Local Government Commission leadership appointment has drawn scrutiny after reports tied to past abuses and the destruction of evidence, raising fresh concerns about transparency in municipal oversight. Regional integration & open borders: Republic of Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from January 1, 2027, joining a growing list that includes The Gambia and others. OMVG energy projects under strain: Guinea’s OMVG chair warned that financial constraints and contractual tensions could delay key energy projects like Sambangalou Dam and the OMVG interconnection.

Special prosecutor’s charm offensive in Gambia: British lawyer Martin Hackett, recently sworn in as special prosecutor at the Gambia presidency, is touring communities linked to the Yahya Jammeh era to reassure victims and navigate a politically sensitive justice landscape. Local governance and accountability: The same period highlights controversy around Local Government Commission chair Yankuba Sonko, tied to past allegations of evidence destruction after the 2005 migrant massacre. Youth and elections: Gambian youth concluded a nationwide voter awareness caravan in Banjul as supplementary voter registration for the December 2026 presidential election ended; the IEC is now compiling the official voters’ roll. Civic education push: Activista-The Gambia and partners ran Civic Education Camp 2.0 to keep first-time voters engaged beyond registration. Regional legal cooperation: Nigeria’s data protection regulator signed MoUs with Morocco and The Gambia’s Information Commission to support legal harmonisation and enforcement. Diplomatic updates: Russia appointed a new ambassador to The Gambia, as credentials were also exchanged by other states.

Elections & Youth Mobilisation: Gambian youth have wrapped up a nationwide voter awareness caravan in Banjul as supplementary voter 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. Regional Governance & Integration: The Gambia hosted the 15th extraordinary session of the OMVG Council of Ministers, where Guinea’s energy minister warned financial constraints and contractual tensions could delay key projects like the Sambangalou Dam and the OMVG interconnection. Public Finance & Tax Push: President Adama Barrow backed the GRA at the 2026 tax awards, citing domestic resource mobilisation and reporting revenue gains, while GRA also honoured top tax-compliant firms. Embassy Probe: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it has launched inquiries into social media allegations of abuse of domestic staff involving the Gambia’s embassy in Moscow. Cost of Living: Food inflation remains a major pressure point for ordinary Gambians, and Tobaski travel fares reportedly surged sharply, adding strain to already tight household budgets.

Elections & Youth Mobilisation: Gambian youth have wrapped up a nationwide voter awareness caravan in Banjul as supplementary voter registration for the December 2026 presidential election ends, with the IEC now compiling the official voters’ roll and urging first-time voters to stay engaged and keep peace. Regional Energy Governance: Guinea’s OMVG chairman Laye Sekou Camara warned that persistent funding gaps and contractual tensions could delay key projects like the Sambangalou Dam and the OMVG interconnection, calling on member states to clear dues and fund 2026 budgets. Investment Treaty Debate: The National Assembly was urged to protect The Gambia’s national interest in investment treaties, with civil society warning such deals can expose states to costly disputes that benefit foreign investors more than locals. Food Prices & Transport Strain: Food inflation remains a pressing burden for ordinary Gambians, while Tobaski travel costs have surged as fares rise across routes, squeezing families already hit by higher prices. Tax & Domestic Revenue Push: President Barrow backed GRA’s drive for domestic resource mobilisation as the authority exceeded 2025 revenue targets and recognised top taxpayers including Africell and Jah Oil. Diplomacy: Russia appointed a new ambassador to The Gambia, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is investigating social media allegations of abuse involving the Gambia embassy in Moscow.

OMVG Energy Crunch: Guinea’s OMVG chair Laye Sekou Camara warned that cash-flow strain and contract disputes are putting flagship projects like the Sambangalou Dam and the OMVG Interconnection at risk, urging member states to clear arrears, fund 2026 budgets, and tighten transparency and governance. Investment Treaty Pushback: In the National Assembly, lawmakers were urged to protect The Gambia’s national interest when considering international investment agreements, with civil society warning they can expose developing states to costly disputes that mainly benefit foreign investors. Citizenship Pressure Abroad: A fresh report says the Trump administration is ramping up denaturalization efforts by shifting immigration lawyers to the Justice Department, reviving fears of political targeting. Food Inflation at Home: With food prices still biting hard, the week’s coverage highlighted rising transport fares and household strain, alongside calls for deeper “food sovereignty” reforms. Tax Drive: President Barrow and the GRA spotlighted domestic resource mobilisation, as awards celebrated top taxpayers and revenue growth. Health Alert: The Ministry of Health activated heightened Ebola monitoring after outbreaks were flagged in parts of Central and East Africa.

Food Inflation Pressure: The Gambia’s cost-of-living crunch is getting sharper: food prices are reported at 6.7%, with families in Serrekunda, Brikama and beyond feeling it most at the market and on the road. Transport Shock: Tobaski travel is now a financial test—fares have jumped to D600–D1,200 depending on destination, with drivers blaming fuel costs and empty return trips. Public Finance Push: In parallel, President Adama Barrow doubled down on domestic revenue—GRA says it collected over D25.3bn in 2025 (10% above target) and more than D7.7bn in early 2026, crediting tax reforms and digitalisation. Governance & Security: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it has launched an investigation into allegations of abuse of domestic staff linked to the Gambia’s embassy in Moscow, while 149 soldiers complete internal security training focused on professionalism and civilian protection. Health Watch: The Health Ministry has activated heightened Ebola surveillance after outbreaks were flagged in parts of Central and East Africa, stressing no cases in The Gambia yet.

Justice Spotlight: Human Rights Watch and the ICJ marked the 2016 Senegal conviction of former Chadian dictator Hissène Habré as a landmark for atrocity justice, noting it was the first time one country’s courts convicted another leader under universal jurisdiction. Maritime Readiness: Obangame Express OE26 wrapped a three-week drill in Cameroon, with The Gambia among 30-plus nations testing responses to piracy, illegal fishing and trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea. Health Policy Pressure: A fresh dispute is brewing over Gambia hospital fee hikes and the accuracy of health ministry data, with claims of leaked documents and concerns about weak record systems. Regional Mobility: The Republic of the Congo joined the visa-scrapping push for African travellers, adding to a growing list that includes The Gambia and Ghana. Diplomacy & Local Ties: Morocco honoured former Gambian envoy Saffie Lowe Ceesay, while Russia signalled it will support more African embassies in Moscow. Sports & Logistics: Iran confirmed its World Cup training base is moving from Tucson to Tijuana after FIFA approval.