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12696 stories
Oct 2, 2026
Oct 2, 2026
Oct 2, 2026
Oct 2, 2026
The Gambia has been nominated to serve as Non-Permanent Co-Chair of the Global Alliance for the Missing (GAM), alongside the Swiss Confederation, for a two-year term commencing on 1st October 2026. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad announced the nomination in a press release issued Tuesday.
Oct 1, 2026
Oct 1, 2026 • Landing Ceesay
I will only align with politicians I can vouch for: Independent aspirant By Jankey Ceesay Independent presidential candidate and National Assembly Member for Foni Bintang Karanai, Hon. Bakary K. Badjie, speaking to The Point Newspaper says he will only go in an alliances he can vouch for ahead of the 2026 presidential election, insisting that any partnership must be built on sincerity, honesty and commitment to the national interest. Hon. Badjie said while several politicians, parties and independent candidates are aligning with the ruling party as the election approaches, he has remained focused on building his own political platform. He said he would only consider working with a political figure whose character he can account for, insisting that money or political strength alone would not determine his decision. “I cannot align with anyone. If I can align with anyone, that individual must be sincere, must be honest, and his hands also must be clean,” Hon. Badjie said. “I must be able to account for his character. I must be able to speak for him, I must be able to defend him,” he added. Hon. Badjie said his objective is to be a voice for the nation, regardless of whether his position attracts immediate support. “It does not matter whether the people understand it or not, it does not matter whether the people are persuaded or not, but then it matters that someone, somewhere, must be able to see things as they are,” he said. He said his campaign is already gathering support, claiming that more than 3,000 nomination forms have been collected, while his team is working towards submitting more than 8,000 forms. Hon. Badjie also linked his presidential ambition to his experience as a minority lawmaker, saying his position in the National Assembly has limited his ability to effect the changes he wants. He cited the absence of an adjournment debate for about a year as an example, arguing that that is not progress. Beyond parliament, Hon. Badjie criticised the use of state resources, particularly the distribution of state lands to MPs, cabinet ministers and the vice president. He said such lands should instead be used for hospitals, schools, industries and other development projects. Badjie also called for better use of government loans and investment in public services, warning against continued borrowing without proper utilisation of the resources. During a recent tour of five European countries, including Italy, Greece, Germany, Denmark and Spain, Hon. Badjie said Gambians in the diaspora raised concerns over their inability to vote from abroad. He said they also expressed concerns about airport fees and other challenges faced when travelling to The Gambia. Badjie maintained that whatever political decision he makes, it will be guided by what he believes is best for the country. “It is not like, for instance, you have money that I’m going to follow you; I do not work like that,” he said.
Oct 1, 2026 • Jankey Ceesay
Oct 1, 2026 • Makutu Manneh
The Gambia’s debt servicing bill is projected to rise to D16.17 billion in 2027, putting further pressure on government finances as the country continues efforts to strengthen fiscal stability. Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Seedy Keita announced the projection on Friday while laying the 2027 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure before the National Assembly.
Oct 1, 2026 • Jankey Ceesay
A new national platform to protect and support human rights defenders has been established in The Gambia. The Human Rights Defenders Network – The Gambia (HRDN The Gambia) was formed with the support of the West Africa Human Rights Defenders Network. Its formation was facilitated by the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS).
Oct 1, 2026
As the world marks the International Day of Older Persons, a Gambian civil society organisation has called for rethinking systems to make society more age-friendly. The call is contained in a statement issued by Ageing with a Smile Initiative (ASI) to mark the day on 1st October under the global theme "The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives."
Oct 1, 2026
The Government of The Gambia and the European Union, through the National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Coordinating Centre (NCCRM), have officially launched the National Early Warning and Response Policy (2026-2035).
Oct 1, 2026
China has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening relations with The Gambia and supporting efforts to address the country's ongoing electricity challenges as it celebrated the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The event at the International Conference Centre in Bijilo attracted Cabinet ministers, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives from various sectors.
Sep 30, 2026 • Momodou Jawo &Adama Jallow
The ruling National People's Party (NPP) and the All People's Party-Sobeyaa (APP-Sobeyaa) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to contest the 2026 presidential election as alliance partners, linking their support to a defined national reform agenda. The MOU was signed by Demba Sabally, 1st Deputy President of NPP, Seedy SK Njie, Deputy Spokesperson of NPP, Ousainou Bobb, National Spokesperson of APP-Sobeyaa, and Barra Janneh of APP-Sobeyaa.
Sep 30, 2026 • Landing Ceesay
Senior Counsel Lamin S. Camara has questioned whether The Gambia can call itself truly democratic, arguing that reforms since 2017 have failed to deliver institutions that reflect the wishes and aspirations of Gambians. Camara was speaking at the West Africa Democracy Radio (WADR) Democracy and Governance Forum held in Banjul to assess progress and challenges in political, judicial and security reforms ahead of the December 2026 presidential election.
Sep 30, 2026 • Landing Ceesay
The Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs has inaugurated two committees to drive the implementation of the National Land Policy and coordinate the revival of the traditional Mansa Mbengo gathering in 2026. Lands Minister Ahmat N.K. Bah described the National Land Policy Implementation Steering Committee as “the most important committee in the management and usage of land in the country,” saying its work is critical to improving land governance in The Gambia.
Sep 30, 2026 • Jankey Ceesay
The Change Front, a political movement led by former journalist Sulayman Waan, is set to launch its much-anticipated manifesto, titled "The Salvation", in what organisers describe as a significant moment in The Gambia's contemporary political history. The event will be held on Friday 2 October, at the YMCA conference hall in the Kanifing Municipality. The comprehensive publication, which spans more than 100 pages and contains approximately 30 chapters, presents the movement's vision for national development and governance.
Sep 30, 2026 • Momodou Jawo
The Gambia's democratic ranking has improved, according to an IDEAS study. This was revealed during a courtesy visit by IDEAS founder, peace negotiator Dr. Muhammad Ibn Chambas, at State House on Tuesday morning. President Adama Barrow was delighted to receive the news and pledged to consolidate democracy with an open democratic space. He noted that citizens are enjoying press freedom and that daily political debates continue to be broadcast on mass media outlets where opinions are freely expressed.
Sep 30, 2026
Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta has called on lawmakers to rigorously scrutinise the proposed 2027 National Budget and ensure that public resources are used transparently and for the benefit of Gambians.
Sep 30, 2026 • Jankey Ceesay
The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard), together with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, has raised concern over recent incidents within the Tourism Development Area (TDA), which have raised serious concerns regarding the safety and security of tourists and visitors. The move comes as The Gambia prepares for the official start of this year’s tourism season as Destination Gambia continues to pride itself as preferred spot in Africa.
Sep 29, 2026 • Sheriff JANKO
Remarks by Lands Minister Hamat Bah at a ruling National People's Party (NPP) alliance rally in Farafenni on Saturday, September 26, 2026, have drawn condemnation from the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) and UNITE Party. Bah, who is also leader of the National Reconciliation Party (NRP), an ally of the NPP, was speaking in the presence of President Adama Barrow on government's electrification record and the December presidential election.
Sep 29, 2026 • Landing Ceesay
The Writers Association of The Gambia (WAG) on Saturday, September 26, marked Gambia Literature Day 2026 with a celebration of poet and literary critic Juka Fatou Jabang.
Sep 29, 2026 • Landing Ceesay
