He explained that the objections were filed by individuals and political actors who challenged certain registrations, citing issues such as eligibility and residency.

According to him, the IEC is committed to reviewing all objections in line with the electoral laws to ensure that only qualified voters remain on the register.  

The stakeholders’ engagement brought together representatives of political parties, civil society organisations, and other partners to discuss preparations for the election. Mr Njie emphasised that transparency and credibility remain central to the Commission’s work, noting that the IEC will continue to uphold fairness in the electoral process.  

The Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Joseph Colley, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to conducting free, fair, transparent and inclusive elections, while calling for continued stakeholder engagement to strengthen the country’s democratic process.

He said the Appeals and Objections process following the 2026 Supplementary Voter Registration exercise is ongoing, with Revising Court Magistrates appointed by the Chief Justice set to hear cases before the provisional register is merged with the 2021 Voter Register.

Colley also urged the public to seek information directly from the IEC to counter misinformation, assuring Gambians that the Commission will continue to uphold its constitutional mandate by managing the electoral process in an open, transparent and impartial manner.

The supplementary voter registration exercise is a key step in expanding the voter roll, giving Gambians who missed the initial registration period another opportunity to secure their right to vote.

“From my assessment and reports on the ground, homes and businesses in low-lying areas of Banjul North and beyond were submerged, including roads and walkways. Many families spent the moment with water in their compounds,” he said.

Hon. Bah explained that a rapid assessment was being conducted to determine the full extent of the damage and the number of households affected.

The Banjul North lawmaker said his office immediately established a constituency rapid response team following the rainfall to identify challenges affected residents face and coordinate with relevant stakeholders.

“My office has set up a constituency rapid response team and we were on the ground immediately when the rain stopped. We identified some of the problems and are ready to work together with all the relevant stakeholders in the city to resolve them,” he said.

However, he stressed that emergency responses alone would not solve Banjul’s flooding crisis, arguing that the country must move towards sustainable flood prevention measures.

Hon. Bah said the annual flooding experienced in Banjul cannot continue, particularly as climate change and rising sea levels increase the vulnerability of the low-lying city.

“This cannot continue every rainy season. Banjul is low-lying and with sea level rise, the problem will only get worse if we don’t act,” he warned.

Among the solutions he is advocating for are the establishment of water retention ponds across the city using unused government and council lands to capture excess runoff.

He said such ponds should be developed with proper drainage systems and regularly maintained to prevent health risks such as mosquito breeding.

The lawmaker also called for stronger planning and enforcement measures, including stopping construction in flood-prone areas, protecting mangroves, enforcing waste management regulations and ensuring drains remain free from garbage.

He further proposed annual pre-rainy season desilting of drains and the creation of community flood monitoring teams in every ward to provide early warning and support rapid responses.

Hon. Bah said addressing Banjul’s flooding problem requires collaboration between the central government, Banjul City Council, disaster management agencies, civil society organisations and residents.

He said the central government must provide funding for major infrastructure projects, disaster relief support and coordinate with development partners, while the Banjul City Council should take the lead in drainage maintenance, waste collection, identifying areas for retention ponds and enforcing building regulations.

He also highlighted the role of institutions such as the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Red Cross and NGOs in providing rapid assessments, relief assistance and public health interventions.

The MP urged residents to also play their part by keeping drains clear, reporting blockages and supporting efforts to maintain public infrastructure.

Meanwhile, residents of Banjul have expressed frustration over the recurring floods, with some blaming inadequate preparation and poor maintenance of drainage systems.

One resident, who preferred not to be named, said authorities should have taken preventive measures before the rainy season began.

“Before the rainy season, they should have come at least to clear the blockages at the roads. We are not even experiencing heavy rainfall and Banjul is flooding. What would happen if the rains were very heavy and constant?” the resident questioned.

The resident said residents have raised concerns over drainage problems for years, adding that many people are now demanding accountability and practical solutions.

“People are saying different things about the causes of the flooding, but whatever the case might be, the Member of Parliament for Banjul should help the people. This is painful and disturbing,” the resident added.

Another Banjul resident, Sulayman Njie, described the floods as a major setback for families and businesses across the city.

He said the flooding has disrupted businesses, damaged homes, restricted movement and affected the daily livelihoods of many residents.

“Many families have been forced to spend time and resources cleaning their homes, while others have lost valuable household items. Beyond the physical damage, the floods have created emotional stress and financial uncertainty for many residents,” Njie said.

According to him, some families lost food supplies and essential household items after floodwater entered their homes, while businesses suffered losses due to damaged goods, interrupted operations and reduced customer access.

Njie said that at the time of his engagement with affected communities, no significant assistance had been reported from authorities or humanitarian organisations.

However, he stressed that residents are more interested in lasting solutions rather than relying only on emergency support after disasters.

“Their greatest priority is a long-term solution. They want the drainage system to be rehabilitated and properly maintained to prevent these recurring floods rather than relying solely on short-term relief after disasters occur,” he said.

Njie identified inadequate drainage infrastructure, poor maintenance, solid waste blockage and environmental degradation as major contributors to Banjul’s flooding challenges.

He said many drains are clogged with silt, sand and waste, reducing their ability to carry rainwater effectively.

He also raised concerns about the impact of urban development, noting that increased concrete surfaces have reduced the city’s natural ability to absorb water.

Another major concern, he said, is the continued pressure on the Tanbi Wetland, which serves as an important natural water retention area for Banjul.

“Industrial development and land reclamation within this environmentally sensitive area have reduced its ability to absorb excess water, increasing the city’s vulnerability to flooding,” he said.

Njie called on authorities to move beyond blame and ensure that institutions fulfil their responsibilities.

He urged the government to ensure that investments in roads, sewage and drainage infrastructure under the Banjul Rehabilitation Programme deliver the intended results.

He also called on the Banjul City Council to prioritise routine cleaning, desilting and maintenance of drainage systems before every rainy season.

“Not every piece of land should be treated as commercial property. Some areas are critical natural assets that protect lives, livelihoods and the environment. The Tanbi Wetland is one of those areas,” he said.

As Banjul continues to face increasing flood risks, residents and lawmakers are calling for urgent investment in resilient infrastructure, environmental protection and stronger urban planning to prevent future disasters.

Matarr Jobe, a resident of Banjul, said he was shocked to return home and find his house flooded after heavy rains. He explained that while he was in Farato, he was unaware of the extent of the rainfall in Banjul, but upon arrival, he found water everywhere inside his home. “My chairs, drone, camera, television, clothes in my wardrobe, everything was wet,” he said, adding that the flooding caused significant damage to his belongings.

Jobe said he has not received any form of support or visits from authorities, noting that the only person who came to check on affected residents was Hon. Modou Lamin Biram Bah, the Banjul North National Assembly Member. He appealed to the Banjul City Council (BCC) to provide tools and materials to help residents clean blocked gutters, while urging councillors to be more proactive in addressing the challenges facing communities. He added that he would have to purchase new chairs for his living room due to the damage caused by the floodwaters.

According to Jobe, one of the major causes of the flooding is the blockage of waterways during road construction, coupled with practices by some residents who dump sand around gutters, leading to obstruction of water flow. He called on the government to work closely with the council and develop a coordinated plan to support affected communities, stressing the need to put political differences aside and focus on finding lasting solutions to the recurring flooding problem.

Following the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Mr Sering Modou Njie as President Barrow's Special envoy to Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye on the border issues, particularly those affecting peripheral farming communities, the two countries' Border Commissions and the Senegalo-Gambian Permanent

Secretariat met and had fruitful deliberations affecting our two peoples.

Significantly, thanks to President Barrow's diplomatic overatures and his Government's engagement with our sister Republic of Senegal on the farmland issues affecting Gambian farmers within the borders, all farmers are now encouraged to return to work and continue with their farming activities as the situation has been amicably resolved amid continuing diplomacy.

Accordingly, Gambian farmers, and members of the public are also, reminded to remain law-abiding at all times, and to respect the rules that guide the use of land and movement across the border. Meanwhile, the two Border Commissions, in collaboration with the Permanent Secretariat, will continue their sensitization, border consolidation, and reaffirmation efforts. The Government will continue to keep the public informed as these engagements progress.

Signed.

Ebrima G. Sankareh

The Government Spokesperson & Presidential Diaspora Adviser gamgovspokesda@gmail.com,egsankareh@op.gov.gm

August 6, 2026

Commonwealth Lawyers Association Statement relating to the challenge by the Gambia Bar Association to the appointment of the Chief Justice of The Gambia

The Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA) notes the Statement of the Gambia Bar Association (GBA) dated 31st July 2026. The Statement records that the GBA has commenced proceedings in the Supreme Court challenging the appointment of Mr Edi M.O. Faal as Chief Justice of the Republic of The Gambia.

The GBA acknowledges that this action is unprecedented and extraordinary. Its Statement emphasises that the proceedings are not an attack on Mr Faal, his person, integrity, competence or professional career. Rather, the GBA confirms that the question it brings before the Supreme Court is a constitutional one, namely “whether the appointment satisfies the requirements prescribed by the Constitution”.

The CLA supports responsible Law Societies and Bar Councils that act to defend the independence of the legal profession and the Judiciary and to uphold the rule of law.

A Chief Justice presides over a Court that hears constitutional disputes, electoral petitions, human rights cases and other matters of national importance. The appointment of a Chief Justice is therefore central to maintaining public confidence in the administration of justice and the rule of law.

The Commonwealth (Latimer House) Principles on the Three Branches of Government, records that an independent, impartial, honest and competent judiciary is integral to upholding the rule of law, engendering public confidence and dispensing justice. The Principles also affirm that an independent, effective and competent legal profession is fundamental to the upholding of the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.

It is in that context that the GBA, in placing a constitutional question before the Supreme Court for determination, and in undertaking to abide by the outcome, discharges the responsibility of an independent Bar to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law.

The CLA notes the GBA’s stated intention to pursue the proceedings in accordance with the law and to respect the determination of the Court.

The CLA will follow the proceedings with interest. It encourages all parties to respect the right to bring the proceedings, to conduct themselves with dignity and in accordance with the highest professional standards, and to respect the decision of the Court when it is handed down.

Commonwealth Lawyers Association 5th August 2026

The Commonwealth Lawyers Association is an international non-profit organisation which exists to promote and maintain the rule of law throughout the Commonwealth by ensuring that an independent and efficient legal profession, with the highest standards of ethics and integrity, serves the people of the Commonwealth.

Held at the Metzy Residence Hotel, the meeting was organised by The Gambia Federation of the Disabled, in collaboration with the Catholic Relief Services (CRS,) National Organisation for the Disabled and Orphans (NODO) and Special Olympics, The Gambia.

The quarterly project meetings seek to identify challenges stakeholders face in promoting disability inclusion within their programs and institutions, share success stories, lessons learned, and best practices among partners.

The meeting forms part of the implementation of the European Union (EU) funded 30-month project titled “Disability Inclusive Pathways: Empowering Children with Disabilities through Education, Technology, and Play.”

Stakeholders reviewed the collaboration activities and recommendations of the last stakeholder meeting, overview of the identification and assessment of learners with special needs in schools, overview of EFANet interventions on the Inclusive Education and its impact to children with disabilities in The Gambia.

This convergence included question-and-answer session with discussion on the activity plans and way forward towards the end of a phase of the project.

In her welcoming address, Anna Nancy Mendy, director, Early Childhood and Inclusive Education at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, outlined the significance for stakeholders to get in touch with those involved to get the right things done.

She emphasised that persons with disabilities know their challenges, adding that getting in touch with persons with disabilities will help in getting to know their challenges and collectively look for solutions.

Omar Touray, director of Special Olympics, outlined that the meeting provides the opportunity to reflect on the progress made over the past meeting, achievements and challenges and lessons learned.

Magistrate Mohamed Krubally, chairman of Gambia Federation for the Disabled, noted that the gathering was a great platform for them to discuss their successes, challenges faced, lessons learned and to come up with resolution.

He said the consultation was in line with the principles of persons with disabilities; enshrined in the preamble of the United Nations Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities where stakeholders are cautioned to integrate disabilities issues in all sectors, saying it is a relevant strategy for sustainable development. The forum was moderated by Sainey Camara, Acting Executive Director of The Gambia Federation of the Disabled.

PPP Clarifies It Has Not Endorsed President Barrow or the NPP; Considers Legal Action Against Kebba Jallow

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has taken note of a video and Pictures circulating in the public domain in which Mr Kebba E. Jallow purports to endorse President Adama Barrow and the National People’s Party (NPP), thereby creating the false impression that such endorsement reflects the official position of the PPP.

For the avoidance of doubt and in the interest of public clarity, Kebba E. Jallow does not hold any authority to speak on behalf of the People’s Progressive Party. The PPP categorically states that it has not endorsed President Adama Barrow or the National People’s Party (NPP). Any claim or suggestion to the contrary is false, misleading, and does not represent the official position of the Party.

The PPP is a democratic political institution governed by its Constitution. Its affairs are conducted exclusively through its duly established constitutional organs, including the National Congress, the Central Committee, the National Executive Committee (NEC), and other recognised bodies vested with decision-making authority under the Party Constitution. No individual, whether a serving or former office bearer, has the authority to unilaterally determine, announce, or commit the Party to any political position or decision without the express mandate of the competent constitutional organs.

The Party firmly rejects Mr Kebba E. Jallow’s conduct. His actions are inconsistent with the principles of collective leadership, party discipline, constitutional governance, and institutional integrity.

By creating the false impression that the People’s Progressive Party has endorsed another political party and its presidential candidate, Mr Jallow has misrepresented the Party’s official position, misled members of the public, and caused unnecessary confusion among Party members, supporters, and the wider electorate.

The People’s Progressive Party has, until now, exercised considerable restraint in the interest of reconciliation, party unity, and institutional stability. However, such restraint must not be mistaken for acceptance of conduct that undermines the Party’s constitutional authority, damages its reputation, or seeks to frustrate its collective decisions.

In light of the gravity of these actions, the Party will commence legal and disciplinary proceedings against Mr Kebba E. Jallow, and will seek all available legal remedies arising from the unauthorised misrepresentation of the Party’s official position and any actions that may have caused reputational harm to the People’s Progressive Party. The Party will take all lawful measures it considers necessary to protect its name, constitutional authority, and institutional integrity.

Issued by:

Hon. Ousman Madikay Faal
Secretary General and Party Leader
People's Progressive Party.

He said that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is not founded on political convenience or electoral arithmetic, but founded on the conviction that political parties have a duty to work together whenever the national interest demands it.

"While we may differ on policies and priorities, we are united in our commitment to constitutional governance, the independence of public institutions, democratic accountability and the dignity of every Gambian," he said.

"We hope this partnership encourages a new political culture—one where leaders can disagree with respect, collaborate with integrity and always place country before party," he added, noting that "Gambians are not asking politicians to win arguments; they are asking us to solve problems," he said.

"We are fighting the rising cost of living that continues to stretch household incomes and make everyday life more difficult for ordinary Gambians. We are fighting Crime, because every Gambian deserves to live in safe communities where businesses can flourish, families can thrive and young people can look to the future with confidence," he assured.

"We are fighting Corruption, because corruption steals from every citizen. It steals medicines from our hospitals, resources from our schools, opportunities from our young people and trust from our public institutions," he said.

He emphasized that the MoU is built upon constitutional principles, which is ultimately about improving the lives of ordinary Gambians, noting that the constitution must protect the citizens.

He challenged that strong institutions must serve the citizen while good governance must deliver tangible improvements in the lives of the citizen.

He stated that the MoU demonstrates that principled leadership can unite around what truly matters: justice, accountable governance and a better future for every Gambians.

Dr. Lamin J. Darboe, leader for the National Unity Party (NUP) applauded Talib Bensouda for his efforts to effecting good changes in the Kanifing Municipality through his leadership Mayor while he described Bensouda as someone who can be trusted.

He outlined that the country is ready for change, adding that the UNITE-NUP Alliance will make a history in the December election.

"2026 will be a year for system builders who are with the capacity to compete the leading democracies of the world," he said, while he gave examples of the UK, USA, Canada, Japan and others, whom he said are countries that believe in ideas to move their societies.

"I believe we are about to reach the same status with those countries," he added.

Dr. Darboe noted that the two parties are anchored on ideas that will not insult anyone, and that they will not allow their members to use their organizations to insult other people. He further appealed Gambians to join the UNITE-NUP Alliance for effective governance.

He warned that destructive fishing practices are rapidly depleting fish stocks, destroying vital breeding grounds, and disrupting the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem.  

According to Faye, these unsustainable activities threaten not only the livelihoods of thousands of artisanal fishers but also the long-term future of fisheries in The Gambia. 

He urged stronger enforcement of fisheries regulations, increased public awareness, and greater collaboration among government institutions, fishing communities, and stakeholders to safeguard the country’s marine wealth. 

“If those who have spent over 50 years at sea are sounding the alarm, shouldn’t we all pay attention?” he asked. Protecting the oceans today, he emphasised, is an investment in food security, livelihoods, and the future of generations to come.