The taskforce completed a review of the proposed code of conduct, adding “clear enforcement and penalty clauses.” Bah said adoption “will ensure discipline, mutual respect, and accountability among all coalition members.”

Members also began drafting a shared policy and governance agenda to align the coalition’s vision. The framework is expected to anchor a unified campaign platform.

The general assembly mandated the Mediation Committee to engage other opposition groups “to bring them on board and prevent further fragmentation.”

On electoral integrity, the taskforce received updates on a legal assessment of reported irregularities in voter registration. “This effort underscores the coalition’s commitment to safeguarding electoral integrity and advocating for a free, fair, and transparent electoral process,” the statement said.

A transitional mechanism committee will circulate its May–September 2026 plan to guide implementation of agreed activities. A proposed timetable for the committee will also be shared with stakeholders.

“The Coalition Task Force reiterates its unwavering commitment to unity, inclusiveness, and democratic principles,” Bah said. “The progress achieved during this session reflects the shared determination of all stakeholders to work collaboratively in the national interest.”

The fourth strategic session is set for Saturday, 9 May 2026, to be hosted by APP-Sobeyaa.

Officials said all suspects were charged under Section 63 of the Fisheries Act 2007. Nets with mesh size less than 40 millimeters are prohibited. Anything above that limit is legal for fishing in Gambian waters.

Cham urged the public to report anyone selling undersized nets or engaging in illegal fishing. “People who are involved in IUU fishing ignore quotas, seasons, and size limits,” he said. 

Fisheries experts warn that illegal fishing leads to overfishing, where fish are caught faster than they can reproduce, causing stocks to collapse. “It also threatens food security and reduces fish availability, making food more expensive and scarcer,” experts said.

Joint surveillance

During a recent tour of fish landing sites, Fisheries Permanent Secretary Buba Sanyang told fishermen the ministry is setting up a joint participatory surveillance team with all stakeholders.

“Anyone caught would face the full force of the law,” Sanyang said.

The Gambia government says it is “working hard to combat this menace” to protect the fishing industry.

Camara dismissed the claim. “You are taking D16.00 per litre as revenue and still telling us you subsidised about D500 million for April and May. How much revenue did you collect in the two months from the same fuel sales? This action is simply taking from the same source you claim to be subsidising,” he claimed.

He urged government to cut its D16.00 per litre take to D6.00. “It will reduce pump prices by D10.00,” Camara said.

To offset the revenue loss, Camara pressed for austerity. He called for a revived vehicle policy to keep “a small fleet for essential government operations” and “drastic” cuts to fuel allocations and allowances.

“I believe some authorities are taking too much fuel. At the Ministry of Agriculture, for example, my first surprise was seeing a Minister’s fuel allocation of D40,000.00 plus the allocation from CPCU which was in the range of D15,000 - 20,000,” he said. “If this still exists, such ministers will not feel the suffering of the masses. Now suppose this goes for almost all the sectors, then fuel allowance alone is taking a lot from our budget.”

Camara warned the country is “in a very difficult time and the downside risks are unpredictable,” adding that “a revisit of the budget is critical.” He cited “too many uncontrolled agencies, commissions, and now centres.”

He urged government to merge some institutions with parent ministries to cut subvention costs, and to revise budget lines for entertainment and recurrent spending across all sectors.

“Applying vehicle policy will also reduce the cost of maintenance of vehicles which can be good savings for our budget. Be strong with the government travel press release. This takes a lot of government funds. Imagine a Minister travelling two times in a month with first class and per diem of 300 pounds,” he said.

Camara argued these measures would cushion the fiscal impact of lower fuel revenue. He warned that failing to act now “will cost the government more than maintaining the current scenario,” as higher fuel prices would hit essential commodities and NAWEC tariffs.

“I know it is not easy to apply austerity, but in difficult times like this, one should boldly face it,” he said.

“Reliable evidence indicates that many cases lingering in the courts today are land-related matters. This is a serious issue which we cannot leave unresolved,” Barrow said.

The Commission will function as a “neutral and transparent regulatory body” to ensure fairness in land administration. Its mandate includes modernising land records, resolving disputes, promoting equitable access, and aligning land management with national development goals.

Barrow said the Local Government Service Commission will “directly shape the daily lives of our citizens,” calling local governance “a bedrock of democracy.” 

The body will oversee recruitment, promotion, discipline, and welfare of local government staff to “build a professional workforce dedicated to delivering quality services.”

Congratulating the new commissioners, Barrow said their selection was based on “integrity and competence.” He told them the nation expects “diligence, impartiality, and efficacy,” adding that “the success of the two Commissions rests squarely on your commitment to prioritising the national interest above everything else.”

He pledged government support but urged all stakeholders to back the commissions. “It is only through a united front that we can build genuine systems that are efficient, credible, and responsive,” he added.

The President thanked the Ministry of Lands and Regional Governance and its partners for developing the Land Policy and regulatory framework behind the commissions.

“It is now my honour to declare the Land and the Local Government Service Commissions duly inaugurated,” Barrow said. “May your service bring progress, stability, and prosperity to the Gambian nation.”

The newly elected Bureau will be headed by Hon. Rehab Mukami Wachira of Kenya as President, representing Eastern Africa. Other members include Hon. Aisha Adams of Malawi as 1st Vice President for Southern Africa, Hon. Awatef Cheniti of Tunisia as 3rd Vice President for North Africa, and Hon. Leocadie Ndacayizaba of Burundi as 4th Vice President for Central Africa.

As 2nd Vice President representing West Africa, Hon. Njai is expected to play a central role in shaping advocacy initiatives and policies aimed at promoting gender equality, strengthening women’s participation in decision-making, and protecting the rights of women and girls across the continent.

Reacting to her election, Hon. Njai described the achievement as both a personal honour and a victory for The Gambia and the wider West African region.

“I am profoundly honoured by the trust and confidence bestowed upon me. I extend my sincere appreciation to the National Assembly of The Gambia, to my colleagues in the West African Caucus and the women of PAP,” she said.

She also paid tribute to her supporters and campaign team.

“I also pay special tribute to my team, Team Mbojo Mbojo, for their tireless support, belief, and commitment throughout my journey. This victory is not mine alone. It belongs to The Gambia and to our region. Together, we will continue to advance the cause of African women and girls with unity, pride, and purpose,” she added.

Hon. Njai, who represents Banjul South in the National Assembly, has over the years established herself as a strong advocate for women’s political participation, youth empowerment, and inclusive governance. She has represented The Gambia at several regional and international parliamentary engagements, including the ECOWAS Parliament.

Political observers and supporters say her election reflects growing international recognition of Gambian women in leadership and diplomacy, while also inspiring a new generation of young women and girls to aspire to public service and continental leadership roles.

Her appointment comes at a time when calls for greater representation of women in governance and policymaking continue to gain momentum across Africa, with the Pan-African Parliament Women’s Caucus playing a critical role in championing those efforts.

For many Gambians, Hon. Njai’s achievement is not only a personal triumph but a moment of national pride that further places The Gambia on the map in continental governance and women’s leadership.

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Day one covered the North Bank Region. At the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Resort in Barra, the board was briefed on the project’s background, delay challenges, and current status.

In Jufureh, the team inspected facilities and met tour guides, National Centre for Arts and Culture staff, and elders from Albreda and Jufureh. Minister Jobe and Chairman Saho responded to concerns raised.

The delegation held a courtesy meeting in Kerewan with the Regional Tourism Officer and inspected a proposed site for a regional office.

Other stops included Jahaur Mandinka, earmarked for an ecolodge, and Kauren Lodge. The team then proceeded to Nyanga Bantang to inspect another proposed ecolodge site.

The GTBoard said the tour will guide policy and investment decisions to boost upcountry tourism and spread visitor spending beyond the coast.

Nigeria has summoned South Africa's acting High Commissioner over the issue.

Nigeria will formally convey its "profound concern" at a meeting later on Monday over the incidents in South Africa, saying they could affect existing relations between the countries, according to a foreign ministry statement.

The meeting will focus on recent marches held by anti-immigrant groups and "documented instances of mistreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses", it said.

On Sunday, Nigeria's foreign minister said: "Nigerian lives and businesses in South Africa must not continue to be put at risk, and we remain committed to working to explore with South Africa ways to put an end to this."

She cited the killing of two Nigerians in separate incidents involving local security personnel, insisting that her government was demanding justice.

She said the Nigerian president's priority was for the safety of citizens and "consequently, arrangements are currently under way to collate details of Nigerians in South Africa for voluntary repatriation flights for those seeking assistance to return home".

Four Ethiopian nationals have also been killed in recent weeks, local media reported, while there have been attacks on citizens of other African countries.

Peter Odike, a Nigerian naturalised in 2006, told the BBC there was fear among immigrants in South Africa: ''Business is totally down. Most of us are shutting down because it's not safe to stay here,'' he said.

As Africa's most industrialised country, people from elsewhere in the continent have long travelled to South Africa to seek work.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the attacks but also cautioned foreigners to respect local laws.

He used his Freedom Day address last week - marking the country's first democratic elections in 1994 - to remind South Africans of the support other African nations had given in the struggle against the racist system of apartheid.

But some South Africans accuse foreigners of being in the county illegally, taking jobs from locals and having links to crime, especially drugs trafficking.

Anti-immigrant groups have been stopping people outside hospitals and schools demanding to see their identity papers. (Source: BBC)