AGP Executive Report

Atlantic Route Tragedy: A boat that left The Gambia for the Canary Islands about 26 days ago was found adrift, with more than 80 migrants dead including a baby; rescuers reported only 45 survivors and said rough seas prevented recovery of all bodies. Immigration Returns: The IOM says it helped 535 migrants voluntarily return from Libya, including 79 from The Gambia, with EU support. Black Stars Coaching: Ghana’s GFA has agreed a new mandate to keep Carlos Queiroz as Black Stars coach, with immediate focus on 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia. Gambia Governance & Oversight: Rights groups warn that a decade after dictatorship, implementation gaps, corruption, and politicised law enforcement still weaken services and accountability. Border Demarcation: NCAC is supporting the Gambia-Senegal border demarcation with historical maps and archival records to clarify the boundary. Fuel Prices: The government approved new retail pump prices effective Sept 1, citing higher international oil costs. Sports Administration: President Mahama dissolved Ghana’s National Sports Authority board with immediate effect, part of a wider state-board shake-up. US Deportation List: The US published an updated deportation list of 427 people from West Africa, including 15 Gambians.

IOM Returns Home: The International Organization for Migration says it helped 535 migrants voluntarily return from Libya, including 79 Gambians, with EU support, under its Voluntary Humanitarian Return programme. Sports Governance Shake-up: President John Dramani Mahama has dissolved the National Sports Authority (NSA) governing board with immediate effect, with management told to keep running day-to-day affairs while major decisions wait for new boards. Border Demarcation Support: The Gambia-Senegal border demarcation push continues, with the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) backing the exercise using historical maps and archival records to clarify the boundary. Fuel Prices Up: The government has raised retail pump prices effective Sept. 1, setting petrol at D109.80/litre, diesel at D120/litre, and kerosene at D112.64/litre, citing higher international oil costs. Regional Finance Leadership: ECOWAS has appointed Gambian economist Mam Cherno Jallow as GIABA Director-General. Markets Regulation: A bill to regulate and manage The Gambia’s markets has passed First Reading in the National Assembly and is set for committee review in September.

GIABA Leadership: Gambian economist Mam Cherno Jallow has been appointed Director-General of ECOWAS’ GIABA, taking over from Edwin W. Harris for a four-year term, as West Africa pushes harder against money laundering and terrorist financing. ECOWAS Commission Transition: Senegal’s Gen. Birame Diop officially becomes President of the ECOWAS Commission, succeeding Gambia’s Dr Omar Alieu Touray, with a renewed focus on integration and regional peace and security. Gambia Justice & Accountability: Special Prosecutor Martin Hackett says his office will pursue prosecutions for victims of enforced disappearances with “do no harm” principles, while human rights lawyer Reed Brody warns that any political deal enabling Yahya Jammeh’s return would test Gambia’s accountability system. Elections & Peacebuilding: Religious leaders, women and youth in the West Coast Region were trained on peacebuilding and conflict prevention ahead of the 2026 elections to reduce election-related violence. National Assembly Business: Parliament resumes ordinary sessions on Monday, 7 September, with bills including cyber crime and immigration, plus debate on the 2027 budget estimates. Sports Governance: Kemo Ceesay is expected to formally assume office as GFF president on 2 September, with calls for openness and unity in Gambian football.

GFF Leadership: Kemo Ceesay is set to formally assume office as Gambia Football Federation president on 2 September, with hopes for a more open, united and inclusive football administration. Sports Venue Update: In Ghana, Accra Sports Stadium will be unavailable for competitive matches until the Black Stars’ AFCON qualifier against The Gambia, affecting league fixtures as work continues to meet CAF standards. Regional Security & Integration: ECOWAS marked a leadership transition as Senegal’s Gen. Birame Diop took over as Commission President, pledging stronger integration and peace efforts. Anti-Money Laundering: Gambian economist Mam Cherno Jallow has assumed office as GIABA Director-General, tasked with strengthening regional action against money laundering and terrorist financing. Migration & Returns: IOM in Libya says 535 migrants were voluntarily repatriated, including 79 to The Gambia, with EU support. Elections & Peacebuilding: Religious leaders, women and youth in Gambia’s West Coast Region received peacebuilding training ahead of the 2026 elections to reduce election-related conflict. Justice for Victims: Special Prosecutor Martin Hackett reiterated that prosecutions over alleged Jammeh-era crimes will be pursued with care for victims, as reparations funding remains limited.

ECOWAS Leadership: Senegal’s Gen. Birame Diop has been sworn in as the new President of the ECOWAS Commission, taking over from The Gambia’s Dr Omar Alieu Touray, with a handover ceremony in Abuja and a new management team announced. GFF Election: Kemo Ceesay has been elected President of the Gambia Football Federation, winning a majority at the Elective Congress, and is calling for unity by urging his rivals to join his administration. Electoral Tensions Watch: The National Democratic Institute warns that rising hate speech and ethnic tensions could threaten peace ahead of The Gambia’s 5 December presidential election, urging parties and supporters to avoid inflammatory posts. Youth Football: The Young Scorpions (Gambia U-20) begin preparations for the WAFU-A U-20 Qualifying Tournament in Mali, with an initial 30-player screening phase starting 31 August. Gambia-Senegal Border Claim Fact-Check: A viral Facebook video claiming Senegalese forces seized more Gambian land has been challenged by claims it was old footage, amid ongoing border tensions. Water & Power Support: The GIRAV project donates four Toyota pickup vehicles to NAWEC to boost field operations and improve WASH service delivery.

ECOWAS Leadership Handover: Senegal’s Gen. Birame Diop was sworn in as President of the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, taking over from The Gambia’s Dr Omar Alieu Touray, with a new management team and statutory appointments also announced. GFF Election & Unity Push: Kemo Ceesay was elected President of the Gambia Football Federation, winning 41 votes, and immediately urged rivals Musa Jammeh and Sadibou Kamaso to join his administration as football stakeholders look to move from election rivalry to reforms. Election Integrity Warnings: NDI warned that rising hate speech and ethnic tensions could threaten peace ahead of The Gambia’s 5 December presidential election, urging parties and supporters to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and for the IEC to strengthen transparency and proactive communication. Young Scorpions U-20 Prep: The Gambia’s U-20 team, the Young Scorpions, begins WAFU-A U-20 Qualifiers preparations in Mali (6–26 Oct), starting with a first screening of 30 players on 31 August. GIRAV Support for NAWEC: The GIRAV project donated four Toyota pickup vehicles to NAWEC to boost field operations and improve WASH service delivery, alongside smart meter rollout efforts. Sports Venue Update (Ghana): While not Gambia-focused, Ghana’s Accra Sports Stadium pitch restrictions and temporary closures tied to the 2027 AFCON qualifier vs The Gambia continue to affect club fixtures.

US Deportations: The United States has released an updated deportation list naming 427 people from 16 West African countries, with mugshots and linked criminal charges; Nigeria leads with 134, followed by Liberia (111), while The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire each have 15 and Ghana has 44. Regional Fisheries Transparency: ECOWAS-backed fisheries transparency efforts gained momentum with the Mombasa Declaration, endorsed by Gambia and others, pushing low-cost policy reforms like better vessel ownership and licensing data to curb illegal fishing. ECOWAS Peacekeeping Books: ECOWAS unveiled new publications on its peace interventions, including a volume covering ECOMOG and peacemaking in West Africa, with The Gambia referenced among the documented cases. Tourism Push: ECOWAS adopted a framework to strengthen tourism business associations across West Africa, with participation including The Gambia, aiming for better governance and credibility. Gambia Football & Sports Links: Kurt Okraku represented CAF President Motsepe at the GFF elective assembly in Banjul, where Kemo Ceesay won; meanwhile, The Gambia is set to boost its tourism footprint in Nigeria via Akwaaba Travel Market 2026. Health & Patient Voice: WAHO launched Health Service User Support Centres in Benin, The Gambia and Togo to let patients report issues, seek guidance, and support healthcare improvements.

ECOWAS Peacekeeping Books: ECOWAS unveiled four publications on its peacekeeping and peacemaking work, including a study on “The ECOWAS Intervention From the Peaceful Transfer of Democratic Power in The Gambia,” with recommendations to improve future conflict-resolution efforts. GAMID Digital ID Rollout: The Gambia has begun the nationwide rollout of its new biometric national ID (GAM ID) around Greater Banjul, with registration set for Sept 7, Sept 11 and Sept 21 and fees for first-time applicants. Election Transparency Push: Rights group EFSCRJ urged political coalitions contesting the Dec 2026 presidential election to publish their coalition agreements, saying voters deserve the full MOUs, not just announcements. Drug Crackdown: DLEAG says it arrested a 53-year-old Nigerian in The Gambia with 9,020 ecstasy tablets, suspected “skunk,” and a machine allegedly used to manufacture synthetic drugs. Border Security Results: Interpol-linked checks during a two-week operation around Banjul flagged 74 stolen vehicles after more than 13,000 database queries. Healthcare Voice for Patients: WAHO launched Health Service User Support Centres in Benin, The Gambia and Togo to let patients report problems, seek guidance, and support improvements in care. Tourism Drive to Nigeria: The Gambia will push its tourism footprint in Nigeria through the Akwaaba Travel Trade Expo in Lagos, including a Destination Gambia promotional reception on Sept 12. Football Links: Gambian football continues to spread regionally, with players moving to Sierra Leone and Sweden, while WAFU Women’s Champions League qualifiers saw Berewuleng FC beat Mogbwemo Queens 5–1 in The Gambia.

Tourism Push: The Gambia is set to expand its tourism footprint in Nigeria through the 2026 Akwaaba Travel Trade Expo in Lagos, with Minister of Tourism Abdoulie Jobe leading a delegation and a Sept. 12 “Destination Gambia” cocktail reception aimed at boosting partnerships and visitor traffic, with a strong focus on MICE opportunities. Health Accountability: West African Health Organisation (WAHO) has launched Health Service User Support Centres in Benin, The Gambia and Togo, giving patients a dignified place to raise concerns, seek guidance, and support dialogue and mediation to improve care quality. Elections Watch & Transparency: Ahead of The Gambia’s Dec. 2026 presidential vote, EFSCRJ is urging political coalitions to publish their coalition agreements, warning that voters can’t make informed choices if the full memoranda of understanding remain hidden. Digital ID Rollout: The government has begun enrollment for the new biometric national ID card (GAM ID) around Greater Banjul, with further registration dates set for Sept. 7, 11 and 21. Security & Crime: Interpol-linked border checks around Banjul flagged 74 stolen vehicles after more than 13,000 database queries. Drugs Seizure: DLEAG says it arrested a 53-year-old Nigerian with 9,020 ecstasy tablets, suspected skunk, and a machine allegedly used to manufacture illicit drugs. Rohingya Case Update: Gambia’s AG Dawda A. Jallow says the ICJ verdict in the Rohingya genocide case is expected in October, with Bangladesh and The Gambia urged to keep pushing for accountability and safe, voluntary returns.

Gambia-Tourism Push: The Gambia is set to expand its tourism footprint in Nigeria through the 2026 Akwaaba Travel Trade Expo in Lagos (Sept 13–15), with Minister of Tourism Abdoulie Jobe leading a delegation and hosting a Destination Gambia promotional cocktail reception on Sept 12, including a strong focus on MICE opportunities. Election Transparency: The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) is urging political coalitions contesting the Dec 2026 presidential election to publish their coalition agreements, saying voters deserve the full terms of the MOUs—not just public announcements. Digital ID Rollout: Government has begun enrollment for the new biometric GAM ID around Greater Banjul, with registration scheduled for Sept 7, Sept 11 and Sept 21, and applicants required to present documents such as a passport or birth certificate. Security & Crime: DLEAG says it arrested a 53-year-old Nigerian, Celestine Ikenna Godwin, with 9,020 ecstasy tablets, suspected skunk, and a machine allegedly used to manufacture synthetic drugs. Migration Rescue: Mauritania reports rescuing 161 migrants, including 17 minors, after a boat left Banjul and spent about eight days at sea. Football Links: Gambian forward Joanna Colley has signed for Sierra Leone’s Ram Kamara FC, while Berewuleng FC’s women’s team opened their WAFU A CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers with a 5–1 win over Mogbwemo Queens.

Sports Rights: DAZN has secured rights to broadcast LaLiga EA SPORTS across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons (2026/27 to 2028/29), bringing all 380 matches per season live and on-demand in 48 markets with English and Spanish commentary. Migration & Safety: Mauritania says it rescued 161 migrants, including 17 children, after a boat left Banjul and spent about eight days at sea; separate reports also describe a deadly crossing involving 248 migrants where two Guineans died. Drugs Crackdown: The Gambia’s Drug Law Enforcement Agency arrested a 53-year-old Nigerian with 9,020 ecstasy tablets, suspected skunk, and a machine allegedly used to manufacture synthetic drugs. Elections & Transparency: Ahead of the December 2026 presidential vote, EFSCRJ urges political coalitions to publish their signed agreements, while UDP hosts an NDI pre-election assessment mission. Digital ID Rollout: The government begins nationwide enrollment for the new biometric national ID (GAM ID), starting around Greater Banjul with scheduled registration dates. Regional Diplomacy: The Gambia’s Attorney General says an ICJ verdict in the Rohingya genocide case is expected in October, with Bangladesh calling for OIC support for the Gambia’s ICJ efforts. Security Operations: Interpol-linked checks during a two-week border operation around Banjul flagged 74 stolen vehicles after more than 13,000 database queries.

Public Finance Reform: Gambian Ministry of Finance officials have begun benchmarking in Uganda on public investment management, focusing on gaps in project conceptualisation, evaluation, implementation and monitoring. Digital ID Rollout: The Gambia has started nationwide enrollment for the new biometric GAM ID around Greater Banjul, with registration dates set for September 7, 11 and 21 and fees for first-time applicants. Elections Transparency: EFSCRJ and Election Watch are urging political coalitions to publish their full coalition agreements ahead of the December 2026 presidential election, while UDP hosted an NDI pre-election assessment mission. Security & Crime: DLEAG says it arrested a Nigerian man with 9,020 ecstasy tablets, suspected skunk and a drug-manufacturing machine; separate reports also flag 74 stolen vehicles after 13,000 Interpol checks around Banjul. Migration at Sea: Mauritania says it rescued 161 migrants, including 17 minors, after a boat left Banjul and spent about eight days at sea. Rohingya ICJ Update: Gambia’s AG says the ICJ verdict in the Rohingya genocide case is expected in October, with Bangladesh and OIC states urged to support the case. Sports (Gambia links): Gambian women’s international Joanna Colley is set to join Sierra Leone’s Ram Kamara FC, while Liverpool scouting reports claim two Gambian youngsters are on trial.

Rohingya/ICJ Diplomacy: Bangladesh urged OIC states to fund The Gambia’s Rohingya genocide case at the ICJ, as The Gambia’s Attorney General said the verdict is expected in October 2026, with calls for safe, dignified, voluntary repatriation. OIC Meetings: Qatar’s foreign minister Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met Gambian officials in Jeddah to discuss bilateral cooperation on the sidelines of the OIC foreign ministers’ extraordinary session. Migration Rescue: Mauritania’s coast guard intercepted a boat carrying 161 migrants, including 17 children, after engine failure; the group had left Banjul eight days earlier and was taken to a reception centre in Nouakchott. Electoral Readiness: A pre-election assessment delegation led by Linda Thomas-Greenfield and Prof. Attahiru Jega met President Adama Barrow to review preparations for The Gambia’s 5 December 2026 presidential election. Local Sports: Berewuleng FC lost 2-0 to AS Bolonta in the WAFU Zone A qualifiers opener, while Muhammed Cham became The Gambia’s first CAVB international beach volleyball referee. Safeguarding Call: Buzz Women Gambia opened applications for a Safeguarding Consultant role in Sukuta (deadline 30 August 2026).

Migration & Maritime Safety: Mauritania’s coast guard intercepted and rescued 161 migrants off its coast near Amhijrat, including 17 children, after a boat left Banjul eight days earlier and stopped due to an extremely worn engine; the group is expected to be transferred to a reception centre in Nouakchott. Gambia Ethnicity & Public Claims: A fact-check says Mandinkas remain The Gambia’s largest ethnic group at 34.4% in the 2024 census, followed by Fulas at 25.0%, contradicting claims that the top group “fluctuates” between Mandinkas and Fulas. Diplomacy: The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs met Gambia’s foreign minister on the sidelines of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah, focusing on bilateral cooperation and mutual interests. Elections Readiness: A pre-election assessment delegation led by Linda Thomas-Greenfield and including Attahiru Jega met President Adama Barrow to discuss preparations for the Dec. 5, 2026 presidential election. Football: Berewuleng FC lost 2-0 to AS Bolonta in the WAFU Zone A qualifiers opener, while Muhammed Cham became The Gambia’s first CAVB international beach volleyball referee. Sports Transfers (Gambia link): Brighton coach Fabian Hurzeler hinted Yankuba Minteh may want to leave as Liverpool interest continues, with bids reportedly rejected over Brighton’s valuation. Sports Governance: Alport staff rallied behind CEO Salih Levent Kaçar with a counter-petition after a staff association complaint. Opinion & Social Cohesion: Commentaries and party statements renewed calls to confront tribalism and condemn tribal remarks ahead of the 2026 political season. Education & Scholarships: The Chinese Embassy hosted a Bantaba for Gambian scholarship recipients and returning scholars, announcing more students to travel to China and plans for cooperation. Call for Applications: Buzz Women Gambia opened applications for a Safeguarding Consultant role in Sukuta, with a deadline of 30 August 2026.

Gambia in Regional Spotlight: Maritime officials from Cabo Verde, the Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone are in Accra for a 24–28 August training to improve seafarer assessment, examination and certification under STCW rules, with a focus on better record-keeping, quality checks and gender-sensitive training. Fisheries Transparency Push: The FiTI and Coalition for Fisheries Transparency praised international moves to boost disclosure in fishing fleets, including the Mombasa Declaration—endorsed by Gambia and others—but warned that real change depends on turning pledges into verifiable action. Women’s Football in The Gambia: Sierra Leonean officials served in WAFU Zone A Women’s Champions League qualifiers held in The Gambia, underscoring growing regional opportunities for match officials. Education & Cooperation: The Chinese Embassy in The Gambia hosted a China–Gambia “Bantaba” for Gambian students studying in China, as both countries mark 10 years since diplomatic ties resumed. Global Context: A global minimum wage comparison ranked Switzerland top and placed the U.S. 25th; separate reports also highlighted how African nations dominate poverty rankings by GDP-PPP per capita.

Fisheries Transparency: Gambia has endorsed the Mombasa Declaration at the Our Ocean Conference, pushing for better vessel data sharing and access to fisheries information—but FiTI and the Coalition for Fisheries Transparency warn that real change will only come with verifiable, stakeholder-led implementation. Health & Nutrition: A global study links nutrient shortfalls to how seafood is traded, finding major potential gains if more catch is retained locally—naming The Gambia among countries that could benefit from improved fisheries management. Cancer Research: New research maps lifetime colorectal cancer risk across 185 countries, highlighting wide differences in incidence and vulnerability. Aviation Tragedy: An inquest opened into the death of an unidentified man found in the wheel compartment of an Air Arabia flight from Tangier to Gatwick, with investigators citing hypoxia and extreme cold. Media & Skills: CJID opened submissions for its 2026 Excellence in Journalism Awards, including categories for factchecking and innovation across West Africa, with The Gambia eligible. Sports (Regional): CAF Women’s Champions League qualification is underway, with WAFU A matches in Banjul, The Gambia, and a final set for September 6. Malaria at Work: A survey across 10 West African countries including The Gambia says 62% of workers get no workplace malaria prevention support, urging employers to step up.