AGP Executive Report

Football & Sports Diplomacy: The Gambia’s Scorpions face a fresh shake-up as injured Abdoulie Ceesay and Jesper Ceesay are omitted, with Bubacarr Tambedou and Karamba Gassama called up for camp. Coaching & Development: Medina United Academy kicks off an international coaching programme today (22–23 May) led by two elite Spanish instructors. Para-Powerlifting: Team Gambia is set for the African Open Para-Powerlifting Championship, with Ali Kah and Babacar Jobe representing the country in Algeria. Elections & Media Integrity: EU-backed training brings media and civil society together to fight fake news and hate speech ahead of the 2026 polls, including how AI can be used to mislead. Economy & Cost of Living: Bank of The Gambia reports food inflation at 6.7% and blames the wider jump on the Iran–US conflict pushing prices up. Road Safety & Regional Ties: Gambia and Nigeria sign a road safety pact aimed at cutting traffic fatalities. Justice & Crime: A man accused of obtaining over D68M for visas to Mecca for hajj is arraigned, while a separate case sees a life sentence for rape of a four-year-old. Education: The University of Education launches its first degree programmes, expanding teacher-focused and new education courses.

Maritime Security Push: Nigeria says President Tinubu will flag off the African Union’s combined maritime task force for the Gulf of Guinea in June, with Gambia among the countries already onboard—aimed at tackling piracy, illegal fishing, and transnational crime. Regional Trade & Borders: ECOWAS is also deepening cross-border cooperation in Abuja, stressing that tighter coordination is key to boosting trade while countering terrorism and other border crimes. World Cup Paperwork, Gambia in the Mix: In Ankara, Iran’s World Cup squad has started U.S. and Canada visa processes while preparing for friendlies against Gambia on May 29 and Mali on June 4. Gambia Sports Diplomacy: TOLAC 2026 wrapped with a MoU between the Gambia and Canary Islands wrestling federations, as Senegal retained the overall TOLAC title. Local Football Focus: Coach Johnathan McKinstry names the Scorpions squad for the upcoming international friendlies, with preparations now underway in Turkey.

AFCON Qualifiers Shock: Gambia’s Scorpions have been drawn into tough Group C for AFCON 2027 with Ghana and Ivory Coast, plus Somalia—coach Johnathan McKinstry says the team is excited and ready to rise to the challenge. Team News: Ahead of friendlies, McKinstry has named the squad as the Scorpions prepare to assemble in Turkey for matches including Iran. Human Rights & Inclusion: The African Commission session in Banjul ends with Gambia reaffirming commitment to human rights, while deaf advocates warn that lack of sign-language access keeps deaf Gambians trapped in poverty. Social Protection: PEI enrolment is underway for 3,420 vulnerable households, with D20,000 cash grants and support for small businesses. Sports Development: Hagie Gai Drammeh Foundation donated table tennis and learning items to Gunjur SSS. Infrastructure: Barrow laid foundation stones for the Choya–Dankunku Road, promising relief from long-standing transport nightmares. Regional Mobility: Tui launches winter direct flights from Birmingham to Banjul, adding another route for travel to The Gambia.

AFCON 2027 Shock in Cairo: Gambia has been drawn into Group C with Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Somalia, setting up a tough qualifying run that coach Johnathan McKinstry calls “a fantastic group” but insists the Scorpions can compete in—fans in Ghana’s Volta region also say the draw is balanced, with Côte d’Ivoire the main worry. Football Leadership Fight: Sadibou Kamaso has launched a “Restore Confidence” manifesto for the GFF, promising reforms and bigger youth and women’s opportunities, while also putting a clear marker down for the federation’s next leadership. Roads and Rural Access: President Adama Barrow continues URR/CRR road expansion, laying foundations for feeder routes meant to end seasonal isolation and improve access to markets and services. Women’s Rights Push: Equality Now urged African governments to close legal gaps on sexual violence and women’s rights at the ACHPR session in Banjul. Health and Food Safety: EFSTH defended higher consultation fees as sustainability, while a bread-selling study warns unsafe open sales remain widespread despite high public awareness.

Gender & Justice Push: Equality Now warned that millions of women and girls across Africa still lack real legal protection because governments fail to pass and enforce strong laws on sexual violence, FGM, online safety, reproductive healthcare, and discriminatory property rights, urging urgent action at the ACHPR session in Banjul. AFCON 2027 Focus: CAF’s full qualifiers schedule is out, and The Gambia’s campaign is set for a tough Group C with Ghana and Ivory Coast plus Somalia—matchdays run across 2026–2027 windows, with the opening round starting in late September 2026. Healthcare Costs: EFSTH defended a controversial consultation-fee change from D25 to D100, saying the fee also covers medicines when available and is meant to keep public hospitals sustainable. Rural Safety & Roads: In CRR north, President Barrow’s road projects drew praise, but residents—especially youth—pushed for better fire coverage as blaze threats rise. Food Safety Alert: A study flags growing risk from open bread sales in Gambia, with dust, flies, dirty handling and poor wrapping linked to illnesses. Politics & Elections: UMC urged voters to avoid divisive politics ahead of 2026 elections.

AFCON 2027 Draw Shock: Ghana’s Black Stars were placed in Group C with Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Somalia, setting up a high-stakes run for qualification as CAF’s Cairo draw maps out 12 groups of four and top-two finishers advance. Gambia Football Focus: The Gambia’s presence in the same pool as Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire turns the group into a regional heavyweight showdown, with pundits already calling it the “Group of Death.” World Cup Prep—Iran vs the Clock: Iran’s squad has begun training in Turkey after a seven-week disruption, with coach Amir Ghalenoei saying readiness is behind but a camp of about 2.5–3 weeks can close part of the gap; Iran also has a May 29 friendly against The Gambia. Energy Skills Boost: VRA has started a 10-day “training of trainers” workshop on solar mini-grids for 20 energy professionals, aiming to grow renewable-energy expertise across West Africa. Governance & Justice: A court case involving alleged D68.69m visa fraud for hajj has been adjourned to June 15 after bail was granted.

AFCON 2027 Draw Shock: Ghana’s Black Stars have been handed a brutal Group C alongside Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Somalia, reigniting a redemption push after missing AFCON 2025—while Côte d’Ivoire’s Max Gradel admits the “Group of Death” tag stings but insists the Elephants will qualify. Gambia Football Focus: The Scorpions’ presence in the same group puts them at the centre of the West Africa rivalry, with the qualifiers set to start in late 2026 and run through March 2027. Regional Mobility Move: Togo announced visa-free entry for all African nationals (up to 30 days), joining Ghana’s similar policy—both framed as boosting African integration. Governance & Rights: A new human rights report says The Gambia has made democratic gains since 2017, but warns weak enforcement, corruption and impunity still undermine rule of law. Tax Crackdown: The Gambia Revenue Authority begins transfer-pricing training to curb tax avoidance by multinationals.

FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket Qualifiers: The race for Côte d’Ivoire later this year kicks off this month, with Zone 4 starting 28 May–4 June in Malabo, and Zone 5 set for 14–21 June in Kampala. AFCON 2027 Draw: Ghana’s Black Stars have been placed in Pot 2 ahead of Tuesday’s qualifiers draw, with Gambia listed in Pot 3. Security & Counterterror: US and Nigerian forces carried out coordinated airstrikes in Borno, killing over 20 IS militants after a top commander was eliminated. EU Migration Watch: The EU says irregular border detections fell sharply in 2026’s early months, but warns smuggling risks persist and routes can shift fast. Gambia Football Politics: Sadibou Kamaso’s “Starting XI” manifesto pushes reforms and higher prize money, while the Unite Movement for Change holds its maiden congress and names its leadership. Roads & Economy: President Barrow launches major road projects in URR/CRR, funded domestically, aimed at cutting transport costs and boosting farm incomes.

Elite League Twist: Gambia Ports Authority thumped Hart FC 3-1 (after Hart beat Hawks 3-2) to reclaim top spot with 40 points from 25 matches, while Hart FC drop to sixth on 33 points. World Cup Build-Up: Iran’s “Team Melli” arrived in Turkey for training and visa steps, with a friendly against The Gambia set for 29 May in Antalya as FIFA talks continue amid wider US-Iran tensions. Human Rights Shock: Amnesty reports executions hit a record high in 2025, with Iran accounting for at least 2,159 deaths. Governance & Accountability: EU–UNDP GREAT certified officials from 13 Gambian institutions in Monitoring and Evaluation, pushing evidence-based decision-making. Local Development Push: President Barrow launched major road works under Connect Gambia in URR and CRR, including 385km in URR and 395km in CRR. Justice & Community: A father of Omar Badjie says his family is still waiting for justice after a controversial police operation in Sept 2025.

Death Penalty Shock: Amnesty says executions worldwide hit the highest level in 44 years in 2025, with at least 2,707 deaths across 17 countries—driven heavily by Iran (at least 2,159) and also rising figures in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Singapore and the US. World Cup Diplomacy: FIFA and Iran’s federation held “excellent” and “constructive” talks in Istanbul, clearing the way for Iran’s “Team Melli” to travel to Turkey for a camp and friendlies before heading to the US, even as visa concerns linger. Ghana–Gambia Justice Push: Ghana renewed talks with The Gambia over accountability for the 2005 killings of migrants, including about 44 Ghanaians, after discussions also touched on cooperation in education, health and defence. AFCON Build-Up: CAF confirmed the AFCON 2027 qualifying draw in Cairo on Tuesday, with 48 nations split into groups under the “PAMOJA” banner. EU Culture in Banjul: The 5th European Film Festival returns in partnership with the EU Delegation and Alliance Française, bringing films from France, Germany, Spain and Poland.

World Cup Visa Talks: FIFA says it held “excellent” and “constructive” talks with Iran’s federation in Istanbul, with both sides looking ahead to welcoming Team Melli to the 2026 World Cup—despite earlier visa worries and Iran’s squad still needing procedures. Team Melli Update: Iran’s 30-man squad is set for a training camp in Turkey, with friendlies including one against Gambia on May 29, before heading to the US. AFCON Draw Set: CAF will hold the AFCON 2027 qualifying draw in Cairo on Tuesday, splitting 48 teams into 12 groups, with hosts Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda already qualified. Gambia in the Spotlight: A West Coast regional governor praised Baku’s urban development as a model, highlighting cooperation on infrastructure and climate adaptation. Sahel Security Push: ECOWAS lawmakers urged a stronger regional response to terrorism, warning that instability in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger spills over to neighbours.

World Cup Prep Watch: Iran’s men’s squad is set to fly to Turkey for a final training camp in Antalya, with friendlies including a confirmed May 29 match against Gambia, while players complete visa steps before heading to the United States. Human Rights Spotlight: In Banjul, CONASADH urged the African Commission to investigate alleged Moroccan war crimes in Western Sahara and press for the release of Sahrawi political prisoners. Regional Climate Push: African parliamentarians meeting in Nairobi backed a united front on climate and methane talks, saying financing and targets must match Africa’s development and food security realities. Migration Tragedy: A newborn migrant baby died of hypothermia after reaching Lampedusa, prompting an investigation and post-mortem. Sports Leadership: After the death of CAA president Hamad Malboum, Tonobok Okowa was elected CAA Senior VP in a continental athletics shake-up.

Entertainment & Culture: A night out at Fajara’s Cotton Club Lounge & Restaurant is drawing attention for its polished sound, comfortable setup and a crowd that actually gets moving. Music Spotlight: Rising drill voice SKELTA is building momentum ahead of a 2026 second album, with fans expecting bigger collaborations. Sports (CAF): Colombian striker Brayan Leon is being tipped as the key weapon for Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League final first leg against FAR Rabat, after a hot run of goals. Gambia Development: School meals are being pushed as a long-term investment, with the US-backed programme reaching tens of thousands of learners. Food & Farming: VP Jallow has handed over groundnut threshers to communities nationwide, while government also highlights cooperatives as central to food security. Migration Watch: New EU figures show a 78% drop in boat arrivals to the Canaries on the West African route this year, though officials warn May could bring a shift.

School Books Under Fire: Knox County Schools in Tennessee has removed Alex Haley’s “Roots” from libraries, citing a 2022 state law that bans hundreds of titles deemed “inappropriate,” reigniting debate over how slavery is taught. Gambia Food Security Push: Vice President Muhammad B.S. Jallow says school meals are a “strategic investment,” as the US-backed programme reaches 101,669 learners across public ECD and lower basic schools. Fisheries Data Upgrade: FAO has donated tablets to help Gambia’s fisheries extension workers collect and manage data faster and more accurately. Diplomacy & Elections Watch: Baboucarr Blaise Ismaila Jagne leads an ECOWAS team observing Cabo Verde’s May 17 election. Sports & Survival: Gunjur United host Suwokono in a Division Two survival clash. International Football Prep: Iran’s World Cup squad heads to Turkey for training, with a friendly vs Gambia set for May 29.

Women’s Health Spotlight: Dr Jarjusey is pushing for stronger maternal and reproductive care in The Gambia, sharing how her path in obstetrics and gynaecology became a lifelong mission to protect women and children. School Feeding Push: Vice President Jallow says universal school meals are the goal by 2030, citing the USDA-backed McGovern-Dole programme feeding tens of thousands of learners daily. Fisheries Data Upgrade: FAO has donated tablets to help fisheries extension workers collect and manage data faster and more accurately. Diplomacy & Elections: Baboucarr Blaise Ismaila Jagne leads an ECOWAS team to observe Cape Verde’s May 17 election. Regional Ties: President Barrow met Senegal’s new Chief of Staff, Admiral Oumar Wade, to deepen cooperation on border and security. Sports & Community: Gunjur United host Suwokono in Division Two survival battle; VP also handed over groundnut threshers to farming communities. Migration Watch: EU irregular entries fell 40% in early 2026, but smugglers remain adaptable. Weather Outlook: Rainfall is forecast as below to normal for July–September, with the season expected to end after Oct 20.

Youth Football Dream: Former Ghana winger Laryea Kingston says Uganda’s U17 squad is aiming for a World Cup spot after a strong start in AFCON U17, with a place at stake in their next matches. Human Rights in Focus: The 87th African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights session in Banjul is spotlighting Western Sahara’s “invisible crises,” while African Court leadership reiterates that the Court and Commission must work as “inseparable” partners. Health System Pressure: Gambia’s Nurses’ Day message from the Gambia Federation of Associations calls for an overhaul—more staffing, medicines, and a rebuilt drug supply system—warning that preventable deaths keep happening. Education & Standards: WAEC is urging better teachers and facilities to lift exam performance, as human rights advocates push for rights education that also treats healthcare, water, and safe roads as rights. Local Governance & Politics: Unite Movement for Change announces its first national congress and rally on May 16, while police and rights groups continue to trade accusations over civic space and detainees. Environment & Fire Risk: Forestry teams are intensifying training and community action to curb bush burning in the Lower River Region.