AGP Executive Report

AFCON Qualifiers: The Gambia’s 4-2 victory over Ghana in Accra left the Black Stars bottom of Group C without a point. Ghana’s football leadership says it shares fans’ frustration. The Gambia’s U-20 side faces Liberia on October 15 in the WAFU-A qualifiers in Mali. Border Cooperation: ECOWAS called for stronger regional border governance after boundary commission chiefs met in Banjul, with eight West African countries agreeing to deepen coordination and cross-border cooperation. Election Watch: The UDP says it will use geolocation tracking for polling agents and collect copies of result forms ahead of the December 5 presidential election. Tourism: The first charter flight of the 2026/27 season brought 139 visitors from London to Banjul, with the Tourism Board anticipating more UK flights. Health and Farming: A new maternity theatre at Brikamaba health centre is expected to bring emergency surgery closer to rural families, while farmers in Sabach Sanjal are expanding upland rice cultivation as rice prices fluctuate.

Election Watch: As the December 5 presidential vote approaches, the UDP says it will use geolocation tracking and verified result slips to monitor polling agents. Coalition 2026 candidate Talib Ahmed Bensouda says both government and opposition forces are targeting his coalition. Healthcare: Health Minister Ahmadou Lamin Samateh says a new maternity theatre at Brikamaba Major Health Centre will bring emergency surgery, including caesarean sections, closer to families. Tourism: The first UK charter of the 2026/27 season landed in Banjul with 139 passengers; the Tourism Board expects more flights but faces calls to spread tourism benefits beyond the coast. Rural livelihoods: Farmers in Sabach Sanjal are turning upland fields to rice as prices rise and households seek more affordable food. Regional justice: Gambian judge Awa Bah has joined four new ECOWAS Court judges, sworn in for four-year terms. Infrastructure: After a 10-day provincial tour, President Barrow returned to Banjul, highlighting completed Kabada roads and pledging full electrification of the Lower River Region. Football: The Gambia’s 4-2 win over Ghana in AFCON qualifying has prompted calls in Ghana for a GFA leadership overhaul.

Scorpions’ Statement Win: The Gambia stunned Ghana 4-2 in Accra after trailing by two goals, leaving the Black Stars without a point from their first two 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Barrow’s Provincial Tour: President Adama Barrow returned to Banjul after a 10-day tour, celebrating completion of the 200km Kabada roads project and promising full electrification of remaining communities in the Lower River Region. Border Cooperation: The Gambia and Senegal have urged border communities to stay calm as they explain a boundary-densification exercise, stressing it will clarify the existing border, not create a new one or take land. Banjul also hosted an ECOWAS meeting where eight West African countries discussed stronger border governance and cross-border cooperation.

Infrastructure: President Adama Barrow hailed completion of the 200-kilometre Kabada roads project as a milestone and promised to electrify the remaining communities in Lower River Region. Regional Justice: Gambian Justice Awa Bah was sworn in as one of five new ECOWAS Community Court judges, with the bloc’s chair urging them to act impartially and strengthen public trust. Border Cooperation: The Gambia and Senegal have begun community outreach on a border “densification” exercise, stressing it clarifies the existing boundary and will not take land from residents. Regional boundary officials also met in Banjul to push for stronger cooperation and faster border work.

Border Relations: The Gambia and Senegal have launched a campaign to explain that border work will make the existing boundary clearer, not redraw it, and to address community concerns. Regional Cooperation: Boundary officials from eight West African countries met in Banjul to advance border management and cross-border coordination. Election 2026: President Adama Barrow predicted UDP leader Ousainou Darboe’s defeat in December, while the UDP questioned a reported 28,932-voter gap in supplementary registration figures. Power Supply: The government says 21-megawatt generators from China are part of its response to severe power cuts. International Justice: Nobel winner Navi Pillay is an International Court of Justice judge in The Gambia’s case accusing Myanmar of genocide against the Rohingya. US Visas: Banjul is among 25 African missions whose routine US visa processing has shifted to regional hubs; embassy operations remain unchanged.

Border Management: The Gambia and Senegal have begun community outreach on their border-densification exercise. Officials say it will make the existing boundary clearer, not create a new border or take land from residents. Regional Cooperation: Banjul hosted an ECOWAS meeting of eight countries’ boundary commissions, which called for stronger coordination and dialogue to resolve border issues. International Justice: South African jurist Navi Pillay won the Nobel Peace Prize for promoting international law. She is an ad hoc judge in the genocide case The Gambia brought against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice. Power Supply: The government says two new generators, with a combined 21MW capacity, are part of its response to severe power cuts. US Visa Services: Routine visa processing at the US Embassy in Banjul has shifted to a regional hub; the embassy remains open, but applicants must use the designated location.

International Justice: Navi Pillay won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for advancing international law. The former UN rights chief is an ad hoc judge in The Gambia’s genocide case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice. Election Watch: Opposition parties are pressing the Independent Electoral Commission to release voter data, with the UDP questioning a reported 28,932-voter gap in supplementary registration figures ahead of December’s presidential election. Power Crisis: The government says two Chinese generators, with a combined capacity of 21 megawatts, are part of its response to crippling power cuts. Regional Security: Gambian authorities intercepted more than 80 Senegalese nationals amid concerns over irregular migration. Jammeh Reparations: The Reparations Commission says $2.5 million from the sale of Yahya Jammeh’s US property has yet to reach The Gambia.

Election Watch: President Adama Barrow has predicted a heavy December defeat for UDP leader Ousainou Darboe, as opposition groups press the electoral commission to release the supplementary voter register and question a reported 28,932-voter gap. Justice and Accountability: The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize winner, jurist Navi Pillay, is an ad hoc judge in The Gambia’s genocide case against Myanmar. At home, officials have outlined a strategy for post-TRRC prosecutions, while the ECOWAS Court adopted a settlement in the Mahawa Cham disappearance case. Girls’ Rights: UNICEF is urging stronger action to end child marriage. The rate is 43% in rural areas, compared with 17% in urban communities. Security and Services: The government says it is strengthening border management; more than 80 Senegalese nationals were intercepted in The Gambia. The country has also received medicines and medical supplies. Sports: The Scorpions climbed seven places to 109th in FIFA’s latest rankings after recent wins.

Scorpions’ Statement Win: The Gambia’s 4–2 comeback victory over Ghana has left the Black Stars bottom of their AFCON qualifying group. Coach Jonathan McKinstry says his team had prepared its game plan three weeks ahead. Power Crisis: The government says newly received 21-megawatt generators are part of its urgent response to crippling power cuts. Election Debate: President Adama Barrow is pitching December’s vote as a choice between continuing his development programme and starting afresh. Opposition figures are challenging the fairness of past elections, while a citizens’ coalition is urging opposition parties to unite. Jammeh Assets: The Reparations Commission says $2.5 million from the sale of Yahya Jammeh’s US property has yet to reach The Gambia.

Power Supply: The Gambia has received 21MW of generators from China to ease crippling power cuts, with Vice-President Jallow describing the delivery as part of the government’s rapid response. Election Watch: President Adama Barrow cast the December 5 vote as a choice between continuity and a fresh start, while UDP leader Ousainou Darboe questioned the fairness of past elections. Separately, Malagen flagged Mai Ahmed Fatty’s call for Gambians to avoid UDP meetings as potentially inflammatory rhetoric. Transitional Justice: The Reparations Commission says $2.5 million from the sale of Yahya Jammeh’s US property has yet to arrive, as the government outlines its approach to prosecutions stemming from the TRRC. Public Health: GRA chief Yankuba Darboe says tobacco taxes should be judged by their impact on smoking and health, not revenue alone. Sport: Seven young Gambians will compete in five disciplines at the Dakar Youth Olympic Games, beginning October 31.

HealthTech: Gambian startup CEO Ousman Manneh says a new African health innovation award will boost BTS Health Technologies’ work on locally developed patient-monitoring devices. Climate: The Gambia is among nine countries sharing a $78 million Great Green Wall programme targeting 270,000 hectares of degraded land and better livelihoods for five million people. Transitional Justice: The government has outlined how its Special Accountability Mechanism will handle TRRC-era prosecutions, while the ECOWAS Court adopted a settlement in the Mahawa Cham disappearance case requiring an investigation, prosecutions, compensation and the return of his remains. Election Watch: A coalition is pressing the IEC to publish the supplementary voter register for scrutiny ahead of December’s presidential election. Power: The government says two generators, with a combined capacity of 21MW, are part of its response to severe electricity shortages. Regional Justice: Gambian Justice Awa Bah has been sworn in for a four-year term on the ECOWAS Community Court. Jammeh Assets: The Reparations Commission says the $2.5 million from the sale of Yahya Jammeh’s US property has yet to reach The Gambia for victims.

Regional Diplomacy: The Gambia joined Mauritius and Malawi in backing renewal of the UN investigation into abuses in Sudan, as support for the probe reached a record level. ECOWAS in Banjul: The regional bloc is holding its annual meeting of national boundary commissions in Banjul through October 8, focused on border cooperation and peaceful coexistence. Justice and Accountability: ECOWAS’s court adopted a settlement committing The Gambia to investigate Mahawa Cham’s disappearance and killing, prosecute those responsible, compensate his family and return his remains. The government has also explained why a special mechanism is needed to prosecute crimes identified by the TRRC. Regional Court: Former Supreme Court judge Awa Bah has been sworn in as an ECOWAS Court judge for a four-year term. Election Watch: A coalition is urging the IEC to publish the supplementary voter register for scrutiny ahead of December’s presidential election. Power Crisis: The government says new generators are part of its response to persistent power cuts. Health: The Health Ministry is validating a 2027–2031 national plan to improve dementia awareness, diagnosis and care.

ECOWAS Justice Appointments: The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has sworn in five new judges in Abuja, including Justice Awa Bah of The Gambia and Liberia’s Cllr. Charlyne Brumskine, as ECOWAS chair Bassirou Diomaye Faye urged the bench to strengthen public trust through impartial, independent rulings. Power Crisis Response: The Gambia has received two 10.5MW generators from China for a 21MW boost, with a third unit expected soon to raise capacity further as the government moves to prevent a repeat of recent blackouts. Reparations Update: The Gambia Reparations Commission says the $2.507m recovered from Jammeh’s Potomac property sale has not yet reached the country, though transfer steps are ongoing for victim compensation. Education Funding: The Gambia Teachers’ Union calls for higher education budgets, timely release of funds, better teacher allowances, and the long-awaited Teacher Service Commission. Sports (Gambia-linked): Serrekunda United forward Muhammed Ceesay has completed a move to Saudi Arabia’s Al Ansar FC after a strong Second Division season.

ECOWAS Justice: The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has sworn in five new judges, including Justice Awa Bah of The Gambia, for four-year non-renewable terms, with Senegal’s Bassirou Faye urging impartiality and protection of citizens’ rights. UN Diplomacy: The Gambia has assumed a three-year UN role as chair of the Group of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) Global Coordination Bureau, led by Ambassador Lamin B. Dibba, with the post expected to shape LDC priorities at the UN. Power Supply: VP Muhammed BS Jallow says two new generators have arrived at Banjul port as part of government’s rapid response to the power crisis, with more expected by end of October or early November. Reparations Update: The Gambia Reparations Commission says it has not yet received $2.507m recovered from Jammeh’s Potomac property sale, though transfer steps are ongoing. Education & Teachers: The Gambia Teachers’ Union calls for higher education funding, protection of education budgets, better teacher allowances, and the long-awaited Teacher Service Commission. Sports (Gambia-linked): Serrekunda United forward Muhammed Ceesay has completed a move to Saudi Arabia’s Al Ansar FC after a strong Second Division season. Community & Culture: Ebunjan Theatre pays tribute to Olivia Gillen, highlighting her long-running creative contribution to Gambian arts.

Electricity Relief: The Gambia has received two new mega-generators totaling 21MW to ease crippling power cuts, with installation and commissioning expected by month-end after recent blackouts sparked protests. Football Governance Fallout (Ghana): Ghana’s Black Stars crisis deepened after Carlos Queiroz’s exit following a poor AFCON 2027 qualifying start, with a new coaching search committee formed and public debate raging over GFA leadership, player selection, and whether more local Premier League talent should be used. Coaching Search Disputes: Reports say former defender Anthony Baffoe declined to serve on the committee, while analysts and former players argue the next coach must be chosen quickly and with real preparation time in mind. Digital Government: The Gambia began a two-day training on a Digital Duty Waiver Application System using the SmartPort platform to improve efficiency and transparency. Media & Integrity: Gambian journalist Bakary Ceesay is set to speak at a Vienna media trust conference, and FactSpace West Africa’s Rabiu Alhassan was elected to the IFCN board. Youth Football: The Gambia U-20 “Young Scorpions” lost 3-1 to Senegal in a friendly ahead of WAFU-A U-20 qualifiers in Mali.

Illicit Trade Watch: Zambia’s illicit cigarette rate is 12.2%, but Gambia is flagged at 8.6%—with the Tobacco Control Data Initiative saying the bigger driver is enforcement and supply-chain vulnerabilities, not just tax levels. Sports Governance Shockwaves: Ghana’s Black Stars coaching search is heating up after Carlos Queiroz’s exit, with Sports Minister Kofi Adams’ five-member committee underway; former star Anthony Baffoe reportedly declined to serve, while Dwight Yorke is among those linked to the vacant role. Gambia Football Development: The Young Scorpions’ U-20 campaign continues after a 3-1 friendly loss to Senegal, and CAF has appointed three Gambian officials for beach soccer and WAFU-A U-20 AFCON qualifiers. Justice & Accountability: The Gambia’s Special Prosecutor Martin Hackett says TRRC-related prosecutions will follow an evidence-based approach, while a UN expert on extrajudicial executions is set to visit the country from 5–16 October. Elections & Rights: The UDP questions a 28,932-voter discrepancy in IEC supplementary registration figures, demanding clarification to protect confidence in the voters’ register. Digital Government: Government begins a two-day workshop on the Digital Duty Waiver Application System to speed up and improve transparency in waivers processing.