AGP Executive Report

Gambia–UK & regional mobility: A US federal judge in Manhattan struck down the Trump administration’s blanket suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Gambia, saying the policy was “patently unlawful” and exceeded the State Department’s authority. GFA/Black Stars coaching: Ghana’s FA says talks are ongoing to appoint a new Black Stars head coach after Carlos Queiroz’s short deal ended, with a coach expected before key September fixtures. Gambia football in Europe: Transfer chatter keeps circling Yankuba Minteh as Liverpool weigh a possible third bid after Brighton rejected earlier offers; Minteh is also linked with other Premier League interest. Migration route update: Senegal and Mauritania intercepted and assisted more than 750 migrants trying to reach the Canary Islands, with Mauritania reporting rescues of a boat that left Gambia. Community spotlight: President Adama Barrow inaugurated a new mosque in Gunjur, with leaders and residents attending the ceremony.

Gambia in US immigration ruling: A US federal judge in Manhattan struck down the Trump administration’s immigrant visa suspension covering 75 countries, including The Gambia, calling it “patently unlawful” and beyond the State Department’s authority—meaning visa processing should resume for affected nationals. Black Stars coaching talks: Ghana’s GFA says it is in talks to appoint the next head coach of the Black Stars after negotiations with Carlos Queiroz reportedly stalled. Gambian football transfer buzz: Liverpool’s pursuit of Gambia winger Yankuba Minteh continues after Brighton rejected another reported £60m bid; Liverpool also remain linked with PSG’s Ibrahim Mbaye as they reshape their attack. Local governance & faith: President Adama Barrow inaugurated a new mosque in Gunjur, with leaders and residents attending. Regional migration update: Mauritanian coast guard rescued 315 migrants at sea, including 123 Gambians, after a vessel departed from The Gambia toward Europe. Sports spotlight: Thomas Partey made his Saudi Pro League debut for Al Shabab in a 1-1 draw, with Ghana set to face The Gambia in September qualifiers.

Gunjur Mosque Inauguration: President Adama Barrow inaugurated a new mosque in Gunjur, funded by the Presidency, with prayers led by Imam Alhagie Muhammed Lamin Touray calling for peace, unity and stability. US Visa Ruling With Gambia On The List: A US federal judge in Manhattan struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension covering 75 countries, including The Gambia, saying the policy was “patently unlawful” and exceeded the State Department’s authority. Black Stars Coaching Talks: The Gambia’s football region is watching as Ghana’s GFA says it is in talks to appoint the next Black Stars coach after Carlos Queiroz contract extension talks reportedly stalled. Gambia In Sports Abroad: Thomas Partey made his Saudi Pro League debut for Al Shabab, while Liverpool’s transfer chase for Gambia winger Yankuba Minteh continues after Brighton rejected another £60m bid. Water Access Benchmarking: A World Bank and Mozambique delegation visited Kenya’s Kirinyaga to benchmark its eWATER model—an example of how smart systems and community participation can expand safe, affordable water. Migration Rescue Update: Mauritanian coast guard rescued 315 migrants at sea, including 123 Gambians, after a vessel left The Gambia for Europe.

GFA Black Stars Coach Talks: Ghana’s GFA says it’s in talks to appoint the next head coach of the Black Stars after negotiations with Carlos Queiroz reportedly stalled over salary and technical-team demands, with the federation insisting a coach will be in place before the next qualifiers. Gambia in Global Football Transfers: Liverpool’s pursuit of Gambia winger Yankuba Minteh continues after Brighton rejected a second £60m bid; Minteh is recovering from a right-leg injury and remains under contract until 2029, while Liverpool also weigh other options as they try to reshape their attack after Mohamed Salah’s exit. US Visa Ruling Includes The Gambia: A US federal judge blocked Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including The Gambia, ruling the policy was “patently unlawful” and exceeded the State Department’s authority. Local Community Spotlight: President Adama Barrow inaugurated a new mosque in Gunjur, praising unity and urging worshippers to fulfil religious obligations, with the project funded by the Presidency. Migration Update: Mauritania’s coastguard rescued 315 migrants at sea, including 123 Gambians, after a boat set off from The Gambia toward Europe.

Football Transfers: Liverpool’s pursuit of Gambia winger Yankuba Minteh hit another wall as Brighton rejected a second bid—reported around £60m—after turning down an earlier £50m offer. Minteh is sidelined with a right-leg injury and is expected to miss at least two months, while Brighton reportedly hold out for about £70m+ given his contract runs to 2029. Sports & Community: In a feel-good Gambian story with global ties, Bakary Demba says he started supporting Burnley after finding a club magazine at Banjul International Airport, later founding the Gambia Clarets Football Academy to keep youth focused on discipline and opportunity. Migration Update: Mauritania’s coast guard says it rescued 315 migrants at sea off Nouadhibou, including 123 Gambians, after a boat departed from The Gambia—another reminder of the dangers on the Atlantic route. Governance & Economy: The African Development Bank-backed West Africa tax project launched this week will support The Gambia and five other countries with stronger tax administration and revenue systems.

Yankuba Minteh Transfer Saga: Liverpool’s £50m bid for Gambia winger Yankuba Minteh was rejected by Brighton, with the Seagulls holding out for £70m+ as Liverpool chase a Mohamed Salah replacement; Minteh is also sidelined after leg surgery and could miss weeks, but reports say he’s open to a move. UK Immigration Update: The UK’s Ancestry visa lists The Gambia among eligible Commonwealth countries, letting qualifying applicants live and work in the UK for up to five years if they can prove a UK-born grandparent. Regional Migration Rescue: Mauritania’s coastguard rescued 315 migrants off Nouadhibou, including 123 from The Gambia, as Atlantic crossings to Europe continue to be deadly. Gambia in Regional Finance: The AfDB-backed Strengthening Tax Administration Capacity Project will support The Gambia with a share of a US$5.3m regional initiative to boost domestic revenue systems. Education Access: WAEC says 2026 WASSCE school candidates’ digital certificates are now available online via its digital certificate platform. Sports Spotlight: ESPN highlights African breakout talents for Europe’s 2026-27 season, while Liverpool’s new coach Andoni Iraola says more signings are “definitely” coming despite a “thin” squad.

Tax & Revenue Boost: The Gambia is among six West African countries to benefit from a US$5.3m AfDB-backed project to strengthen tax administration and domestic revenue systems, launched by WATAF on Aug. 18. Diplomacy & Community: President Adama Barrow toured major projects in Libreville and met Gambians living in Gabon during his visit, highlighting ties with the Gambian diaspora. Politics Ahead of 2026: Coalition 2026 says it will sign a political alliance today, bringing together eight parties and movements behind flagbearer Talib Ahmed Bensouda; meanwhile, PPA’s Dr Ousman Gajigo says his movement has quit its merger with GFA to join the Unite/NUP alliance. Local Governance: Talinding North councillor Babucarr Mansally renewed calls for diplomatic passports for elected councillors, saying visa rejections block opportunities abroad. Education: WAEC says 2026 WASSCE digital certificates for school candidates are now available online. Football (Gambia link): Liverpool’s £50m bid for Gambia winger Yankuba Minteh was rejected by Brighton as he recovers from injury. Security: A Gambian man was arrested in Malta over alleged drug trafficking after police found suspected cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine and ecstasy pills.

Liverpool Transfer Talk: Liverpool have made a £50m bid for Gambia winger Yankuba Minteh, but Brighton rejected it, with the 22-year-old sidelined after right-leg surgery and expected to miss at least two more months. Education & Exams: WAEC says 2026 WASSCE digital certificates for school candidates are now available online via its official platform, urging candidates to download promptly. Gambia Politics: Coalition 2026 is set to sign a political alliance today, bringing together eight parties and movements behind flagbearer Talib Ahmed Bensouda, while PPA leader Ousman Gajigo says his movement has quit its merger with GFA to join the Unite/NUP alliance. Local Governance: Talinding North councillor Babucarr Mansally calls for diplomatic passports for elected councillors to help them pursue opportunities abroad. Community & Security: A campaign in Malta seeks to stop the deportation of Gambian DJ Dollarino, and in Malta a Gambian man was arrested over alleged drug trafficking. Sports (AFCON): Coach Jonathon McKinstry says Gambia’s AFCON 2027 qualifier vs Somalia will be played at Independence Stadium next month.

TRRC Aftermath: An explainer looks at what happened to victims after The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission ended, including the status of reparations and payments by the Gambia Reparations Commission, which says 112 victims have received full compensation and GMD24.8 million has been disbursed. Sports Development: Festibad Gambia boosted badminton across communities, training 15 PE teachers and partnering with the Gambia Badminton Association and international bodies, with an MoU signing planned to strengthen the sport’s growth. Football & Community: Gambian goalkeeper Kebba Massaneh Ceesay has died, remembered by the Gambia Football Federation for his playing career and later technical leadership. Politics & Unity: Opposition coalition talks continue as APeX extends negotiations to end of August, while NUP says it has withdrawn from the APeX talks. Health & Education: A report highlights period poverty’s impact, noting that some girls in The Gambia skip school for days each month due to lack of products and facilities. Migration Pressure: Algeria and Mauritania intercepted more than 500 irregular migrants heading toward Europe, underscoring ongoing regional migration challenges. Drugs Case: A 31-year-old Gambian man was arrested in Paceville, Malta, after police found multiple drugs and cash during a search.

TRRC Reparations Follow-Up: An explainer looks at what happened to victims after The Gambia’s TRRC hearings, noting the Reparations Commission has paid full compensation to 112 victims and disbursed GMD24.8 million, with about 200 more approved for payment. Migration Pressure: Algeria and Mauritania report intercepting/rescuing 500+ irregular migrants heading toward Europe, with Gambia highlighted in regional migration expectations. Sports—Beach Volleyball LA28 Road: The CAVB Beach Volleyball Continental Senior Championships in Alexandria (Aug 17–23) include The Gambia among teams chasing continental glory and an LA28 ticket, with FIVB Volleyball Empowerment backing several Gambian pairs. Grassroots Badminton: Festibad Gambia brought badminton to communities nationwide, training PE teachers and youth in partnership with the Gambia Badminton Association and GNOC support. Politics—Opposition Talks: NUP withdraws from APeX coalition talks, while APeX extends negotiations with a two-week window to resolve outstanding issues. Football—Gambian Loss: Goalkeeper Kebba Massaneh Ceesay, a former national team player and football administrator, dies in his 70s. Crime: A Gambian man was arrested in Paceville, Malta, after police found multiple drugs including pills and suspected cocaine/methamphetamine.

Rohingya Genocide Case: Gambia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has thanked The Gambia for actively pursuing Myanmar over the Rohingya genocide at the ICJ, saying a successful outcome could boost Rohingyas’ confidence to return voluntarily. Opposition Politics: The National Unity Party (NUP) has withdrawn from APeX coalition talks, while APeX extended negotiations to end of August and said parties will reconvene on 30 August. Tribalism Debate: Multiple opinion pieces renew calls for unity and warn against divisive, tribal rhetoric ahead of the December 2026 polls. Education Spotlight: Mansa Colley Bojang Senior Secondary School in Brikama Jalanbang topped the 2026 WASSCE nationally, with 97.04% of candidates scoring five credits or more. Sports & Community: The Gambia mourns legendary goalkeeper Kebba Massaneh Ceesay, remembered for his roles as player, administrator and technical director. Security: A Gambian man was arrested in Paceville, Malta, on drug trafficking charges after police found pills and suspected cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine and more at his residence. Regional Football: CAF provisionally cleared The Gambia’s Independence Stadium in Bakau for AFCON qualifiers, restoring home advantage for The Scorpions.

ICJ Genocide Case: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has praised The Gambia for pursuing Myanmar’s Rohingya genocide case at the International Court of Justice, saying a successful outcome could boost Rohingyas’ confidence to return voluntarily. Opposition Politics: The National Unity Party (NUP) has withdrawn from APeX coalition talks, while APeX says negotiations have been extended to end of August, with parties set to reconvene on 30 August. Unity and Tribalism Debate: Former first lady Tuti Faal urged Gambians to reject divisive politics and hate speech, as fresh backlash grows over Imam Baba Leigh being flagged for tribal rhetoric. Education and Health: A new report highlights period poverty’s impact in The Gambia, where some girls reportedly skip school for up to five days each month due to lack of products and facilities. Football: The Gambia’s Independence Stadium has received provisional CAF clearance for AFCON qualifiers, restoring home advantage for the Scorpions. Crime: A 31-year-old Gambian man was arrested in Paceville, Malta, on drug trafficking charges after police found multiple types of drugs at his residence and on his person.

Political Unity & Election Prep: UDP leader Ousainu Darboe urged opposition parties to unite behind the Gambia First Coalition, formalised via an MoU, as the December 2026 presidential race nears; former first lady Tuti Faal also warned against divisive, hate-filled politics that could erode national unity. Local Governance & Development: President Adama Barrow continued a week-long tour in Central River Region North, inaugurating roads and health projects and presenting an ambulance to Ballanghar Jaloto, while laying foundations for new road links and agro-logistics and Farafenni roads work. Education: Mansa Colley Bojang Senior Secondary School topped the 2026 WASSCE rankings nationally, with 97.04% of candidates scoring five credits or more. Sports & CAF: CAF provisionally cleared Independence Stadium in Bakau for AFCON qualifiers, restoring The Gambia’s home advantage and raising the stakes for Ghana’s group fixtures. Health & Society: A feature on breast cancer care highlighted the struggle to afford treatment, while public health voices warned about filthy drainage and footpaths in Serekunda/Jobe Street areas. Regional Finance & Policy: WAIFEM challenged reserve managers across WAMZ to strengthen risk management and prepare for shocks, including climate and geopolitical risks.

China–Gambia Military Ties: The Chinese Embassy and the Gambia Armed Forces hosted the Second China-Gambia Military Bantaba, with officers sharing training experiences and pledging deeper security cooperation. Crime: Police say an unidentified person broke into the Cuban embassy in Brufut and stole valuables; investigations are ongoing. Football: CAF has provisionally cleared Independence Stadium in Bakau for AFCON qualifiers, ending a multi-year ban and giving Ghana a tougher trip to Banjul. Opposition Politics: UDP leader Ousainu Darboe urged opposition parties to unite behind the Gambia First Coalition ahead of December 2026 polls, while other reports push the idea that without a single coalition, the opposition could lose to Barrow. Elections & Unity Debate: Former first lady Tuti Faal urged Gambians to reject divisive politics and hate speech as the country heads toward the 2026 election. Education: Mansa Colley Bojang School topped the 2026 WASSCE results nationally. Diaspora Campaigning: NPP’s Seattle chapter raised US$65,230 for the party’s 2026 presidential campaign. Public Health & Sanitation: Foroyaa warns of filthy drainage and footpath conditions in Serekunda/Jobe Street that could spark preventable disease outbreaks.

Gambia Politics & Elections: The IEC-backed Inter-Party Committee brought together all 24 registered parties in Banjul to pledge peace ahead of the 2026 presidential polls, with training covering voter participation, civic rights, and preventing electoral violence. Opposition Alliance: UDP leader Ousainu Darboe is set to sign a grand opposition MoU with five parties and two movements, aiming for a united front in 2026–2027. Barrow’s Election Forecast: President Adama Barrow said he expects Darboe to withdraw after GDC joined the NPP-led coalition, framing it as a “family reunion.” Development in Central River Region North: Barrow inaugurated roads and health projects, including an ambulance for Ballanghar Jaloto, and laid foundations for new road links and agro-logistics and roads projects in Farafenni and Yalal. Public Health Concern: Foroyaa warned about filthy drainage and footpaths in Jobe Street/Serekunda School area, urging urgent action to prevent outbreaks. Sports (Gambia-linked): Brighton say Gambia winger Yankuba Minteh faces 2–3 months out with a right leg injury.

Development Tour: President Adama Barrow inaugurated roads and health projects in Central River Region North, including an ambulance for Ballanghar Jaloto, a new Yalal-to-inland road, and the start of the Farafenni Roads Project aimed at boosting trade and transit along the Senegambia corridor. Opposition Politics: UDP leader Ousainu Darboe is expected to withdraw from the 2026 presidential race after GDC joined the NPP-led grand coalition, while UDP and five parties plus two movements are set to sign a formal opposition alliance MoU in Banjul. Elections & Peace Training: The Inter-Party Committee trained 24 registered parties, youths and women’s branches on voter participation, civic rights and preventing electoral violence ahead of 2026 polls. Public Health & Sanitation: Foroyaa warns of filthy conditions around Jobe Street and the road to Serekunda School, urging urgent action to prevent preventable outbreaks. Sports: Brighton says Gambia winger Yankuba Minteh will be out for 2–3 months with a right leg injury. Regional Focus: EU and IOM efforts continue to strengthen Gambia’s migration monitoring capacity.