AGP Executive Report

Politics & Elections: Opposition parties are moving fast toward a 2026 challenge, with UDP set to sign a grand opposition alliance MoU with five parties and two movements, while President Barrow publicly predicts UDP leader Ousainu Darboe will withdraw after GDC’s entry into the NPP-led coalition. Development in the Regions: President Adama Barrow inaugurated roads and health projects in Central River Region North, including an ambulance for Ballanghar Jaloto and new road and agro-logistics foundations for Yalal and Farafenni. Governance & Justice: Senior counsels Lamin Mboge and Omar F M’Bai visited Chief Justice Edrissa MO Faal to show support after his appointment, backing the constitutional process. Education Results: WAEC released 2026 WASSCE results in The Gambia, with 1,556 candidates scoring credits in at least five subjects including English and Mathematics. Migration & Border Management: The EU and IOM launched training to strengthen The Gambia’s migration monitoring and reporting systems under the Global Compact, while NACSA joined West Africa Border Security Week in Accra. Sports: Star Sport Academy lost 4-0 to Karfamoriah FC in the West Africa Champions Cup, ahead of a CAF Champions League preliminary tie vs Gambia’s Medina United.

Central River Region Development: President Adama Barrow inaugurated roads and health projects in CRR North, including laying foundations for new road links and the Farafenni Roads Project, and presenting an ambulance to Ballanghar Jaloto. Opposition Politics: UDP and five parties plus two movements will sign a grand opposition alliance MoU today in Banjul, while Barrow predicts UDP leader Ousainu Darboe will withdraw after NPP–GDC coalition moves. Elections Peace Push: IEC and the Inter-Party Committee brought together 24 registered parties to pledge peace and tolerance ahead of the 2026 polls, with training on voter rights and preventing electoral violence. Migration Support: The EU, IOM and The Gambia launched training to strengthen migration monitoring and reporting systems under the Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Education Results: WAEC released 2026 WASSCE results in The Gambia, with 1,556 candidates earning credits in at least five subjects including English and Mathematics. Transport Update: Deputy Speaker Seedy SK Njie said government will introduce a faster ferry to improve the Banjul–Barra link. Tech Cooperation: NASENI and The Gambia agreed to develop an MoU to deepen technology, TVET, research and skills development ties. Public Finance Tools: Auditors across Africa were urged to adopt AI and data tools to better detect fraud and misuse of public funds.

Solo Travel to Africa: A new push argues Africa should be a bigger stop for independent travellers, citing standout experiences from hiking and wildlife to culture—yet noting the continent still sits off many backpacker routes. Environment & Regional Risk: Liberia’s EPA warns that uncontrolled sand mining is speeding up coastal and riverbank erosion, threatening communities and biodiversity, with a West Africa initiative also involving The Gambia. Cameroon Opposition Return: Issa Tchiroma Bakary says his return to Cameroon is “imminent” after legal actions in France and Switzerland, but gives no date. Gambia Transport: Deputy Speaker Seedy SK Njie announces a faster ferry to improve the Banjul–Barra link, responding to children’s concerns about delays affecting patients. Migration Monitoring: The EU and IOM launch training to strengthen The Gambia’s migration monitoring and reporting under the Global Compact. Education Results: WAEC releases WASSCE 2026 results in The Gambia, with only 1,556 candidates scoring credits in at least five subjects including English and Maths. Public Trust & Governance: UNDP urges African parliaments to tackle declining public trust, warning it can weaken reforms. Justice: Lawyers back Chief Justice Edrissa MO Faal’s appointment amid ongoing legal debate. Sports: GFA is reportedly unlikely to extend Carlos Queiroz’s contract despite calls, as negotiations reportedly stall over demands. Tourism Funding: Hotels Association urges higher budget allocation for tourism, culture and creative arts. Border Security: NACSA joins West Africa Border Security Week in Accra with The Gambia among participants. Tech Cooperation: NASENI and The Gambia move toward an MoU to deepen technology, TVET, research and skills development. Women’s Football: Mogbwemo Queens’ legal team files an urgent complaint in Sierra Leone over alleged sexual assault and pepper spray at a police checkpoint.

Gambia–River Transport: Deputy Speaker Seedy SK Njie says a faster ferry will soon improve the Banjul–Barra link, after children raised concerns that unreliable crossings delay patients and worsen health outcomes. Migration Governance: The EU and IOM, with the Gambia, launched a four-day training to strengthen national systems for monitoring and reporting migration under the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Public Auditing & Tech: A regional push is underway for African public audit institutions—including The Gambia—to use AI, data science and cybersecurity tools to better detect fraud and misuse of public funds. Education Results: WAEC’s 2026 WASSCE results show only 1,556 candidates scored credits in at least five subjects, including English and Mathematics, out of 20,610 registered. Judiciary Support: Senior counsels Lamin Mboge and Omar F M’Bai pledged backing for Chief Justice Edrissa MO Faal after his appointment, arguing the process was constitutional. Opposition Politics: PDOIS says the opposition can only defeat President Barrow by uniting behind a single candidate, warning that without one, Barrow may win a third term. Tourism Funding Call: The Ghana Hotels Association urged higher budget allocation for tourism, culture and creative arts—an issue resonating across the region’s hospitality sector.

Education Funding Push: The Gambia plans a study tour of Nigeria’s TETFund after setting up its own THET Fund, with MoHERST Minister Prof. Pierre Gomez meeting TETFund leadership in Abuja to seek cooperation on tertiary financing, research and capacity building. Aviation Safety Cooperation: BAGAIA strengthened regional aircraft accident investigation capacity after a board meeting in Abuja, bringing together civil aviation authorities and member-state delegates to improve governance and effectiveness. Tech and Skills Partnership: NASENI and The Gambia agreed to develop an MoU to deepen cooperation in technology development, TVET, research, innovation, skills and technology commercialisation following a high-level learning visit by Prof. Pierre Gomez. Local Food Security Drive: Kanifing Municipal Council launched a circular agriculture facility linking production, composting and cold storage to cut post-harvest losses and create jobs for women. Flood Resilience Support: The World Bank handed over waste-collection equipment worth about 30 million dalasis to KMC and Brikama Area Council under WACA ResIP II to reduce flooding risks along the Kotu Stream. Governance and Rights: The Gambia Teachers Union demanded MoBSE review mass transfers and a headteacher demotion at Buduck School, after teachers said the action followed a cancelled guest invitation tied to a local opposition figure. Judiciary Debate: The Gambia Law Society backed Chief Justice Idrissa MO Faal’s appointment, arguing constitutional qualification differs from the Bar Association’s position. Political Party Update: GDC appointed Sheikhna Faal as its new national spokesperson to restore disciplined communications ahead of the next election cycle.

Education & Labour Rights: The Gambia Teachers Union (GTU) is demanding MoBSE review mass transfers of staff and the demotion of a head teacher at Buduck School, after teachers say a cancelled guest invitation for opposition figure Musa Cham was used as a pretext. Judiciary & Rule of Law: The Gambia Law Society backs Chief Justice Idrissa MO Faal’s appointment, arguing the process was constitutional, as it challenges the Bar Association’s court action over qualification interpretation. Local Development & Women’s Jobs: Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) launched a circular agriculture facility linking production gardens, composting, cold storage and a market to cut post-harvest losses and create income for women. Climate Resilience: The World Bank invested US$45m to reduce flooding and boost resilience, handing waste-collection equipment to KMC and Brikama Area Council for Kotu Stream communities. Politics & Elections: The UDP alleges repeated denial of access to the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara conference centre, calling it unfair ahead of the 2026 presidential election. Higher Education Financing: Gambia plans a study tour of Nigeria’s TETFund to guide its own THET fund model, seeking cooperation on research and capacity building. Sports & Accountability: GNOC says two athletes linked to the Commonwealth Games did not return as scheduled and remained in the UK without GNOC authorisation, while refusing to speculate on their intentions.

Education Financing: The Gambia says it will send officials to Nigeria to understudy the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) after establishing its own THET Fund, with Minister Prof. Pierre Gomez meeting TETFund boss Sonny Echono in Abuja to seek cooperation on research and capacity building. State Engagement & Development: President Adama Barrow has begun a week-long nationwide tour to launch and lay foundation stones for projects across infrastructure, health and agriculture, with Vice President Jallow and senior officials accompanying him. Elections & Political Access: The UDP accuses authorities of repeatedly denying it access to the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, citing “technical difficulties” despite the venue hosting the ruling NPP earlier. Sports & Youth: The GNOC says two Gambian athletes linked to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow—Lamin Camara and Nyimansata Jawneh—did not return with the delegation as planned, while the GFF election committee is set to publish the final candidate list for Aug. 29. Finance & Recognition: Access Bank Gambia wins Euromoney’s “Best Bank in The Gambia” award for the third straight year.

Opposition Politics: The UDP says it was repeatedly denied access to the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, alleging double standards after the NPP held its manifesto launch there, while the coalition talks around a single flag bearer remain tense after claims of inducement and calls for an independent probe. Coalition Leadership Row: Opposition figures are still trading blows over whether Talib Ahmed Bensouda is truly coalition-led or backed by party machinery, as the CMC process collapses and other alliances overlap. GFF Elections: The electoral committee will publish the final list of candidates for the Aug. 29 Gambia Football Federation elections tomorrow, with three names cleared for president. Sports & Youth: In Senegal, Nigeria’s U18 beach volleyball duo beat Gambia 2-0 in the opening day of the youth championship. GNOC & Commonwealth Games: GNOC says two athletes—Lamin Camara and Nyimansata Jawneh—failed to return with the delegation after training in Dubai, while refusing to speculate on their intentions. Security Institution Spotlight: A report highlights Gambia Immigration’s milestone passing-out parade and the introduction of new maternity uniforms for pregnant officers. Education Funding Push: Gambia plans a study tour of Nigeria’s TETFund after establishing its own THET Fund modelled on Nigeria’s system. Fact-Check: Malagen reports a viral claim about Gambian military camp encroaching into Senegal is false and AI-generated. Banking Award: Access Bank Gambia wins Euromoney’s “Best Bank in The Gambia” for a third straight year.

Tertiary Education Funding Push: The Gambia says it will send officials to Nigeria to understudy the operations of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), as it builds its own THET Fund modelled on Nigeria’s approach, with talks led by Higher Education Minister Prof. Pierre Gomez in Abuja and a focus on research and capacity development. Fact-Check on Border Claim: A viral TikTok/Facebook post alleging Gambian military camp encroachment into Senegal was found false, with the shared satellite image described as AI-generated and not matching the real location. Opposition Politics: The Coalition Taskforce Mediation Committee’s selection of Unite leader Talib Bensouda as presidential flag-bearer ended amid inducement allegations and withdrawals, while NUP leader Lamin J Darbo insists his NUP–Unite agreement is separate from the CMTC process. Legal/Rule of Law: The Commonwealth Lawyers Association urged the Gambia government and the Gambia Bar Association to maintain decorum in the Supreme Court challenge over the appointment of new Chief Justice Edi Faal. Public Utilities Rumour Check: NAWEC says there has been no increase to Cashpower tariffs, rejecting claims that President Adama Barrow or NAWEC raised rates due to the fuel/electricity situation. Health & Climate Context: Scientists warn climate change could shift malaria risk into new areas, including parts of East Africa, potentially driving future surges.

Opposition Politics: The Coalition Mediation Committee’s long opposition talks ended with Kanifing Mayor Talib Bensouda named flag-bearer, after contender Essa Faal withdrew hours earlier over alleged inducements and process irregularities; the Coalition chairman Prof. Yerro Mballow has called for an immediate independent probe into the inducement claims. Party Positioning: NUP leader Lamin J Darbo says his party’s agreement with Unite is separate from the CMTC process, as opposition groups scramble to avoid fragmentation ahead of December presidential elections. Government Response: The Ministry of Information dismissed claims that First Lady Fatoumata Bah-Barrow blocked Unite leader Ebrima Dibba from boarding a ferry to Barra, saying Dibba was allowed to board and the allegation is false. Justice & Rule of Law: The Commonwealth Lawyers Association urged decorum in the legal dispute over the appointment of new Chief Justice Edi Faal, stressing the constitutional stakes and the need to protect judicial independence. Diaspora/International Recognition: Gambian historian Hassoum Ceesay received a British Academy honour, while former ICC Chief Prosecutor Dr. Fatou Bom Bensouda is set to receive an African Lifetime Achievers Award 2026. Public Safety: In the US, Chamblee police increased the reward to US$10,000 for information leading to an arrest in the 2025 killing of Gambian Abdul Hydara. Sports (Regional): Star Sports Academy will face The Gambia’s Medina United in the CAF Champions League preliminary round, with the first leg in Sierra Leone and the return in The Gambia. Fact-Check: NAWEC says there has been no increase to Cashpower tariffs, rejecting viral claims that electricity and fuel challenges prompted a hike.

Gambia Immigration: The Gambia Immigration Department has unveiled maternity uniforms for pregnant female officers, part of wider gender-inclusion reforms supported by the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), sparking mixed online reactions. Football—GFA coaching saga: Ghana’s Black Stars coaching future remains unsettled as the GFA weighs options amid reports that Carlos Queiroz’s contract extension is unlikely, while veteran coach Bashir Hayford criticises the association for “disrespect” toward local coaches. Black Stars squad debate: Databank CEO Kojo Addae-Mensah says midfielder Kwasi Sibo is “not good enough” for the senior team and should be excluded for 2027 AFCON qualifiers, as Ghana prepares to face The Gambia in Group C. CAF Champions League—Gambian club: Medina United, Gambia’s 2025/26 champions, have been drawn against Sierra Leone’s Star Sports Academy in the preliminary round, with the first leg in Freetown and the return in The Gambia. Verification—Jammeh rumour: A viral Royal Air Maroc flight itinerary claiming Yahya Jammeh’s return to The Gambia has been fact-checked and found to lack proof. Justice & courts: A businessman, Modou Lamin Baldeh, has been found guilty of stealing five containers of ceramic wall tiles worth D12,075,000. UK aid: The UK has announced a 31.2% cut in development aid to The Gambia for 2028/29.

Gambia in the spotlight: The Gambia’s High Commissioner to the UK, Dr. Fatou Bom Bensouda, is set to receive the African Lifetime Achievers Award 2026 at Hilton London Kensington on Friday, 21 August. Immigration & inclusion: Gambia Immigration unveiled maternity uniforms for pregnant officers, designed to keep them comfortable and active on duty while maintaining professional standards. Football on the continent: Medina United, Gambia’s 2025/26 champions, have been drawn against Sierra Leone’s Star Sports Academy in the CAF Champions League preliminary round, with the first leg in Freetown and the return in The Gambia. Sports diplomacy: Star Sports Academy will host Medina United after the CAF draw on 8 August, setting up a key early test for the Gambian side. Border clarity: A new commentary urges the public to understand Senegal-Gambia border densification as a technical demarcation exercise, not a redrawing of the border. Public trust & misinformation: A fact-check says there is no evidence supporting a viral claim that Yahya Jammeh is planning to return to The Gambia. Politics & alliances: The UDP is reported to be forming an alliance with four opposition parties and two movements ahead of December’s presidential election. UK aid impact: The UK announced a 31.2% cut in development aid to The Gambia for 2028/29, as overseas assistance is reshaped to fund domestic priorities and defence spending.

Gambia Football on the Continental Stage: Medina United, champions of The Gambia’s 2025/26 league, have been drawn against Sierra Leone’s Star Sports Academy in the CAF Champions League preliminary round, with the first leg in Freetown in early September and the return in The Gambia days later. Judiciary Watch: A fresh debate is heating up over the proposed appointment of The Gambia’s next Chief Justice, with writers pushing for clarity on constitutional requirements and calling out public noise from the Gambia Bar Association. Public Health & Service Inclusion: The Gambia Immigration Department has unveiled maternity uniforms for pregnant officers, aimed at comfort and gender inclusion while keeping officers on duty. Local Justice: A businessman has been found guilty of stealing and unlawfully converting five containers of ceramic wall tiles worth D12,075,000, after a dispute over uncleared goods at the port. Politics & Alliances: The UDP is set to sign an MoU with four opposition parties and two political movements ahead of the December presidential election, as more groups line up behind President Barrow’s re-election bid. Fact-Check: A viral claim about Yahya Jammeh’s planned return to The Gambia has been dismissed for lack of proof. UK Aid Pressure: The UK announced a 31.2% cut in development aid to The Gambia, citing broader overseas assistance reductions.

Gambia Politics: The Gambia First Coalition says it will sign an MOU on Friday, 14 August, uniting UDP with four opposition parties and two political movements ahead of the December presidential election. UK Aid: The UK has announced a 31.2% cut to development aid for The Gambia, with the allocation dropping to D190.19m for 2028/29 under a new three-year plan. Courts & Trade: A businessman, Modou Lamin Baldeh, has been found guilty of stealing and unlawfully converting five containers of ceramic wall tiles worth D12.075m. Public Service & Inclusion: Gambia Immigration unveiled maternity uniforms for pregnant female officers to improve comfort and support gender inclusion while keeping them on duty. Fact-Check: A viral claim that former President Yahya Jammeh will return to The Gambia from Equatorial Guinea was checked and found to have no supporting proof. Sports: Star Sports Academy will face Gambia’s Medina United in the CAF Champions League preliminary round, with the first leg in Sierra Leone and the return in The Gambia.

Gambia Politics: PPP executives have endorsed President Adama Barrow ahead of the December 5 presidential election, pledging support for the Barrow–NPP alliance. Gambia Immigration: The Gambia Immigration Department has unveiled maternity uniforms for pregnant officers, aiming to improve comfort and promote gender inclusion while keeping officers on duty. Gambia Football: Gambia Football Federation president Lamin Kaba Bajo has publicly praised FIFA boss Gianni Infantino amid a widening backlash in Europe and other regions over Infantino’s World Cup sell-off plan. Fact-Check: A viral Facebook claim said Yahya Jammeh would return to The Gambia from Equatorial Guinea, but independent checks found no proof the itinerary is genuine or current. Regional Diplomacy: Gambian diplomat Omar Touray, outgoing ECOWAS Commission president, met Nigeria’s Tinubu in Abuja as he prepares to hand over leadership. Health & Development: A new vaccine trial in the US reported strong results against deadly diarrheal disease, while a separate report highlights Africa’s mental health policy gaps.

Gambia Fact-Check: A viral Facebook claim says former President Yahya Jammeh is scheduled to return to The Gambia from Equatorial Guinea, but Malagen’s independent checks found no proof the itinerary is genuine or that any return plan exists. Gender Inclusion at Home: Gambia Immigration unveiled maternity uniforms for pregnant female officers, designed to keep them comfortable and able to carry out duties while staying professional. Regional Aviation Safety: Nigeria hosted an Extraordinary BAGAIA board meeting in Abuja, with member states reaffirming plans to strengthen accident investigation and aviation safety across West Africa. ECOWAS Leadership Transition: Gambian diplomat Dr Omar Touray met Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu ahead of his ECOWAS Commission tenure ending, marking a key handover period for the bloc. Football Spotlight: Gambia Football Federation president Lamin Kaba Bajo publicly praised FIFA boss Gianni Infantino amid the wider FIFA leadership crisis, as European bodies weigh possible boycotts. Water & Climate Finance: The Gambia joined other countries launching Water Compacts at the African Water Forum in Chad, pushing locally led investment plans for water security.