AGP Executive Report

Gambian Athletics: Sanu Jallow-Lockhart, a Gambian Olympian with the University of Arkansas, shattered the NCAA women’s 800m record at Hayward Field, clocking 1:56.85 to beat Athing Mu’s mark. Pan-African Solidarity: Gambian civic education officials in China condemned reported xenophobic attacks on Africans in South Africa, urging Africans to treat each other as “one people” beyond colonial borders. ECOWAS Cybersecurity: The 4th ECOWAS Regional Cybersecurity Hackathon 2026 ended in Accra with Nigeria winning the $10,000 grand prize, with teams from across the region including The Gambia. Migration Spotlight: Pope Leo XIV’s Spain visit focused on migrants in the Canary Islands, urging integration and warning traffickers to “stop” and “repent,” while highlighting the “silent shipwreck” faced after arrival. Gambia Education Tech: Bubacarr J.B. Touray launched Seedmap, an AI-powered counselling platform for immigrant and first-generation students, built from his own experience as a Gambian-born researcher. Solar Eclipse Watch: A deep partial solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026 will be visible across Northwest Africa, including The Gambia, with sunset viewing best from the west side of the eclipse path.

World Cup & Migration: FIFA’s World Cup 2026 is being framed as inclusive, but U.S. entry rules are already disrupting teams and officials, with visa denials and travel hurdles affecting participation. Pope & Canary Islands Migrants: Pope Leo XIV’s Spain trip ended in Tenerife after a plane technical issue, where he urged migrants to integrate and warned traffickers to “stop and repent,” highlighting the “silent shipwreck” faced after arrival. Gambia Diaspora Education: Gambian-born immunologist Bubacarr J.B. Touray launched Seedmap, an AI-powered counselling platform for immigrant and first-generation students. Gambia Football: GAF beat Marimoo Pakfood 3-1 as Abdoulie Joof scored twice to lead the 2025/26 scoring race; in women’s FF Cup, Police FC, Koita FC, GAF and Darboes FC reached quarter-finals. Local Sports League: Rhino FC rallied to draw 2-2 with Real de Banjul, while Hawks FC and GPA played out a goalless draw. Business & Development: Gambia’s first food and drug testing laboratory was commissioned, and the government is also pushing infrastructure and trade moves, including a basalt shipment drive.

Migration & Human Dignity: Pope Leo XIV wrapped up a Spain visit in Tenerife after urging migrants to integrate by learning local language, respecting laws and joining community life, warning of a “silent shipwreck” after arrival and directly telling traffickers to “stop” and “repent.” His return to Rome was delayed when his Iberia flight faced an engine problem, with the delegation later departing on a replacement Falcon flight. Regional Trade & Industry: ECOWAS ministers in Accra backed a “mine together, process together” push to move beyond exporting raw minerals, calling for factories, shared standards and better transport to boost jobs and intra-African trade. Gambia’s Legal & Social Progress: The Gambia ratified the AU Convention on Ending Violence against Women and Girls, making it a binding obligation and requiring alignment of laws and programmes. Sports (Gambia): GAF striker Abdoulie Joof scored twice as Gambia Armed Forces beat Marimoo Pakfood 3-1; in women’s football, Police FC, Koita FC, GAF and Darboes FC reached the FF Cup quarter-finals.

US Immigration Court Clash: A federal judge ordered USCIS to comply within 24 hours after it ignored a ruling striking down a green card/work permit/asylum freeze, while the Trump administration appealed—leaving applicants in fresh uncertainty. Pope & Migration in the Canaries: Pope Leo XIV’s Spain trip ended with a plane delay after a technical issue, but his message stayed focused on migrants—urging integration, warning of a “silent shipwreck,” and telling traffickers to “stop and repent.” Gambia in the Migration Spotlight: Reports highlighted Gambians among those arriving via the Atlantic route and being held at Tenerife reception centres, underscoring the region’s ongoing irregular migration pressures. Local Governance & Housing: London’s Southwark Council repossessed a subsidized flat linked to Sierra Leone’s first lady Fatima Bio after allegations of tenancy fraud. Gambia Economy & Policy: The World Bank’s public finance review stresses weak revenue, high debt, and the need for fiscal discipline and better delivery. Tax Pressure on State Firms: Finance Minister Seedy Keita said SOEs and area councils owe GRA over D1.23bn in unpaid taxes. Business & Infrastructure: GAMGO announced a basalt shipment from Cape Verde to support road and construction projects. Women’s Football: Police FC, Koita FC, GAF and Darboes FC reached the Women’s FF Cup quarter-finals. Men’s Football: GAF’s Abdoulie Joof hit two goals as GAF beat Marimoo Pakfood 3-1, while Rhino FC drew Real de Banjul 2-2.

Pope’s Migrant Message in Tenerife: Pope Leo XIV met migrants at the Las Raíces reception centre in Tenerife, telling them “no one leaves their land… by choice” and urging integration as a “reciprocal journey” — learn the language, respect laws, join community life — while warning traffickers to “stop and repent” or face divine justice. Gambia in Gulf Labour Curbs: Kuwait has banned domestic worker recruitment from 27 countries, including Gambia, as part of tighter rules on hiring and oversight. Germany Deportations: A new report says Germany carried out 41 charter deportation flights sending 578 Gambians home between 2018 and 2025, with asylum applications falling while legal visas rose. Gender Violence Law: The Gambia ratified the AU Convention on Ending Violence against Women and Girls, making it a binding obligation and requiring alignment of laws and programmes. Local Economy & Revenue: Central Bank Governor Buah Saidy warned of growing foreign ownership of businesses and urged Gambians to invest locally; meanwhile, GRA says 16 institutions, including SOEs and area councils, owe over D1.23bn in unpaid taxes. Sports: GAF’s Abdoulie Joof scored twice as GAF beat Marimoo 3-1; Police FC, Koita FC, GAF and Darboes FC reached the Women’s FF Cup quarter-finals.

Judicial Reform & Training: Sudreau Global Justice Institute ran commercial mediation and plea-bargaining trainings for judicial stakeholders across The Gambia and other African countries, aiming to strengthen dispute resolution in national justice systems. Election Integrity & Security: Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang told lawmakers he will arrest and prosecute anyone inciting tribalism or hate speech during the political campaign, with tighter monitoring across media and online spaces. Pre-Election Oversight: An EU Election Exploratory Mission arrived to assess The Gambia’s pre‑electoral environment and decide whether a full EU observation mission is needed for the 2026 presidential poll. Hajj Refund Dispute: Over 70 intending pilgrims accuse EjabahTravel and Tours of taking more than D50 million for the 2026 Hajj but failing to travel or refund, calling for urgent government intervention. Forensic Lab Contract Denial: The Interior Minister said no trace was found of a reported D48m forensic laboratory contract, while pointing to a newly inaugurated modern lab at Police Headquarters. Culture & Development Links: Vice President Jallow’s delegation visited Tianjin, highlighting how the city preserves cultural identity alongside modernization and smart port logistics. Arts & Tourism: ART27 launched a residency programme to produce large-format works for a major BIG & BOLD Touring Exhibition opening in October 2026. Sports: Gambian defender Buba Sanneh is set to extend his contract with Nottingham Forest for two more years. Diaspora & Jobs: A policy push argues The Gambia must turn growth into jobs, with special focus on women’s economic participation and moving people out of low-paid informal work.

Diplomatic Ties: President Adama Barrow sends a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev on Independence Day, reaffirming cooperation in education, youth development and capacity building. Elections Watch: An EU Election Exploratory Mission arrives to assess The Gambia’s pre-election environment and decide whether a full EU observation mission is needed, with meetings across parties, civil society and media. Political Climate: Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang warns that anyone inciting tribalism during the campaign will be arrested and prosecuted, promising tighter monitoring with the IEC and stakeholders. Information Transparency: The Minister of Information and Broadcasting Dr Ismaila Ceesay defends why details of President Diomaye Faye’s Banjul visit were not publicly disclosed, calling it normal “high diplomacy.” Justice & Governance: The Information Commission gains full NADPA-RAPDP membership, strengthening The Gambia’s role in regional data privacy and digital regulation. Sports & Talent: Gambian defender Buba Sanneh agrees a new two-year contract extension with Nottingham Forest. Community & Culture: Buzz Women Gambia holds a farewell for founding board chairman Ousman Cham, celebrating years of women’s empowerment work. Migration Spotlight: Pope Leo XIV visits the Canary Islands port of Arguineguín, urging safe legal routes and dignity for migrants.

Maritime Cooperation: The Gambia Maritime Administration (GMA) completed a four-day study visit to Nigeria’s NIMASA, with Nigeria reaffirming plans to strengthen seafarers’ documentation and push maritime digitalisation for globally compliant certification. Local Governance & Data: Kanifing Municipal Council launched a Fund for Innovation in Development (FID) project on “leveraging digital addresses for evidence-based policymaking,” using Google Plus Codes and administrative data to improve planning and service delivery for vulnerable residents. Accountancy Court Ruling: The High Court issued an interlocutory injunction restraining breakaway GICA council members from acting or transacting in the name of GICA, while ordering temporary measures for day-to-day functioning pending the substantive suit. Migration Watch: Mauritania’s coastguard says more than 1,100 migrants were rescued off its coast in under two weeks, with departures linked to the Gambia and Senegal. Energy Costs: A World Bank Public Finance Review warns Gambia’s electricity tariffs remain among the highest globally due to weak sector finances, system losses and inefficient subsidies. Press Freedom Legacy: Gambians marked Deyda Hydara’s 80th birthday, recalling his role as a media pioneer and martyr for press freedom. Sports: Trust Bank PLC won the 2026 Interbank Trophy on penalties after a goalless draw with Bloom Bank.

Press Freedom Remembrance: Gambians mark Deyda Hydara’s 80th birthday, celebrating the media pioneer and martyr for free expression whose killing still symbolizes the fight against impunity. Banking & Sports: Trust Bank PLC won the 2026 Interbank Trophy on penalties, beating Bloom Bank 9-8 after a goalless draw, with the Central Bank governor taking the kick-off. Regional Security: ECOWAS at 51 renews focus on tackling trafficking, drug trade and irregular migration, stressing coordinated regional action. Local Governance & Data: Kanifing’s digital-address project aims to improve evidence-based policymaking and municipal planning, while Banjul’s mayor launches a push to use digital addresses for better decisions. Court Update: The High Court restrains breakaway GICA council members from acting in the name of GICA, pending the substantive case. Migration Snapshot: Over 1,000 migrants were rescued off Mauritania in 10 days, with boats linked to the Gambia and Senegal. World Bank & Power Costs: A World Bank review says weak sector performance keeps Gambia electricity tariffs among the highest globally. Education Reform: MoHERST and partners validate updates to the Tertiary and Higher Education Act to improve governance and relevance. Oil & Investment: Government signs offshore Block A1 deal with Eni, renewing hopes for renewed exploration momentum.

Domestic Labour Policy: Kuwait has restricted domestic worker recruitment to 10 approved countries and banned hiring from 27 others, including Gambia, as the Interior Ministry issues updated rules and routes applications through governorate service centres. Migration Pressure: Mauritania’s coastguard says more than 1,000 migrants were rescued off its coast in 10 days, with pirogues linked to departures from The Gambia and Senegal, after a Tabaski lull. Higher Education Reform: MoHERST and stakeholders validate The Gambia’s Tertiary and Higher Education Act, 2016, arguing it must deliver governance, quality assurance, and modern delivery models—not just expansion. Food Safety & Trade: The Food Safety and Quality Authority launches a National Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Committee to strengthen coordination, monitoring, and market access. Energy Oversight: OMC says a vessel allegedly carrying off-spec contaminated fuel was rejected and left Gambian waters after tests. Governance & Finance: The budget deficit narrowed 67% in Q1 2026 as revenue rose to D7.68bn, driven by stronger tax collection.

Sports: The Gambia’s men’s beach volleyball duo Sainey Jawo and Laity Nyabally won the Zone II qualifying title, beating Cape Verde 2-0 to earn a spot at the 2026 African Beach Volleyball Championship. Football: Police FC thrashed Waa Banjul 3-0 in the Banjul Regional Third Division to extend their unbeaten run to nine matches, with First Class Constable Ebrima Drammeh leading the scoring. Governance & accountability: Government officials defended their handling of water and electricity disruptions, while critics accuse the state of disinformation and selective reporting. Anti-corruption push: Rights group EFSCRJ says the Anti-Corruption Commission is still not operational because approved nominees have not been sworn in. Energy & regulation: OMC President Momodou Hydara says a vessel allegedly carrying off-spec contaminated fuel (YASA ORION) was rejected and left Gambian waters after lab tests. Trade & food safety: FSQA launched a National Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Committee to strengthen food safety coordination and support market access. Economy: Budget performance shows the deficit narrowed 67% in the first quarter as revenue reached D7.68bn. Migration: The Gambia reaffirmed migrant workers’ rights after dialogue in Geneva. Youth leadership: YPLS Africa began its 13th cohort in Liberia with participants including The Gambia.

Offshore Oil Deal: The Gambia signed a landmark offshore petroleum exploration agreement with Eni for Block A1, covering about 1,300 sq km in deepwater (1,250–3,300m), giving the country a direct 10% carried interest via GNPC and an option to add 5% after a commercial discovery. Food & Health Safety: President Adama Barrow commissioned the country’s first modern National Food and Drug Quality Control Laboratory, funded by the World Bank, aimed at cutting reliance on testing abroad and strengthening checks against unsafe food and counterfeit medicines. Tourism Crackdown: The Gambia Tourism Board warned developers in the Tourism Development Area to stop illegal construction, fencing and poor sanitation, saying unapproved works are driving coastal erosion and environmental damage. Democracy Update: The IEC completed a 44-day supplementary voter registration, adding 212,095 new voters to the roll to boost participation ahead of the political calendar. Cybercrime Push: Gambia Police and PURA discussed a formal partnership to tackle online scams, hacking and other cyber threats. Sports Infrastructure: The Youth and Sports Minister said Independence Stadium renovations are progressing, with hopes it will meet CAF standards for September AFCON qualifiers. China Ties: VP Muhammad B.S. Jallow praised China’s Tianjin Port automation and zero-emission approach, highlighting lessons for The Gambia and noting China’s zero-tariff access for African exports.

Democracy & Scholarship Tribute: A tribute highlights Professor Abdoulie Saine’s role as a scholar who confronted tyranny during Yahya Jammeh’s dictatorship, turning intellect into resistance. Football Development: An advance diploma coaching course is underway at the NTTC, organised with the Gambia Football Federation and local partners, to strengthen local coaching capacity. Community Policing & Security: The NCCE launched a community policing forum across Greater Banjul and the West Coast, backed by UNDP and Japan, to build trust between communities and law enforcement ahead of elections. Tourism Crackdown: The Gambia Tourism Board warns illegal developers in the Tourism Development Area, citing unapproved structures, coastal erosion, and poor sanitation, and says enforcement will follow. Food & Drug Lab Boost: President Barrow commissioned the National Food and Drug Quality Control Laboratory, with industry groups welcoming it as a boost for local testing and consumer protection. Energy & Public Services: Barrow also acknowledged NAWEC’s debt to Senelec, while officials and commentators continue to debate solutions to the country’s power cuts. Offshore Oil Deal: Government signed a landmark offshore exploration agreement with Eni for Block A1, giving GNPC a state stake and outlining training and local content benefits. Labour Dispute: GPA management urged striking workers to return as the Presidency steps in and a high-level meeting is scheduled to resolve the impasse. Sports Infrastructure: The sports minister insists Independence Stadium will be ready for September AFCON qualifiers, citing completed pitch rehabilitation and ongoing athletics track work. Cybercrime Fight: GPF and PURA plan to partner through an MoU to tackle online scams, hacking, and other digital threats.

Offshore Energy Deal: The Gambia government has signed a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence Agreement for offshore Block A1 with Eni Gambia Ltd, handing the deepwater 1,300 km² block to Eni after earlier operations by BP. IMF Support for Gambia: The IMF says it is stepping up financial support for at least four African countries affected by the US-Iran war fallout, including an increased/accelerated access request for The Gambia under its existing $172 million programme. Power and Utilities: Gambia’s electricity situation remains tense as Nawec faces criticism over outages and a June 19 deadline is set for action on stabilising power. Regional Trade & Women Traders: ECOWAS Commission and WiLDAF ran a five-day Banjul workshop (18–22 May) to build skills for women cross-border traders and agribusiness entrepreneurs. Humanitarian Reach: Qatar Red Crescent Society’s Eid al-Adha Sacrifice Campaign says it reached 247,344 beneficiaries across 13 countries, including The Gambia. Governance Watch: President Barrow has ordered an independent inquiry into allegations involving former CDS Cham, as political scrutiny continues.

World Cup Visa Tensions: Iran’s World Cup campaign is being hit by fresh US visa restrictions, with reports saying the team must enter the United States only on match-morning and leave immediately after each game—forcing a tighter travel setup as diplomatic rows continue. World Cup Delegation Dispute: Iran also claims some key federation and support staff were denied visas even as players received approvals, escalating accusations of “political interference in sport.” Gambia Offshore Oil Deal: In a major local energy update, The Gambia signed a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence Agreement for offshore Block A1 with Eni, covering 1,300 sq km in deep Atlantic waters. IMF Support for War Fallout: The IMF says it is stepping up financial support for at least four African countries, including The Gambia, to manage economic shocks linked to the US-Iran conflict. Eid Al-Adha Aid: Qatar Red Crescent Society’s Eid al-Adha Sacrifice Campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries across Qatar and 13 countries, including The Gambia. Power and Economy Watch: A policy institute warns the Iran conflict could raise fuel import costs and strain remittances, tourism and agriculture in The Gambia.

US Immigration Ruling: A federal judge struck down Trump-era immigration limits, saying the policy left applicants in “legal limbo,” and ruled that people from Gambia and other countries can resume asylum, work permit, green card and citizenship processing. World Cup Visa Row: Iran’s World Cup squad left Turkey for Mexico after visas were issued for players, but Iran says some key support staff were denied, escalating a diplomatic dispute with the US. IMF Support for Africa: The IMF said it is stepping up funding access for Ethiopia, The Gambia and Burkina Faso to manage economic fallout linked to the Iran–US conflict and higher energy and food costs. Gambia Offshore Oil: The government awarded Eni rights to explore deepwater Block A1, a major move to unlock offshore potential. Power and Internet Disruption: Gamtel reported an internet outage tied to loss of power at the ACE submarine cable station in Sukuta amid ongoing electricity problems. Eid Aid Reach: Qatar Red Crescent’s Eid Al Adha Sacrifice campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries across 14 countries including The Gambia. Sports: The Scorpions were drawn in Group C for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Ivory Coast, Ghana and Somalia.