Power & Protests: Gambia’s Inspector General of Police Seedy Mukhtar Touray banned all unauthorised public protests after violent blackout unrest, warning that gatherings without permits—especially at night—will be met with force. Election Rules: The Independent Electoral Commission tightened presidential candidate verification for Dec. 5, 2026, setting nomination dates (Nov. 3–14), requiring 5,000 voter endorsements (200 per administrative area), and adding stricter checks on signatures and voter card numbers. Youth & Education Finance: The government launched its first Students Revolving Loan Scheme, with the first application window opening Sept. 15 and interest-free loans covering tuition at four public universities. Child Labour Focus: The Gender Ministry reiterated plans to tackle child labour in street and market trading, urging parents to keep children in school while the ministry assesses cases during holidays. Tourism & Culture Links: At Nigeria’s Akwaaba Travel Market, Gambia’s tourism minister Abdoulie Jobe urged deeper Nigeria–Gambia partnerships and more Nigerian visitors, while Lagos First Lady Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu helped spotlight cultural exchange through the event. Women & Learning: A global education map shows Gambia among countries where women are far more likely than men to attend college.