AGP Executive Report

Migration & Human Dignity: Pope Leo XIV wrapped up his Spain trip in Tenerife, meeting migrants at the Las Raíces centre and calling integration a “reciprocal journey” — learn the language, respect local laws, join community life — while warning traffickers to “stop and repent” and denouncing the “silent shipwreck” of people left without ties or security. Gambia in the Spotlight: The Pope’s message repeatedly referenced routes that include Senegal, Gambia and Mali, underscoring how the Atlantic crossing shapes lives and culture across West Africa. Women’s Rights Milestone: The Gambia ratified the AU Convention on Ending Violence against Women and Girls, turning earlier signing into binding obligations to align laws and protection services. Local Culture & Jobs: Jarga marks one year building Gambia’s luxury handbag industry, exporting handcrafted designs rooted in Gambian culture and history. Arts Scene: ART27 launched a residency programme to boost contemporary art, with a BIG & BOLD touring exhibition planned for 2026–27. Sports & Identity: Anti-foreigner violence in South Africa spilled into World Cup fan culture, with some Africans backing Mexico in protest.

Judicial Skills for Justice: Sudreau Global Justice Institute ran commercial mediation and plea-bargaining trainings for judges and legal stakeholders across The Gambia and Sierra Leone, building on 2025 outreach that trained 561 stakeholders, including 15 chief justices. Migration, Dignity, and Culture: Pope Leo XIV visited Arguineguín in Spain’s Canary Islands, turning the former “dock of shame” into a “dock of hope,” calling for legal routes, rescue, victim protection, and integration—while reminding that people also have a right not to be forced to migrate. Jobs vs. Growth Reality Check: A Gambia-focused report warns growth isn’t creating work: 81% of workers stay in the informal sector, youth unemployment remains high, and women face major barriers—linking the challenge to fiscal strain and the need for smarter revenue and targeted support. Arts & Tourism Energy: ART27 launched a landmark residency feeding a BIG & BOLD Touring Exhibition opening in October 2026, with artists already producing large-format works for a national visual arts push. Development Lessons from Tianjin: VP Mohammed B.S. Jallow’s delegation, including PS Mbye, highlighted how Tianjin blends cultural preservation with modern infrastructure and tech-driven logistics. Elections & Social Harmony: Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang told lawmakers anyone inciting tribalism during campaigns will be arrested and prosecuted, with monitoring across media and online spaces. Forensic Lab Contract Denied: The Interior Minister said no trace of a D48m forensic lab contract was found, while pointing to a newly inaugurated modern lab supported by the EU and GIZ. Pilgrims’ Refund Demand: Over 70 intending pilgrims demanded a D50M refund after missing the 2026 Hajj, citing visa issues and financial losses. Women’s Economic Rights: A World Bank briefing flagged gender inequality as a drag on Gambia’s growth, urging action on land, finance, care burdens, and labour market access. Regional Sports Spotlight: Empowerment-funded beach volleyball pairs from The Gambia and Cape Verde won medals at CAVB Zone II events in Bissau, boosting regional youth sport visibility.

Migration & Human Dignity: Pope Leo XIV visited Spain’s Canary Islands, calling for an “examination of conscience” on migrants and urging safe legal routes, rescue, and humane welcome—turning Arguineguín from the “port of shame” into a “port of hope.” Sports & Inclusion: FIFA frames World Cup 2026 as a celebration of diversity, but the tournament also highlights how migrants and football hopefuls face real barriers and exploitation. Political Tone & Unity: Gambia’s Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang warned that anyone inciting tribalism in politics will be arrested and prosecuted, with tighter monitoring across campaigns and media. Digital Rights: The Information Commission says it has gained full NADPA-RAPDP membership, positioning The Gambia to shape regional data privacy and security standards. Gender & Growth: A World Bank briefing links gender inequality to lost productivity and slower growth, pointing to barriers for women in jobs, pay, and access to land and finance. Youth Leadership: YPLS Africa kicked off its 13th cohort in Liberia, with participants from across Africa—including The Gambia—pushing ethical governance and youth-led transformation. Regional Culture & Sport: Volleyball Empowerment pairs from The Gambia helped sweep podiums at CAVB Zone II beach volleyball in Bissau, boosting regional visibility for young athletes. Education & Reform: MoHERST and stakeholders validated updates to The Gambia’s tertiary and higher education direction, aiming to improve governance, quality, and relevance. Migration Reality Check: Reports from Mauritania say over 1,100 migrants were rescued off the coast in recent weeks, with many departures tied to the Atlantic route.

World Cup 2026 & migration debate: FIFA is selling the tournament as a celebration of inclusivity, but a new commentary argues that West African football migrants still face exploitation and deadly journeys, not just “hope” branding. Gambia-EU migration numbers: A migration forum in The Gambia shared fresh figures showing over 90% of Gambians in the EU live in Spain, Italy, and Germany, with community sizes mapped for 2025. Gender inequality & growth: The World Bank says gender gaps are costing The Gambia productivity and growth, pointing to barriers like child marriage, unpaid care work, and limited access to land and finance. Education reform push: MoHERST and stakeholders validated updates to the Tertiary and Higher Education Act, aiming to improve governance, quality, and gender-responsive education. Local education investment: In Ghana, a Prestea MP cut sod for classroom blocks—highlighting how school infrastructure remains a key development lever across the region. Migration rescue update: Mauritania’s coastguard reports over 1,100 migrants rescued in days along the Atlantic route, with departures linked to the post-Tabaski period. Youth leadership: YPLS Africa kicked off its 13th cohort in Liberia, with young leaders from across the region—including The Gambia—calling for ethical governance and democratic renewal. Cultural memory: Tributes continue to mark the legacy of Gambian press freedom icon Deyda Hydara, renewing calls for a free media and civic truth-telling.

Press Freedom Legacy: Tributes keep flowing for veteran journalist Deyda Hydara, remembered as a media pioneer and a fearless symbol of democracy and free expression. Migration & Community Data: A migration forum shared new figures on Gambians in the EU, with over 90% living in Spain, Italy, and Germany—useful for policy makers, journalists, and civil society. Gender & Growth: The World Bank says gender inequality is costing Gambia growth, citing barriers like child marriage, unpaid care work, and limited access to land and finance. Education Reform: MoHERST and stakeholders validate the Tertiary and Higher Education Act review, pushing governance, quality assurance, and gender-responsive education beyond “decoration.” Youth Leadership: YPLS Africa’s 13th cohort kicks off in Liberia with young leaders from across Africa, including The Gambia, focused on ethical governance and democratic renewal. Public Health Upgrade: President Barrow inaugurates Gambia’s first National Food and Drug Quality Control Laboratory in Brusubi to test medicines, food, and cosmetics locally after past AKI lessons. Democracy in Action: The IEC completes a 44-day supplementary voter registration, adding 212,095 voters and expanding participation for first-time voters. Cultural Spotlight: Manding Bulunda Association launches to preserve Manding culture through performances, unity, and cross-border cultural exchange. World Cup Culture: FIFA World Cup 2026 rosters are out, while Iran’s #168 lapel pins raise questions about political messaging in sport.

Higher Education Reform: MoHERST and stakeholders validate The Gambia’s Tertiary and Higher Education Act, 2016, pushing for real governance, quality, inclusion, and updated rules that match today’s tech and labour needs. Youth & Democracy: YPLS Africa’s 13th cohort kicks off in Liberia with young leaders from across Africa, spotlighting ethical governance and youth-led change. Public Health & Safety: President Barrow inaugurates The Gambia’s first National Food and Drug Quality Control Laboratory in Brusubi, aimed at testing medicines, food and cosmetics locally after the AKI tragedy. Electoral Participation: The IEC completes a 44-day supplementary voter registration drive, adding 212,095 new voters and improving access for first-time voters and card replacements. Tourism & Environment: GTBoard warns tourism operators and communities against illegal encroachment and poor sanitation in the Tourism Development Area. Migration Pressure: Mauritania reports 1,076 migrants rescued in 10 days, with departures including people from The Gambia and Senegal. Migrant Workers’ Rights: The Gambia reaffirms protection for migrant workers after dialogue with the UN committee in Geneva. Budget Watch: The budget deficit narrows 67% in Q1 as revenue rises to D7.68bn, driven by stronger tax collection.

World Cup & Migration Shock: A Somali referee picked for FIFA 2026 was left out after being denied entry to the USA, while other Iran team members faced long checks at U.S. airports—another reminder of how immigration rules can collide with global sport. Human Rights & Justice: The ICC prosecutor Karim Khan was suspended amid a dispute over how sexual misconduct allegations were handled, raising questions about what comes next for the court. Political Messaging at Sport: Iran’s players wore “#168” pins honoring school strike victims, but FIFA rules ban political statements on uniforms—so enforcement could become a headache. Pope’s Migration Focus: Pope Leo’s visit to Spain’s Canary Islands spotlights migrant treatment after years of criticism over harsh conditions. Youth & Democracy: YPLS Africa launched its 13th cohort in Liberia, with young leaders from across Africa—including The Gambia—pushing ethical governance and democratic renewal. Gambia Governance & Health: President Barrow inaugurated the country’s first National Food and Drug Quality Control Laboratory in Brusubi, aimed at safer medicines and food. Elections Update: The IEC completed a 44-day supplementary voter registration, adding 212,095 new voters. Culture & Community: Manding Bulunda Association launched to preserve Manding culture through music, dance, and storytelling.

Democracy & Civic Life: The IEC has wrapped up its 44-day supplementary voter registration, adding 212,095 new voters and targeting citizens missed in 2021, including first-time voters turning 18 by Dec 5, with party agents and accredited observers on the ground. Culture & Heritage: The Manding Bulunda Association was launched to preserve Manding culture through traditional music, dance, and storytelling, with tourism and arts officials backing the role of culture in unity. Sports & Youth: The Gambia Football Federation and partners are running an advance diploma coaching course at NTTC, building local coaching capacity with support from the US Soccer Coaches Association. Health & Safety: President Barrow said the AKI outbreak exposed major health-system weaknesses and pointed to a new National Food and Drug Quality Control Laboratory as a lasting safeguard for safe medicines. Power & Daily Life: The GDC raised alarm over a prolonged electricity crisis, demanding transparency on causes and a clear roadmap to restore stable supply. Religion & Community Support: Qatar Red Crescent’s Eid al-Adha Sacrifice Campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries, including in The Gambia, delivering meat in line with Sharia guidelines. Public Safety: Reports of crocodiles in Banjul North drainage systems prompted calls for urgent response and community precautions.

Democracy & Scholarship: A tribute highlights Professor Abdoulie Saine’s role as an academic who chose resistance over comfort during Yahya Jammeh’s dictatorship, turning intellect into a lasting legacy. Football Development: NTTC’s advance diploma coaching course is underway, jointly organised by Medina United Football Academy, the Gambia Football Federation and the National Coaches Association, with US Soccer Coaches Association educator Isang Jacobs facilitating. Senegambia Integration: A call for Senegambia to move from “potential to prosperity” urges practical steps like cheaper Banjul–Dakar airfares and smoother movement of people and goods across borders. Cultural Heritage: The Manding Bulunda Association was launched to preserve Manding culture through music, dance and storytelling, with government support from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture. Human Rights Diplomacy: VP Jallow touched down in China for the Global Human Rights Forum, reinforcing The Gambia’s participation in multilateral rights discussions. Public Health & Safety: President Barrow links the AKI outbreak to serious health-system weaknesses and points to a new National Food and Drug Quality Control Laboratory as a safeguard. Electricity & Daily Life: The GDC raises concern over a prolonged electricity crisis, demanding transparency and a clear roadmap to restore stable power. Tourism Cleanliness: GTBoard warns against illegal encroachment and poor sanitation in the Tourism Development Area after inspections, stressing that a clean environment protects The Gambia’s reputation. Sports & Youth: The sports minister defends the Independence Stadium timeline, saying delays are tied to CAF standards, while also pointing to youth and sports programmes beyond the stadium project. Eid Relief: Qatar Red Crescent Society’s Eid al-Adha campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries, including support delivered in The Gambia. Public Safety Alert: Crocodiles reported in Banjul North drainage systems prompt urgent precautions for residents, especially children, and calls to stop dumping waste into drains.

Public Safety: Crocodiles have been reported in Banjul North drainage systems, with residents urged to avoid open drains and supervise children while authorities prepare a response team. Power & Daily Life: A nationwide internet outage hit major telecoms after power loss at the ACE submarine cable station in Sukuta, deepening frustration during ongoing electricity cuts. Education & Families: MoBSE launched an Early Childhood Development training to strengthen parent-teacher partnerships in Region Five, using a pilot model for wider rollout. Eid & Community Care: Qatar Red Crescent Society’s Eid al-Adha Sacrifice Campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries across Qatar and 13 countries, including The Gambia, delivering meat distribution in line with Sharia guidelines. Governance & Elections: The IEC says 24,058 people registered multiple times in voter registration, warning it’s a criminal offence with fines and possible bans. Culture & Leadership: A tribute event for Rohey Malick Lowe highlighted women’s leadership and empowerment, calling for more inclusive governance across Africa. Sports & Identity: Gambian-born Bakary Sarr qualified for the Natural Bodybuilding World Championship in Budapest, marking a major milestone in his journey.

Eid al-Adha Humanitarian Relief: Qatar Red Crescent Society says its “Make Their Eid” campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries across Qatar and 13 countries including The Gambia, delivering sacrificial meat with Sharia-compliant slaughter and home or distribution-point delivery. Power & Daily Life: Gamtel reports an internet outage tied to loss of power at the ACE submarine cable station in Sukuta, hitting major telecoms and adding to public frustration during ongoing power cuts. Public Safety in Banjul North: A Banjul North lawmaker says crocodiles have been spotted in drainage systems and urges residents to avoid open drains, supervise children, and stop dumping waste. Education & Families: MoBSE launches Early Childhood Development training to strengthen parent-teacher partnerships in Region Five clusters, aiming to improve early learning outcomes. Governance & Elections: IEC reveals 24,058 people registered multiple times in voter registration, warning it’s a criminal offence with fines, imprisonment, and possible voting bans. Culture & Leadership: Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri highlights Rohey Malick Lowe’s legacy and calls for more women in African leadership roles. Sports & Identity: Gambian-born Bakary Sarr qualifies for the Natural Bodybuilding World Championship in Budapest, celebrating a discipline-driven journey from The Gambia to the Netherlands. Immigration Rights (Gambia-linked): A US judge blocks Trump-era immigration benefit halts affecting applicants from The Gambia and other countries, saying the policies unlawfully left people in legal limbo.

Immigration & Rights: A US federal judge struck down Trump-era policies that paused asylum and other immigration decisions for applicants from 39 “high-risk” countries, including The Gambia—calling the delays unlawful and leaving people in legal limbo. Power & Daily Life: Internet service disruptions hit The Gambia after power loss at the ACE submarine cable station in Sukuta, worsening frustration during ongoing power cuts. Public Safety: Crocodiles were reported in Banjul North drainage systems, prompting calls for urgent response and warnings to keep children away from open drains. Education & Community: MoBSE launched an Early Childhood Development training to strengthen Parent-Teacher partnerships in Region Five, targeting teachers in Jarumeh Koto and Panchang clusters. Culture & Faith: QRCS’s Eid Al-Adha Sacrifice campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries across Qatar and 13 countries, including The Gambia. Sports & Identity: Gambian-born Bakary Sarr qualified for the INBA/PNBA Natural Bodybuilding World Championship in Budapest, celebrating discipline and resilience. Governance & Elections: IEC reported 24,058 people registered with multiple voter cards, warning of criminal penalties.

Education & Parenting: MoBSE rolls out Early Childhood Development training for teachers in Jarumeh Koto and Panchang clusters, aiming to strengthen parent–teacher links and early learning outcomes. Public Safety: Banjul North residents are warned after reports of crocodiles in drainage systems, with authorities promising a response team and urging people to avoid open drains. Internet & Daily Life: A nationwide internet outage hits major telecoms after power loss at the ACE submarine cable station in Sukuta, worsening frustration during ongoing power cuts. Child Welfare & Community Support: Trust Bank donates another $10,000 to SOS Children’s Village, bringing its total support to $40,000 for children who have lost parental care. Governance & Elections: IEC says 24,058 people registered multiple times in the voter exercise, warning double registration is a criminal offence. Culture & Leadership: A documentary and book launch honors Rohey Malick Lowe, celebrating her impact as Banjul’s first female mayor and women’s leadership across Africa. Halal & Standards: SMIIC trains stakeholders in The Gambia on halal quality infrastructure to support internationally recognized certification and accreditation.

World Cup & Visas: Iran’s World Cup squad got U.S. visas after uncertainty over travel, with players set to depart for Mexico on June 6—showing how politics and conflict are still shaping sport. Education & Families: MoBSE launched Early Childhood Development training to strengthen parent-teacher partnerships in Region Five, aiming to improve early learning at home. Public Safety: Crocodiles were reported in Banjul North drainage systems, prompting calls for urgent response and tighter community precautions around open drains. Power & Daily Life: A nationwide internet outage hit major telecoms after power loss at the ACE submarine cable station in Sukuta, adding to frustration from ongoing electricity cuts. Children & Support: Trust Bank donated $10,000 to SOS Children’s Village, backing children who have lost parental care and highlighting family separation pressures, including migration. Governance & Accountability: President Barrow ordered an independent inquiry into allegations against former CDS Cham, with leadership changes in the Armed Forces following the resignation. Halal & Trade: SMIIC officials visited The Gambia to train stakeholders on halal quality infrastructure, pushing for internationally recognized certification and accreditation. Elections Integrity: IEC reported 24,000 people registered with multiple voter’s cards, warning of criminal penalties and possible court action. Culture & Leadership: A documentary and book launch honored Banjul’s first female mayor, Rohey Malick Lowe, celebrating women’s leadership and community transformation.

Migration & Human Dignity: Pope Leo XIV is set to visit Europe’s migration flashpoints—the Canary Islands and Italy’s Lampedusa—aiming to shift debate toward solidarity and the human stories behind arrivals, including Gambian migrants like Eslim Jallow. Rights in Focus: An international coalition of lawyers says it will file a complaint with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in The Gambia to stop US “third-country” deportations to Equatorial Guinea. Power & Daily Life: Nawec says recent severe outages are driven by maintenance and equipment rehabilitation, with spare parts delays; it expects improvement within two weeks. Elections Watch: The IEC reports 24,058 people registered multiple times, warning double registration is a criminal offence. Women & Leadership: Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri praised Banjul’s first female mayor, Rohey Malick Lowe, and urged more women in governance. Culture & Community: Jollof Care Center brought Tobaski joy to Mile 2 inmates through a care-and-cooking celebration with live performances. Halal & Trade: SMIIC is in The Gambia to train stakeholders on halal quality infrastructure, certification and accreditation. Sports & Travel: ValueJet launches Accra–Banjul direct flights, boosting West African connectivity.

Migration & Solidarity: Pope Leo XIV is set to visit Europe’s migration hot spots—Spain’s Canary Islands and Italy’s Lampedusa—hoping to cool political tensions and put a human face on African migration. Women’s Leadership: Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri urged more inclusion of women in governance, spotlighting Banjul’s first female mayor, Rohey Malick Lowe, in a documentary and book tribute. Halal Economy: SMIIC officials are in The Gambia to train stakeholders on halal quality infrastructure, pushing internationally recognized certification and quality assurance. Education & Pay: University of Education, The Gambia (UEG) staff began a sit-down strike over unresolved demands, while teachers also raised concerns about delayed salary upgrades and attestations. Power Crisis: Nawec blamed maintenance and equipment rehabilitation for widespread outages, saying improvements are expected within two weeks. Travel & Visas: Gambians now must process US visas in Senegal as US consular services shift to regional hubs; meanwhile, the White House nominated Laurence Socha as the next US ambassador to The Gambia. Business & Connectivity: ValueJet launched direct Accra–Banjul flights, and Africell won Gambia’s largest taxpayer award for the 7th time. Culture & Community: Jollof Care Center brought Tobaski joy to Mile 2 inmates with food, chefs, and live performances. Sports & Youth: The Gambia is preparing to host the 2026 AUSC Region 2 Games in Banjul, bringing under-20 athletes for a week of competition and cultural exchange.