AGP Executive Report

Gambia Culture & Rights: A Supreme Court challenge could overturn The Gambia’s 2015 ban on female genital mutilation, as Imam Abdoulie Fatty and MP Almameh Gibba argue the law violates culture and religion, pushing the case into a new phase. UN & Africa’s Voice: Nigeria’s UNGA push—delivered by VP Kashim Shettima for President Tinubu—calls for a radical Security Council shake-up, including at least two permanent African seats with veto rights, plus five non-permanent seats, alongside stronger climate and finance support. Health & Funding: African leaders at UNGA side-lines urged countries to fund malaria elimination through national budgets and multisector action, warning progress is stalling amid financing gaps and rising resistance. Culture & Entertainment: Rohey Camara has been named Miliket Noodles brand ambassador in The Gambia, while Njundu Badjie (SORRA) was appointed National Director of African Music Icons to boost African music visibility. Regional Travel Shift: A growing visa-free push across Africa is highlighted as intra-African travel still faces barriers, with some countries tightening visa rules while others waive them.

UN Security Council Reform: Nigeria’s VP Kashim Shettima, speaking for President Tinubu at UNGA81, renewed the push for at least two permanent African seats on the UN Security Council with veto rights, plus five non-permanent seats—arguing the 1945 power setup can’t govern the world of 2026. Peace & Security Beyond Force: Tinubu also stressed that military victories alone can’t deliver lasting peace, calling for diplomacy, reconciliation, inclusive politics, and stronger peacebuilding. Rohingya Burden Sharing: Malaysia urged greater international responsibility for Rohingya refugees, linking solutions to root causes and safe, voluntary returns, while backing The Gambia’s ICJ case. Gambia-Related Culture & Heritage: A joint Gambia–Senegal boundary demarcation team completed the first phase of pillar work to strengthen stability and good neighbour relations. Tourism & Creative Industries: ITC validated Green Public Procurement guidelines for The Gambia’s tourism and creative sectors, aiming to steer public spending toward greener goods and services. Mandingo Music Spotlight: Gambian kora player Sura Susso and Malian guitarist Habib Koité are set to tour the UK, celebrating griot storytelling through Manding melodies. Youth & Faith Leadership: Qatar Foundation’s QIYADA conference gathers Muslim youth and scholars, including Gambian ambassador Abu Zaid Tunkara, to turn faith and heritage into practical leadership.

UN Reform & Africa’s Voice: Nigeria’s Tinubu renewed calls to overhaul the UN Security Council, arguing the 1945 power structure can’t keep Africa sidelined, and pushing for at least two permanent African seats with veto rights. OIC & Rohingya Return: Gambia’s ICJ push featured in OIC talks as Bangladesh urged members to back early, safe Rohingya return and support legal and humanitarian efforts. Gambia-Senegal Border Work: A joint demarcation team completed the first phase of boundary work—about 30km—reaffirming colonial pillars and installing new markers to strengthen peace and cooperation. Team Gambia Coalition: Team Gambia Grand Coalition 2026 announced constitutional and economic reforms, including a presidential term limit and poverty-reduction measures. Reparations for Women: The Gambia Reparations Commission launched a nationwide training for about 300 women victims to improve access to gender-sensitive reparations and help eligible women register. Agroecology Forum: ActionAid held Agroecology Forum 2026, spotlighting soil health, climate resilience, and fair fertiliser access for farmers, women and youth. Fertiliser Warning: NACOFAG warned against distribution of unapproved fertilisers, saying they could harm soils and food security. Youth & Learning Abroad: A Hampshire travel company is bringing The Gambia into classrooms through tailored educational school trips focused on culture, communities, and ecosystems. Banking Jobs for Gambians: The Central Bank directed commercial banks to phase out some foreign workers and replace them with qualified Gambians, with skills transfer plans.

Rohingya Humanitarian Focus: UNGA President Khalilur Rahman warned that the Rohingya crisis is far from over, urging sustained political attention, safe voluntary return, and accountability. Gambia at the ICJ: Justice Minister Dawda Jallow said the ICJ may deliver its long-awaited judgement in The Gambia’s Rohingya genocide case in October, after hearings began in January 2026. Reparations for Women: The Gambia Reparations Commission launched a nationwide, gender-sensitive capacity programme training about 300 women victims across five regions on rights and participation in reparations. Agroecology & Fertiliser Safety: ActionAid held Agroecology Forum 2026, while NACOFAG condemned distribution of unapproved fertilisers, warning of soil damage and threats to food security. SME Support Across West Africa: ITC and Access Bank partnered to expand SME financing, market access and skills training across 14 countries including The Gambia, starting with a Ghana pilot. Tourism Links: The Gambia’s Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister met Nigeria’s Beach Harcourt Club to boost people-to-people ties, air connectivity, tourism and investment. Youth, Health Research: WANETAM-4 launched a five-year programme to strengthen TB, HIV and malaria research, training and health systems in West Africa. Immigration Policy Watch: The US released a skills list naming The Gambia for a two-year home residency requirement for some exchange visitors.

Rohingya Diplomacy: PM Tarique Rahman urged the UN to move from empathy to action on the protracted Rohingya crisis, calling for a roadmap for safe, voluntary repatriation, protection of rights, justice and stronger regional cooperation. Legal Milestone: Justice Minister Dawda Jallow said the ICJ judgement in The Gambia’s Rohingya genocide case against Myanmar may be delivered in October. Women’s Rights & Reparations: The Gambia Reparations Commission trained about 300 women victims nationwide on gender-sensitive reparations, rights, and how to participate meaningfully. Agroecology & Food Security: ActionAid held Agroecology Forum 2026, pushing soil-protecting farming, equitable fertiliser access, and more research and farmer training. Fertiliser Safety Alert: NACOFAG warned against distribution of unapproved fertilizers, saying they could harm soils and crops and repeat past public health failures. SME Support: ITC and Access Bank announced a three-year partnership to expand SME financing, market access and skills across 14 African countries, starting with a pilot in Ghana that includes The Gambia. Youth & Health Research: WANETAM-4 launched a five-year programme to strengthen TB, HIV and malaria research, training and health systems across West Africa. Culture & Tourism: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Abdoulie Jobe met Nigeria’s Beach Harcourt Club to boost tourism, investment and air connectivity between Nigeria and The Gambia. Sports & Community: A Gambia-linked superhero 5K event raised funds for orphaned children in The Gambia, alongside Bangladesh and local partners. History Corner: National Archives features contested chieftaincy and colonial-era disputes in Lower Saloum, Central Badibou and the “Green Uprising” that challenged urban political dominance.

Gender Equality Watch: A UN Women report warns SDG 5 progress is so slow that gender equality won’t be reached until 2197, with funding and institutional power for women’s rights shrinking. SME & Jobs Boost: ITC and Access Bank partner with a 3-year plan to expand finance, digital skills, and market access for SMEs across 14 African countries, including The Gambia. Tourism & Culture Links: The Gambia steps up ties with Nigeria, with Tourism Minister Abdoulie Jobe meeting Nigeria’s Beach Harcourt Club to grow people-to-people travel and investment. Health Research in Focus: WANETAM-4 launches a five-year West Africa programme to strengthen TB, HIV, and malaria research, training, and lab capacity, coordinated with The Gambia’s MRC Unit. Youth Sports Spotlight: Gambian sprinter Isatou Sey launches the Isatou Sey Foundation to support young school athletes while keeping education at the center. Migration & Visas: The US publishes exchange visitor skills lists naming The Gambia among countries facing a two-year home-return requirement for certain immigration benefits. Local Politics & Elections: Banjul Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe urges Kotu residents to vote UDP on Dec 5, while Jammeh supporters launch a “No-To-Alliance Movement” and Team Gambia Grand Coalition 2026 formally comes together. History Corner: National Archives pieces revisit contested chieftaincy and colonial-era disputes in Lower Saloum and Central Badibou.

Tourism & Investment Push: Gambia’s Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Abdoulie Jobe met Nigeria’s Beach Harcourt Club to boost people-to-people links, air connectivity talks, and long-term cooperation between Port Harcourt and Banjul. Education & Inclusion: PayCargo partnered with Spain’s AREAS Foundation, expanding scholarships that already support over 1,000 people across Gambia and other countries. Health Research Boost: WANETAM-4 launched a five-year West Africa programme to strengthen TB, HIV and malaria research, training, and lab capacity, coordinated with MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM. US Immigration Rules: The US State Department published an Exchange Visitor Skills List naming The Gambia among countries whose exchange visitors may face a two-year home-country requirement for certain benefits. Sports & Youth Spotlight: Isatou Sey launched the Isatou Sey Foundation to back young school athletes in athletics, while football coverage highlights the build-up to AFCON qualifiers involving The Gambia. Culture & Heritage: ASILI Connects links climate action with heritage learning, including Fort Bullen on Kunta Kinteh Island. Politics & Community: Banjul Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe urged Kotu residents to vote UDP, as election campaigning intensifies.

Gambia & US Immigration: The US State Department’s Exchange Visitor Skills List flags The Gambia among African countries whose exchange visitors may face a two-year home-country return requirement before accessing certain US immigration benefits. Youth Health & Skills: A regional UN youth convening in Abuja heard calls for bigger investment in young people’s health, education, skills and economic opportunities, with attention to mental health, gender-based violence and menstrual health. Sports & National Pride: Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz says the Black Stars have the “fantastic” culture and squad to press for AFCON 2027, with The Gambia next up in the qualifiers. Gambia Sports Development: Sprinter Isatou Sey launches the Isatou Sey Foundation to back young school athletes and reward emerging talent while keeping education central. Power Cuts Hit Daily Life: Prolonged blackouts in The Gambia are disrupting businesses, hospitals and fishing—leaving traders struggling to store catches and earn for school needs. Politics & Coalition Building: Banjul’s Team Gambia Grand Coalition 2026 is formally established, bringing parties, movements and civil society into a new national grouping ahead of December. Cultural Reading & Identity: “Route 234” highlights how travel writing can turn journeys into reflections on culture, identity and what “home” means.

Gambia Election Politics: Banjul Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe urged Kotu Quarray residents to vote UDP on 5 December, warning against vote-buying and “tribal politics,” while UDP leader Ousainou Darboe pushed a 75% vote target in Kanifing Municipality and outlined a four-point agenda. Coalition Moves: Team Gambia Grand Coalition 2026 was formally established after a national conference, bringing together parties, movements, civil society, aspirants and citizens. Migration & Security: Gambia Immigration detained 18 would-be irregular migrants in Tanji, including 12 Senegalese. Power Cuts Hit Livelihoods: Prolonged blackouts are crippling businesses, with fish vendors in Tanji struggling to store catches as ice supplies run out. Education Update: GABECE results show a 54.5% national pass rate and 16,964 qualifying for senior secondary placement, with science pass rates rising to 65.1%. Tourism & Culture: The Gambia joined COMCEC tourism talks on climate-resilient OIC tourism and sent a delegation to Nigeria’s Akwaaba Travel Market to boost regional travel ties.

Gambia Education: The 2026 GABECE results show a national pass rate of 54.5%, with 16,964 candidates qualifying for senior secondary placement (up from 15,607 in 2025). Science performance also improved to 65.1% from 57.3%, and more top scorers were recorded, including 76 candidates with Aggregate 6. Power & Livelihoods: Prolonged blackouts are hitting Gambian businesses hard, especially in Tanji’s fish landing market where lack of ice is spoiling catches and cutting income for families. Politics & Rights: UNITE Party leader Talib Ahmed Bensouda denies claims of any alliance with the ruling NPP and repeats his push on term limits ahead of the 5 December presidential election. Tourism & Culture Links: The Gambia’s Tourism Minister Abdoulie Jobe joined the opening of Nigeria’s 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market, urging stronger tourism cooperation and highlighting shared people-to-people ties. Sports for Girls: Cycling in the region gets a boost as The Gambia is mentioned among countries benefiting from bicycle support, with calls for more girls to compete and join national teams.

Education Results: The Gambia’s 2026 GABECE pass rate rose to 54.5%, with 16,964 candidates qualifying for senior secondary placement (up from 15,607 in 2025), and science performance improving to 65.1%. Power & Livelihoods: Prolonged blackouts are hitting businesses hard, especially in Tanji’s fish landing sites where empty ice boxes mean rotting catch, lost sales, and families struggling to afford school supplies. Tourism & Culture Links: The Gambia’s Tourism Minister Abdoulie Jobe joined Lagos First Lady Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu to open the 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market, pushing stronger people-to-people and business ties. Child Labour Commitment: The government reaffirmed its commitment to address child labour. Sports & Youth: FIFA confirmed The Gambia will face Nigeria in Group GD of the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan. Community Spotlight: Gambian fitness enthusiast Alieu Bah completed his first marathon in Estonia, earning a bronze medal and inspiring younger runners at home.

Education & Youth: The 2026 Gambia Basic Education Certificate Examination (GABECE) results show a national pass rate of 54.5%, with 16,964 candidates qualifying for senior secondary placement (up from 15,607 in 2025), and science pass rates rising to 65.1% from 57.3%. Power & Livelihoods: Prolonged blackouts are hitting Gambian businesses hard, with coastal fish traders in Tanji struggling to store catches as ice supplies run out and protests flare ahead of December politics. Tourism & Culture Links: The Gambia’s Tourism Minister Abdoulie Jobe joined Lagos State’s First Lady to open the 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market, pushing stronger people-to-people and business ties. Religious Life & Health: A global discussion on improving mosque practices highlights concerns about carpeted prayer spaces and calls for cleaner, healthier alternatives. Sports & Regional Spotlight: FIFA’s inaugural U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 groups Gambia with Nigeria, Cyprus, Jordan, Pakistan and South Sudan, with matches set for Azerbaijan in October. Community Pride: Gambian runner Alieu Bah completes his first-ever marathon in Estonia, representing The Gambia on the international stage.

Power & Protests: In Tanji, prolonged blackouts are ruining fish storage, doubling ice costs and pushing businesses to shutter—fueling anger ahead of The Gambia’s December election. Education Results: GABECE 2026 shows progress with 16,964 candidates qualifying for senior secondary placement and science pass rates rising to 65.1%, though the national pass rate remains 54.5%. Politics & Elections: UNITE leader Talib Ahmed Bensouda denies talks of an alliance with the ruling NPP and attacks Barrow’s push for a third term under the “Blackout Barrow” slogan. Tourism & Culture Links: The Gambia’s Tourism Minister Abdoulie Jobe joins Lagos’ First Lady to open the 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market, highlighting growing Gambia–Nigeria people-to-people ties. Law & Business Skills: A Gambian barrister urges stronger participation of lawyers in competition law enforcement, calling for closer lawyer–economist collaboration. Regional Tourism Resilience: The Gambia joins COMCEC discussions on climate-resilient tourism, focusing on how climate change mitigation can protect the sector. Sports Youth Spotlight: FIFA’s inaugural U-15 festival in Azerbaijan puts The Gambia in a group with Nigeria, Cyprus, Jordan, Pakistan and South Sudan. Personal Achievement: Gambian runner Alieu Bah completes his first marathon in Estonia, earning a bronze medal and inspiring young people to stay active.

Democracy Watch: A new 2026 Global State of Democracy report says Africa’s democratic performance fell sharply from 2020–2025, with declines driven by conflict, coups, restricted elections, and weakened judicial independence. Education & Youth: The 2026 GABECE results show a 54.5% national pass rate, with 16,964 candidates qualifying for senior secondary placement and science pass rates rising to 65.1%. Power & Daily Life: Prolonged blackouts since June are crushing Gambian businesses and livelihoods, from fish vendors in Tanji losing ice and customers to hospitals relying on unreliable generators, as protests grow ahead of December elections. Tourism & Culture: The Gambia’s Tourism Minister Abdoulie Jobe joined Lagos State’s First Lady to open the 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market, pushing stronger tourism ties with Nigeria. Faith & Community Spaces: A global discussion highlights how mosque carpet “culture” can affect health, urging better hygiene practices. Sports Pathways: The inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 groups Gambia alongside Cyprus, Jordan, Pakistan and South Sudan. Regional Tourism Policy: The Gambia joins COMCEC talks in Türkiye on climate-resilient OIC tourism, focusing on mitigation strategies.

Education Update (GABECE): The 2026 Gambia Basic Education Certificate Examination results show a national pass rate of 54.5%, with 16,964 candidates qualifying for senior secondary placement (up from 15,607 in 2025). Science performance also improved to 65.1% from 57.3%, and more top scorers were recorded, including 76 students with Aggregate 6 (up from 60), with strong female representation. Power & Livelihoods: Prolonged blackouts since June are hitting businesses hard, with fish vendors in Tanji struggling to store catches as ice supplies run low and protests grow ahead of December’s election. Tourism & Culture Links: Tourism Minister Abdoulie Jobe joined Lagos State’s First Lady to open the 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market, promoting The Gambia to Nigerian and international travellers and highlighting shared cultural ties. Regional Cooperation (Tourism): The Gambia is represented at COMCEC’s tourism working group meeting in Türkiye, focusing on climate-resilient tourism. Law & Business Climate: A barrister calls for stronger lawyer participation in competition law enforcement, urging closer work between legal and economic expertise. Sports & Pride: Gambian fitness enthusiast Alieu Bah completed his first marathon in Estonia, representing The Gambia and inspiring younger people to stay active.

Power & Food Security: In Tanji, prolonged blackouts are emptying ice boxes and spoiling the fish trade, with businesses, hospitals, and families struggling to cope as protests flare ahead of December election season. Sports & Pride: Gambian fitness enthusiast Alieu Bah, 43, completed his first-ever marathon in Estonia, crossing 42.195 km and carrying The Gambia’s flag with plans to inspire more young people to stay active. Regional Integration & Mobility: IOM and ECOWAS are pushing wider public awareness of the ENBIC biometric travel card, urging accurate information so citizens can move safely and predictably across West Africa. Culture & Music: WemsFest is set for an international lineup, including Gambian master musician Musa Mboob and kora player Sura Susso, with Black History Month concerts and workshops. Community & Learning: A free screening of the Gambia-linked documentary “UNBOWED” will bring refugee advocate Dr. Omar Bah to a Providence school event, pairing film with post-screening discussion. Gambia-Linked Infrastructure Politics: UDP leader Ousainu Darboe challenges the government to prove who secured major road and bridge projects in Upper River Region.