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GRA HOSTS SIERRA LEONE COUNTERPARTS FOR STUDY TOUR ON DIGITAL EXCISE TAX STAMP SOLUTION

The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has welcomed a high-level delegation from the Sierra Leone National Revenue Authority (SLNRA) for a strategic study tour focused on implementing the SICPA digital excise tax stamp solution. This visit marks the first time SLNRA has sent its top officials to engage with GRA counterparts in The Gambia, highlighting the country's growing reputation as a regional leader in taxation.The study tour aims to strengthen cooperation between the two institutions and provide a platform for GRA officials to share their experience in advancing revenue collection in a digital era. The visiting delegation will learn about the SICPA project's implementation, including the legal frameworks used to enforce its implementation, and participate in field tours to gain first-hand knowledge of the project's impact.The GRA's experience with the SICPA project has positioned The Gambia as a model for regional taxation, and this visit will enable SLNRA officials to learn from their counterparts and enhance revenue collection in Sierra Leone. This five-day exchange visit underscores the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing between revenue authorities in the region.

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GAMBIA'S PRESIDENT BARROW CALLS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY FOR COLONIAL-ERA CRIMES AS SENEGAL COMMEMORATES TTHIAROYEMASSACRE

President Adama Barrow has paid tribute to the brave Senegalese riflemen who were massacred by French colonial forces in Thiaroye, Senegal, during World War II. Speaking at the 81st anniversary commemoration of the infamous Thiaroye Massacre, President Barrow called for accountability for crimes committed by colonial empires against Africans during the colonial period.The ceremony, attended by several high-ranking delegations from across Africa, shines a spotlight on one of the most brutal acts of betrayal and barbarity in colonial history. Over 300 Senegalese riflemen were massacred by French colonial forces for demanding pay after liberating France from Nazi Germany.President Barrow described the massacre as a "cold-blooded murder" and paid homage to the Africans who fought on the side of the Allies during World War II, commending them for their courage and sacrifice. He also commended the Senegalese government for setting up a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the massacre and immortalise the exploits of Senegalese soldiers who participated in the liberation of France.The Gambian leader emphasised the importance of teaching future generations about the sacrifices and contributions of Africans in the Second World War, adding that their legacy should serve as valuable lessons for Africans to take hold of their destiny.The President of Senegal, Basirou Diomaye Faye, thanked President Barrow for gracing the commemorations and reaffirmed his government's commitment to work closely with France to find closure to one of the darkest chapters in French colonial history.

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AFRICA'S FORESTRY AND WILDLIFE UNDER SPOTLIGHT AS GAMBIA HOSTS KEY CONFERENCE

The Gambia has taken a significant step in promoting sustainable forest and wildlife management in Africa by hosting the 25th Session of the African Forestry and Wildlife Commission and the Ninth African Forestry and Wildlife Week in Banjul. The conference, held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, brought together government officials and around 200 delegates from 47 African countries to discuss the continent's most pressing forestry and wildlife challenges and opportunities.With the theme "Innovative and Inclusive Forest and Wildlife Resources Management for Africa," the five-day conference aims to explore ways to address the major problems facing Africa's tropical forests, including forest degradation, commercial logging, and ineffective government policies in environmental protection. African forests are rich in biodiversity and provide a livelihood for over 1 billion people, according to experts.The Gambia's Vice President, Mohammed B.S. Jallow, who presided over the opening ceremony, called on partners to continue supporting African countries in their wildlife management efforts. "I call on our development partners, international organisations, civil society, and the private sector, to continue supporting African countries in advancing sustainable forest and wildlife management," he said.VP Jallow highlighted the Gambia's progress in protecting endangered species, saying that forest degradation has been "slowed, while reforestation is on the increase." He attributed this success to the government's efforts to expand protected areas, enforce regulations, and combat illegal hunting, poaching, and wildlife trafficking.This conference is a testament to The Gambia's leadership in conservation, sustainable land use, and environmental governance. Key stakeholders, including the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the United Nations, have expressed their commitment to supporting the country's efforts."FAO stands firm in supporting Member States to advance national priorities, mobilise resources, and ensure that forestry, wildlife protection, and climate action remain central to sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda," said Ms Moshibudi Rampedi, FAO Representative in The Gambia.The convergence will provide a platform for delegates to exchange ideas and build a stronger, more coherent African response to environmental shocks. With Africa losing about “4 million hectares of forest every year,” the stakes are high, and the need for collective action is urgent.Gambia's Environment Minister, Rohey Jonh Manjang, emphasised the government's commitment to protecting forests and wildlife, saying, "Through the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, we have intensified efforts to restore degraded lands, enforce anti-logging laws, and halt the export of timber."The conference is expected to yield concrete recommendations and actions to address the challenges facing Africa's forestry and wildlife sectors and promote sustainable development on the continent.

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PRESIDENT BARROW ATTENDS 81ST ANNIVERSARY OF SENEGALESE RIFLEMAN MASSACRE

President Adama Barrow has arrived in Dakar to join other African leaders in commemorating the 81st anniversary of the tragic massacre of Senegalese riflemen by French colonial forces in 1944. The ceremony, which honours the memory of over 300 riflemen who lost their lives fighting for France's liberation during World War II, will take place at a military camp in Thiaroye.Upon arrival, President Barrow was received by Senegalese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cheikh Niang, and The Gambia's High Commissioner in Senegal, H.E. Hadrameh Sidibeh. A ceremonial band played the National Anthem, and President Barrow reviewed the Guard of Honour mounted by the Senegalese Armed Forces.The Gambian leader is accompanied by a high-powered delegation, including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Serign Modou Njie, and Minister and Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Mod Ceesay. This significant event serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by African soldiers in the fight for freedom and highlights the strong ties between The Gambia and Senegal.

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BREAKING: SANNA MANJANG, FORMER JUNGLERS MEMBER, ARRESTED IN SENEGAL 

The Government of the Gambia, through the Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, has announced the arrest of Sanna Manjang, a former member of the Gambia Armed Forces, who has been implicated in serious human rights violations during the rule of former President Yahya Jammeh. Below is the full press release:“The Government of The Gambia informs the public that Sanna Manjang, a former member of the Junglers who has been implicated in serious human rights violations during the administration of former President Yahya Jammeh, was apprehended in the early hours of this morning in the Casamance Region of southern Senegal.This arrest is the result of a coordinated security operation between the authorities of the Republic of Senegal and The Gambia. The two sister countries have worked closely together in recent months to locate Mr Manjang, who has been a fugitive since January 2017.Mr Manjang is named in the findings of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission for his central role in torture, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings carried out by the Junglers. His arrest represents a significant step in the ongoing pursuit of justice and accountability for victims of abuses committed under the former regime.Arrangements are underway for his repatriation to The Gambia, where he will be processed in accordance with the law.The Government reaffirms its unwavering commitment to justice, accountability and the protection of the rights and security of all persons within The Gambia. It further assures the public that the stability, peace and security of the country will never be compromised.The Government expresses its deep appreciation to the Government of Senegal for its continued cooperation and solidarity in matters of regional security and justice.The public will be kept informed as this process advances.”

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GAMBIA'S NGOs GEAR UP TO FIGHT MONEY LAUNDERING AND TERROR FINANCING

The NGO Affairs Agency, in partnership with Spaces for Change (West Africa), has launched a comprehensive two-day training on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in The Gambia. The training aims to empower NGOs with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate AML/CFT regulations and promote a culture of transparency and accountability.According to stakeholders, the seminar will "augment NGOs' understanding of compliance requirements, fortify institutional governance, cultivate transparency and accountability" within the sector. Participants will also discuss strategies to protect against money laundering and outline plans to implement robust internal controls."NGOs must prioritise transparency and accountability to prevent financial abuse and protect the sector's integrity," said Alagie Jammeh, Deputy Director and Legal Advisor at the Financial Intelligence Unit of The Gambia. The event was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including diplomats, security officials, and representatives from various ministries.The training is part of efforts to strengthen the capacities of NGOs in The Gambia and ensure they remain trusted agents of development and growth.

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THE GAMBIA'S SECURITY SITUATION IS CALM, SAYS SIS DIRECTOR GENERAL

Ousman Sowe, the Director General of the Gambia's State Intelligence Service has said the general security situation in the country is “calm, and there is no need for any undue alarm in the country,” not for the month of November nor any time soon thereafter.DG Sowe was speaking during a media briefing on Friday following the conclusion of his latest countrywide security assessment tour. The three-week tour saw the delegation engaged in numerous discussions with regional authorities, traditional and opinion leaders, youths, as well as engagements with sister services.  Addressing some of the main issues emanating from the tour, DG Sowe informed the members of the press that the assessment of the general security situation of the country is rated as “calm and peaceful.”The ongoing institutional reforms through capacity-building programs also featured prominently in the SIS Director General's engagement with the media.He said the reform agenda revolves around the need to “refocus the Service's operational improvement”, including “smart and professional deployments,” providing “credible and actionable intelligence products”, and expanding the State Intelligence Service's engagements with international partners. This is a reformed intelligence outfit, and that is evident in its outlook, engagements and operations since 2017. For the members of the media, this open day with the SIS is another indication of the renewed collaboration and another significant step in promoting the trust-building efforts between the media and the security services.

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WORLD CHILDREN'S DAY SPARKS FRESH COMMITMENT TO CHILD SAFETY AND WELL-BEING

SOS Children's Village The Gambia, commemorated World Children’s Day with a renewed call for societies to prioritise the "rights, safety, and well-being of children worldwide." Observed annually, the day serves as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility shared by governments, communities, and institutions to safeguard children from harm while ensuring access to opportunities that nurture their full potential. A march-past by banner-wielding and chanting schoolchildren, teachers, youth advocates, and child-rights organisations on the streets of Bakoteh, marked the start of the commemorations and created an atmosphere of unity and determination. This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Listen to the Future and Stand Up for Children’s Rights,” a message that urges stakeholders to place children at the centre of decision-making processes.Fatima N. Jarju of the Children's National Assembly encouraged her fellow children to “speak up, stay confident, and support one another.”There were calls for stronger protections, better educational opportunities, and increased representation of children in national dialogue.Jean Pierre Kouamin, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages, encouraged children to stay “hopeful and committed to their dreams” while urging parents, communities, and institutions to “redouble efforts to ensure children are safe, nurtured, and empowered.”Children performed a play centred on the realities many young people face, including abuse, neglect, and the struggle for basic rights. The goal was to highlight the importance of “protection systems and community support.” The captivating play also served the dual purpose of entertainment and advocacy.Dillo Bah, the Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, described children as the “heartbeat of the nation,” stressing that their welfare is “central to national development.” Jallow urged communities to “strengthen” their role in child protection. He appealed for “renewed dedication to building safer neighbourhoods,” adding that children depend on the “efforts of everyone around them.”The energy and enthusiasm demonstrated by the children set an inspiring tone for the rest of the programme. It illustrates how powerful young voices can be when amplified and supported.This year’s World Children’s Day commemorations in The Gambia, concluded with “renewed” hope and a “strong call” for action. Stakeholders acknowledged that the future “belongs to children—and that society must be willing to listen, invest, and stand up for their rights at every turn.”

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ECOWAS Slams Guinea-Bissau Coup, Demands Restoration of Constitutional Order

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Mediation and Security Council (MSC) has “strongly condemned the coup d'etat in Guinea-Bissau,” calling for the “unconditional restoration of constitutional order.”The MSC, which met virtually on November 27, 2025, under the chairmanship of Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio, expressed “deep concern” over the unfolding political crisis in Guinea-Bissau.The council demanded that the “coup leaders respect the will of the people” and allow the National Electoral Commission to “declare the results” of the November 23, 2025, presidential and parliamentary elections without delay. ECOWAS also called for the “immediate release of detained officials,” including President Umaro Sissoco Embalo.In response to the crisis, ECOWAS has “suspended Guinea-Bissau from its decision-making bodies until constitutional order is restored.” A high-level mediation mission, led by the Chair of the Authority, will “engage with the coup leaders to ensure the restoration of constitutional order.” The mission will comprise several West African presidents, including Faure Gnassingbe of Togo, Jose Maria Pereira Neves of Cabo Verde, and Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal.The MSC has also ordered the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) to continue “protecting citizens and stabilising the situation.” “ECOWAS has reserved the right to impose sanctions on Guinea-Bissau for disrupting the electoral and democratic process.”

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𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐈𝐀 GOVERNMENT 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐍𝐒 𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐈𝐍 𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐀 𝐁𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐔

The government of The Gambia, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has issued a press release to condemn the military takeover in Guinea-Bissau. The government described it “as an outright assault on the democratic values cherished by the people of Guinea-Bissau.” Below is the full release:“𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: The Government of the Republic of The Gambia condemns the military coup d’etat in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau. This unconstitutional taking over of power is an outright assault on the democratic values cherished by the people of Guinea-Bissau and negatively affects the electoral process following the peaceful conduct of the Presidential and Legislative elections on 23rd November 2025.The Government of The Gambia expresses profound shock and deep concern over this attempt to overturn the will of the people. The Gambia considers this action a blatant violation of shared democratic principles and an unfortunate setback to the hard-earned progress made by the government and people of Guinea-Bissau and the ECOWAS region in democracy and constitutional rule.The Gambia, therefore, calls for the immediate restoration of constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau and urges all stakeholders to remain calm, exercise maximum restraint, respect the democratic process and stand firm together for peace and unity, allowing the people's choice and will to guide the nation's future.Furthermore, the Government of The Gambia calls for the security and fundamental rights of all citizens and foreign nationals in Guinea Bissau, including ECOWAS Election Observers and officials be safeguarded and guaranteed.The Government and people of the Republic of The Gambia continue to stand in solidarity with Guinea Bissau during these difficult times and pray that Allah the Almighty bless the efforts being made to bring peace to this great country.”

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GIRAV DELIVERS DIGITAL TOOLS TO FIELD OFFICERS

The Gambia Inclusive and Resilient Agricultural Value Chain Development project is intensifying efforts to improve agriculture extension capacities after the project's launch of a special E-extension ICT platform called 'Sene-nyaa Bantabaa'.The project officers gathered to formally hand over digital electronic equipment, including laptops, tablets, mobile phones, dashboards and smart screens, to the project field officer to expand monitoring and data recording services.This crucial venture seeks to advance innovation and create an efficient communication platform for agriculture extension workers and farmers. It is also anchored on easing access and visibility from the fields, enabling direct interface between experts and farmers.The platform is already up and running with officials looking to maximise impact by providing digital equipment to eextensionworkers.Stakeholders say, they are optimistic that extension capacities will reach a wider scope efficiently as they move to increase production and productivity.

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HEALTH MINISTRY WARNS OF GROWING THREAT POSED BY ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE

The Ministry of Health has joined the global commemoration of Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week with a strong call for responsible use of medicines.At a press conference at the central medical store, health experts warned that the misuse and overuse of antibiotics are increasing the risk of antimicrobial resistance in the country. Officials stressed that AMR threatens human health, animal health and even plant health, making it a serious national concern.Antimicrobial resistance is one of the “fastest-growing health threats” worldwide. It occurs when bacteria and other germs develop the ability to defeat medicines designed to kill them. “When this happens, infections become harder to treat, health care costs rise, and patients face higher chances of severe illness or death,” health experts say.Momodou Barrow, the representative of the World Health Organisation Country Office, said there is an “alarming rise in deaths” caused by antimicrobial resistance.Haruna Jallow and Baba Fofana both members of the National Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance team, emphasised that surveillance is essential for tracking resistant infections and guiding effective interventions. They say that AMR “affects every sector, making monitoring a critical tool for early detection and response.”Dr Ousman Ceesay, Deputy Director of Animal Health at the Department of Livestock Services, said protecting animals from infection is one of the first steps in breaking the chain of resistance.Officials warn that resistant infections can “spread between animals and people,” and even “affect agricultural production” by limiting the ability to treat plant diseases.The Ministry of Health is calling on the public to use antibiotics “responsibly and only when prescribed by a qualified health worker.” They also call for the strengthening of “infection prevention and control practices” in homes, communities and health facilities.As Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week continues, authorities say the fight against AMR can only be won through collective responsibility, disciplined use of medicines and a national commitment to protecting current and future generations from a preventable crisis.

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THE GAMBIA AMBASSADOR PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO GEORGIA, MOLDOVA TO BOOST BILATERAL TIES

His Excellency Mr Pa Musa Jobarteh, Ambassador of the Republic of The Gambia to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union, on Friday 22nd May 2026 presented his Letters of Credence to the President of Georgia, His Excellency Mr Mikheil Kavelashvili, as the Ambassador of the Republic of The Gambia to Georgia at a ceremony held in the Presidential Palace in Tbilisi.H.E. Ambassador Jobarteh conveyed fraternal greetings from His Excellency President Adama Barrow to the President, the Government, and the people of Georgia. He underscored his willingness to work with Georgia further to strengthen the existing bilateral ties between the two countries.During a closed-door meeting with the President, Ambassador Jobarteh highlighted several areas of cooperation, including Science and Technology, Agriculture, and Tourism. The two agreed to explore opportunities for economic cooperation between the two countries.In a similar development, His Excellency Mr Pa Musa Jobarteh, on Tuesday 26th May 2026 presented his Letters of Credence to the President of the Republic of Moldova, Her Excellency Ms Maia Sandu, as the Ambassador of the Republic of The Gambia to the Republic of Moldova at a ceremony held in the Presidential Palace in Chisinau.H.E. Ambassador Jobarteh conveyed fraternal greetings from His Excellency President Adama Barrow to the President, the Government, and the people of the Republic of Moldova. He underscored his willingness to work with the Republic of Moldova further to strengthen the existing bilateral ties between the two countries.H.E Ambassador Jobarteh and Her Excellency Maia Sandu discussed and noted potential areas of aligned interest and cooperation in which The Gambia and the Republic of Moldova can mutually benefit, including support for each other’s candidature at multilateral levels and the relevance of multilateralism for small states. They both echoed similar sentiments on international peace and security, and the need to expand trade, agriculture and investment learning exchanges.

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PRESIDENT BARROW JOINS BANJUL EID PRAYERS, CALLS FOR PEACE AHEAD OF ELECTION

Muslims in Banjul gathered at the King Fahd Mosque to observe the Feast of Eid al-Adha, locally known as Tobaski. President Adama Barrow, cabinet ministers, security chiefs, and senior government officials also participated in Eid prayers, led by Imam Ratib of Banjul, Alhaji Cherno Alieu Mass Kah. The president used his Eid message to call for peace, tolerance, and responsible citizenship.Imam Ratib of Banjul, Alhaji Cherno Alieu Mass Kah, led the two-rakah prayer.In his sermon after the prayer, the Imam Ratib urged Muslims to uphold peace, tolerance, and stability.He expressed concern over the rising use of drugs and illicit substances among youth and called for concerted efforts by government, parents, religious leaders, and society to address this menace, which threatens the well-being and future of young people.He also prayed for ongoing peace and stability in The Gambia and the wider world.In line with religious teachings, Imam Ratib supervised the slaughter of his sacrificial lamb, which opened the way for other Muslims across the city to do the same, as prescribed by Islamic faith.Outside the mosque, His Excellency Adama Barrow delivered his Eid address, congratulating Gambians and Muslims on this significant feast.He urged Muslims to be peaceful, tolerant, and law-abiding, adding that The Gambia is preparing for another presidential election, which the world will observe closely.On the international stage, President Barrow said he was closely monitoring developments in the Middle East. As chairman of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, he maintains contact with regional leaders to promote dialogue, restraint, and diplomacy for resolving differences.The President then left the King Fahd Mosque in Banjul for State House, where he also oversaw the slaughter of his two sacrificial lambs.The Imam of the State House mosque, Alhaji Mustafa Jallow, led the team that marked the conclusion of the President's Eid celebrations.

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GAMBIA SIGNS SPORTS & EDUCATION DEAL WITH TIBU AFRICA 

The Vice President, His Excellency Mohammed B.S. Jallow, has presided over the signing of a cooperation agreement between Tibu Africa from the Kingdom of Morocco and the Ministries of Basic and Secondary Education, Youth and Sports at the State House in Banjul. This agreement aims to support the national development agenda, especially in youth empowerment, education transformation, sports development, and international collaboration. The delegation from Tibu Africa accompanied by Bakary Y. Badjie the Minister of Youth and Sports, and Dr Habibatou Drammeh the Minister for Basic and Secondary Education, went to the Vice President's office to formally introduce their initiatives in The Gambia.Following an in-depth discussion with VP Jallow regarding the programme, the approach to implementation, and its potential impact on the country, the president of Tibu Africa Mohamed Amine Zariat, proceeded to sign agreements with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.These agreements, reaffirming the Government’s strong commitment to investing in Gambian youth development and empowerment, through strategic international partnerships, also form part of broader efforts to expand opportunities for Gambian youth in sport and education, as highlighted by Tibu Africa's President, Mohamed Amine Zariat.This partnership also aims to incorporate sports into national development policies. Youth and Sports Minister Bakary Y Badjie described the arrival of Tibu Africa in The Gambia as a “significant advantage.”The Gambia is poised to become the first English-speaking country to benefit from Tibu Africa's intervention and partnership programmes, marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s expansion within the African continent.Basic and Secondary Education Minister, Dr Habibatou Drammeh said the government, through her ministry, is “fully committed to the agreement with Tibu Africa.”This programme targets all “642 public primary schools across the country.” A similar agreement is expected to be signed between Tibu Africa and the Ministry of Interior.Tibu Africa is internationally recognised for its innovative use of sports as a catalyst for sustainable social transformation, youth empowerment, educational advancement, and community development. The organisation operates in more than fifty-two cities across the twelve regions of Morocco and has expanded its interventions to several African countries, including Tunisia, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and Madagascar.

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GOVERNMENT CONDEMNS MISINFORMATION ON POWER CUTS, URGES NATIONAL UNITY

The Government wishes to express deep concern over the increasing spread of misinformation, deliberate distortions, and politically motivated narratives circulating on social media and certain online platforms regarding issues of governance, corruption, and recent electricity supply challenges.While the government fully acknowledges the concerns of citizens affected by intermittent power shortages and other national challenges, it is both irresponsible and unfortunate that some individuals and groups have chosen to exploit these temporary challenges to spread falsehoods, undermine public confidence, and score cheap political points rather than contribute constructively to national dialogue and solutions.The Government remains firmly committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible governance.  Consequently, allegations of corruption must never be reduced to social media propaganda, political sensationalism, or coordinated misinformation campaigns aimed solely at scoring cheap political points and creating public distrust. Matters of governance and public accountability are serious national issues that must be addressed through credible institutions, evidence-based processes, and the rule of law and not through reckless speculation and politically charged disinformation.It is essential to remind the public that the current electricity supply constraints are being actively addressed through ongoing interventions, investments, and regional energy cooperation efforts, particularly within the framework of the OMVG. The Gambia Government, under the leadership of President Adama Barrow has achieved significant progress in expanding national electricity access, improving generation capacity, and modernising energy infrastructure over recent years. These achievements should not be ignored simply for political convenience.No responsible government desires inconvenience for its citizens, particularly during important social and religious periods. However, genuine leadership requires honesty, patience, and collective responsibility, especially during moments like these.For nearly the past year, the country has experienced one of the most stable and reliable electricity supply periods in recent national history, with many households and businesses enjoying significantly improved power availability and fewer interruptions. This progress was not accidental, but the result of deliberate government investments and reforms in the energy sector. Therefore, temporary technical challenges currently affecting electricity supply in parts of the country should be viewed within their proper context. While any disruption to electricity supply is regrettable and taken seriously by the Government, isolated operational and technical challenges cannot reasonably justify the level of outrage, alarmism, and politically charged narratives being amplified in some quarters.The Government is therefore urging political actors, media platforms, activists, and members of the public to exercise restraint, patriotism, and responsibility in their public commentary. Constructive criticism is welcome in every democratic society, but the deliberate politicisation of temporary national challenges for narrow partisan gain does not serve the interests of the country or its people.National development cannot thrive in an atmosphere poisoned by misinformation, constant negativity, and manufactured outrage. Progress requires unity, stability, responsible citizenship, and a shared commitment to national interest above political opportunism.The Government reassures the public that efforts are ongoing to stabilise the electricity supply, strengthen service delivery, and continue advancing the country’s development agenda. Citizens are encouraged to rely on official channels for accurate information and to reject the spread of false and misleading content designed to create unnecessary panic and division.

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PRESIDENT BARROW HOSTS TIBU AFRICA AS MOROCCO GROUP LAUNCHES FIRST ANGLOPHONE PROGRAM IN GAMBIA

The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, on Tuesday received Mohamed Amine Zariat, President of Tibu Africa, at the State House. Tibu Africa is a Morocco-based sports organisation specialising in sports education, empowerment, and socio-economic inclusion of youth, women, and children across Africa. Mr Zariat launched the first Tibu in The Gambia, marking the first in Anglophone Africa.The President of Tibu Africa, Muhammed Amin Zariat, was accompanied to the State House by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie, and the Tibu country representative, Ebrima Manneh.Speaking to journalists after their audience with President Barrow, Mr Zariat disclosed that Tibu Africa was founded in 2011 to promote sports education and empower women and youths.Mr Zariat added that Tibu Africa plans to expand its activities in The Gambia, targeting schools across the country to give young people opportunities to pursue careers in sports education.The Tibu Africa President also praised the Gambia-Morocco friendship, which inspired this partnership, and expressed particular thanks to King Mohammed VI and President Barrow for their patronage.To further strengthen this partnership, Mr Zariat announced plans to establish a basketball court in The Gambia in December. He also extended an invitation to the President to attend the next Education Through Sport summit, to be held in Casablanca next year, where The Gambia will be the guest country.Finally, Mr Zariat expressed hope that The Gambia will qualify for the 2030 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Morocco.

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GRA DOUBLES REVENUE TO D25.3B IN 5 YEARS UNDER DARBOE

The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has significantly improved its performance over the last five years, thanks to good management, strong leadership, and new ideas. Their revenue has increased from D12.7 billion in 2021 to an impressive D25.3 billion in 2025. This success has come from the efforts of Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe and his team, who transformed an authority that used to struggle to meet its goals.The 2026 GRA awards celebrate the biggest and most compliant taxpayers of the year. They also highlight the GRA as an institution that consistently exceeds expectations.Yankuba Darboe has been leading the GRA since 2014, six years after it was created by combining the central revenue department with the customs and excise departments. His leadership has brought about changes that have greatly improved how revenue is collected and taxed in The Gambia.With a dedicated team and support from a government focused on development, Mr Darboe started reforms that doubled and even tripled revenue in a short time. This earned him praise from the government and his colleagues.President H.E. Adama Barrow has been inspired by Darboe’s achievements and has attended every taxpayer award night to recognise and appreciate his leadership and contributions.Colleagues at the GRA also admire Darboe for his leadership skills, passion for success, and commitment to exceeding targets.Despite this success, Mr Darboe remains humble and sees these achievements as motivation to keep improving. He believes in always finding new opportunities and welcoming innovations, without creating more pressure on taxpayers. His main goal is to expand the tax base, rather than raise tax rates for the people.As they celebrate another successful year, the GRA leadership and team are confident in their ability to continue meeting and exceeding targets, supported by new technologies and systems. The future looks bright for them.

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