AGP Executive Report

World Cup Focus: Senegal’s Lamine Camara says France at MetLife Stadium is about proving they’re still on course after the Africa Cup of Nations title dispute and chasing a bigger World Cup story. Maritime Security: The Combined Maritime Task Force Gulf of Guinea (CMTF-GoG) was flagged off in Lagos with Gambia among six pioneer states, aiming to tackle Gulf of Guinea insecurity through shared action. Cybersecurity: Nigeria won the $10,000 grand prize at ECOWAS’s 4th Regional Cybersecurity Hackathon in Accra, with The Gambia among participating countries. Local Governance & Power: Residents in Upper River Region complain new grid connections are undermined by frequent outages, while traders report fire damage at Serrekunda’s Sandika market. Anti-Corruption Push: Gambia Participates urges government to operationalise the Anti-Corruption Commission after delays in swearing in commissioners. Environment Watch: Activists warn Tanbi Wetland is under pressure from land reclamation and infrastructure plans like the proposed dry port. Judicial Update: The Chief Justice inspected Bakau’s Special Criminal Division and a new Mile 7 court complex supported by the British High Commission. Football Development: GFF opens registrations for The Gambia’s first CAF ‘A’ Coaching Diploma Course starting 13 July. Diaspora Education: Gambian-born immunologist Bubacarr Touray launches Seedmap, an AI-powered counselling platform for immigrant students.

Gambia in the spotlight abroad: Pope Leo XIV wrapped up a week-long Spain visit focused on migrants, urging newcomers to integrate and warning that traffickers should “stop” and “repent,” with his message delivered during meetings at Tenerife’s Las Raíces reception centre and in public gatherings. Regional unity and civic education: African delegates in China condemned reported xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with Gambia’s National Council for Civic Education stressing that Africans should treat each other as “one people” beyond colonial borders. Gambia talent and opportunity: Bubacarr J.B. Touray, a Gambian-born immunologist, launched Seedmap, an AI-powered counselling platform to guide immigrant and first-generation students through education and career choices. Sports and identity: Trabzonspor set a €35m price for Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu, while the club is also eyeing young Gambian centre-back Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh as a potential replacement. Tech for West Africa: The ECOWAS Regional Cybersecurity Hackathon 2026 in Accra crowned Nigeria winners, with teams from across the region including The Gambia.

Gambia & Diaspora Education: Gambian-born immunologist Bubacarr J.B. Touray has launched Seedmap, an AI-powered counselling platform to guide immigrant and first-generation students from grades 8–12 toward clearer education and career pathways. Migration & Human Dignity: Pope Leo XIV wrapped up a Spain visit focused on migrants, urging integration through language and respect for local laws, warning of a “silent shipwreck” after arrival, and calling on human traffickers to “stop” and “repent.” Gambia in Football Spotlight: A World Cup-related piece notes Iran’s recent 3–1 win over Gambia, while another report highlights Trabzonspor’s interest in selling Nigerian defender Chibuke Nwaiwu and links a potential Gambian replacement, Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh. Women’s Football: Police FC, Koita FC, GAF and Darboes FC booked Women’s FF Cup quarter-final spots after Round of 16 wins. Local Sports (Men): GAF beat Marimoo Pakfood FC 3–1, with Abdoulie Joof scoring twice to lead the Division Two scoring race. Business & Industry: Gambia’s luxury handbag brand Jarga marks one year of growth, pushing locally made, export-ready products.

Pope’s Migration Push: Pope Leo XIV wrapped up his Spain visit in Tenerife after a plane technical delay, urging migrants to integrate by learning local language and respecting laws, warning of a “silent shipwreck” after arrival, and blasting human traffickers to “stop and repent.” Gambia-Linked Migration: Reports say the Las Raíces reception centre in Tenerife currently holds about 685 migrants, mostly from Senegal, Gambia and Mali, with thousands passing through since 2021. Gambia in World Cup Travel Tensions: The 2026 World Cup faces visa and entry problems tied to tightened U.S. rules, with some officials and staff reportedly blocked—an issue that could affect African participants. Women’s Football: Police FC, Koita FC, GAF and Darboes FC reached the quarter-finals of the Women’s FF Cup after Round of 16 wins. GAF Striker in Form: Abdoulie Joof scored twice as Gambia Armed Forces beat Marimoo Pakfood 3-1, moving to 17 league goals. Legal Milestone for Women: The Gambia ratified the AU Convention on Ending Violence against Women and Girls, making it binding and requiring law and policy alignment. Deportations Watch: Germany deported over 1,300 Gambians in eight years, with asylum applications declining while legal visa channels rose.

Immigration & Humanitarian Focus: Pope Leo XIV wrapped up his Spain trip after a plane technical issue, but kept the spotlight on migrants—urging integration in host communities and warning of a “silent shipwreck” after arrival, while directly telling traffickers to “stop and repent” at Tenerife’s migrant sites. Regional Trade & Industry: ECOWAS ministers in Accra backed a “mine together, process together” push to add value to minerals, build industries, and boost intra-African trade under AfCFTA. Gambia Governance & Economy: The Gambia Revenue Authority says 16 institutions, including SOEs and area councils, owe over D1.23bn in unpaid taxes, while the Central Bank governor urged more local investment as foreign ownership rises. Women’s Rights: The Gambia ratified the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, making it binding. Sports: Abdoulie Joof scored twice as GAF beat Marimoo Pakfood 3-1; Police FC, Koita FC, GAF and Darboes FC reached the Women’s FF Cup quarter-finals.

Pope on Canary Islands migrant crisis: Pope Leo XIV wrapped up his Spain visit in Tenerife, urging migrants to integrate “as a reciprocal journey” and warning traffickers to “stop and repent,” while describing abandonment as a “silent shipwreck.” Gambia deportation data: A report says Germany carried out more deportations of Gambians in recent years, with 41 charter flights landing in The Gambia between 2018 and 2025. Local governance & justice: The High Court rejected fresh evidence in a Banjulinding land dispute, while legal commentary again calls for professional administration to strengthen court operations. Women’s rights milestone: The Gambia ratified the AU Convention on Ending Violence against Women and Girls, making it a binding obligation. Economy & taxes: Finance Minister Seedy Keita said SOEs and area councils owe GRA over D1.23bn in unpaid taxes, and the Central Bank urged more local investment as foreign ownership rises. Infrastructure & business: GAMGO announced a major basalt shipment from Cape Verde to support road and construction works. Sports: Abdoulie Joof scored twice as GAF beat Marimoo Pakfood 3-1; Police FC, Koita FC, GAF and Darboes FC reached the Women’s FF Cup quarter-finals.

Justice & Land: The High Court rejected fresh evidence in a Banjulinding land dispute, saying the documents were “after thoughts” created by the appellant and failed the court’s test for new material. Hajj Refund Crisis: Over 70 intending pilgrims say they paid more than D50 million to EjabahTravel and Tours for the 2026 Hajj but were left stranded after visas were cancelled and refunds delayed, calling on authorities to intervene. Elections & Security: Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang told lawmakers he will arrest and prosecute anyone inciting tribalism or hate speech during the campaign, with police monitoring across events, media and online spaces. Forensic Lab Contract: The Interior Minister said no trace was found of a reported D48m forensic lab contract, while pointing to a newly inaugurated modern lab supported by the EU and GIZ. Governance & Economy: A policy push argues Gambia must turn growth into jobs by tackling informality, low youth employment, and weak tax revenue through digitisation, loophole closures and targeted support. Culture & Arts: ART27 launched a landmark residency programme to produce large-format works for a BIG & BOLD Touring Exhibition opening in October 2026. Sports & Talent: Gambian defender Buba Sanneh is set to extend his contract with Nottingham Forest on a new two-year deal.

Diplomatic Ties: President Adama Barrow sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev on Independence Day, reaffirming cooperation in education, youth development and capacity building. Elections & Governance: An EU Election Exploratory Mission arrived to assess The Gambia’s pre‑election environment ahead of deciding on a full EU observation mission for the 2026 presidential poll. Security & Hate Speech: Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang told the National Assembly that anyone inciting or promoting tribalism during the campaign will be arrested and prosecuted, with tighter monitoring across political events and media. Information Policy: The Minister of Information and Broadcasting Dr Ismaila Ceesay defended why details of President Diomaye Faye’s Banjul visit were not disclosed, calling it normal “high diplomacy.” Business & Development: Barrow inaugurated Global Properties Limited’s new head office in Kotu, praising its growth and jobs creation. Sports: Gambian defender Buba Sanneh agreed a new two-year contract extension with Nottingham Forest. Migration & Human Dignity: Pope Leo XIV visited Arguineguín in the Canary Islands, calling for safe routes, rescue and welcome for migrants crossing the Atlantic. Justice & Data: The Information Commission gained full NADPA-RAPDP membership, strengthening The Gambia’s role in regional data privacy and digital governance. Alleged Scam: Complainants accused EjabahTravel and Tours of collecting over D50 million dalasis for the 2026 hajj but failing to arrange travel or refunds. Regional Spotlight: More than 1,100 migrants were rescued off Mauritania, with departures linked to the Atlantic route.

Maritime Cooperation: The Gambia Maritime Administration (GMA) completed a four-day study visit to Nigeria’s NIMASA, where officials reaffirmed plans to strengthen seafarers’ documentation and push maritime digitalisation for faster, globally compliant certification. Local Governance & Data: In Kanifing, a Fund for Innovation in Development (FID) project is rolling out digital addresses to improve evidence-based policymaking and municipal service delivery, with partners including Paris Dauphine University, Sciences Po Paris and the University of The Gambia. Parliament & Accountability: The National Assembly and partners held a “Fellows Meeting” to boost institutional capacity, while a separate move to create a Standing Committee on Government Assurances aims to track whether ministers’ promises are actually implemented. ECOWAS at 51: ECOWAS marked its 51st anniversary with renewed calls for coordinated action against trafficking, drug trade and irregular migration. Migration Snapshot: Over 1,100 migrants were rescued off Mauritania in less than two weeks, with departures linked to the Atlantic route that often includes Gambian boats. Energy Costs: A World Bank review says Gambia’s electricity tariffs remain among the highest globally, citing weak sector finances and inefficient subsidies. Press Freedom Legacy: Gambians marked Deyda Hydara’s 80th birthday, renewing calls to end impunity in attacks on journalists. Sports: Trust Bank won the 2026 Interbank Trophy after a goalless draw and a penalty shootout win.

Press Freedom Remembrance: Gambians marked Deyda Hydara’s 80th birthday, celebrating the slain media pioneer as a lasting symbol of fearless journalism and democracy. Banking Sports: Trust Bank PLC beat Bloom Bank on penalties to lift the 2026 Interbank Trophy, with the Central Bank governor kick-starting the final. Regional Security: ECOWAS marked 51 years with renewed focus on tackling trafficking, drug trade and irregular migration through stronger regional coordination. Local Governance & Data: Kanifing’s digital-address project backed by FID aims to improve municipal planning and evidence-based policymaking using Google Plus Codes. Parliament Capacity: A “Fellows Meeting” at the National Assembly brought partners and UNDP/EU support to strengthen legislative drafting, oversight and communication. Court Update: The High Court restrained breakaway GICA council members and ordered temporary steps to keep the institute running pending the case. Energy Costs: A World Bank review says weak electricity finances and system losses keep Gambia’s tariffs among the highest globally. Migration Watch: Mauritania reported over 1,000 migrants rescued off its coast in 10 days, with boats linked to the Gambia and Senegal. Gulf Labour Rules: Kuwait restricted domestic worker recruitment to 10 approved countries and banned many others, including Gambia.

Domestic Work Rules in Kuwait: Kuwait’s Interior Ministry says domestic worker recruitment is now limited to 10 approved countries (including India, Sri Lanka, Philippines, South Africa, Benin, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Nepal, plus Senegal for males only) while banning hiring from 27 others—Gambia is listed among the prohibited countries. Migration Pressure in West Africa: Mauritania’s coastguard reports 1,076 migrants rescued in 10 days, with pirogues linked to The Gambia and Senegal; people are being registered in EU-funded reception centres. Higher Education Reform in The Gambia: MoHERST and stakeholders validate updates to the Tertiary and Higher Education Act, 2016, arguing the law must deliver real governance, quality, and relevance—not just expansion. Food Safety Push: The Food Safety and Quality Authority launches a National Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Committee to strengthen coordination, monitoring, and science-based food safety for trade. Energy Oversight: OMC says a vessel allegedly carrying off-spec contaminated fuel (YASA ORION) was rejected after tests and left Gambian waters. Sports: Gambia’s men’s beach volleyball team wins Zone II qualifying, booking a spot in the 2026 African Beach Volleyball Championship. Governance & Accountability: Calls grow to expedite operationalisation of The Gambia’s Anti-Corruption Commission, with nominees still awaiting swearing-in.

World Cup Visa Clash: FIFA referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was left out of the 2026 World Cup after being denied entry to the United States, with other officials also facing harsh checks. ICC Leadership Crisis: The ICC suspended chief prosecutor Karim Khan, plunging the court into limbo after a dispute over how allegations against him were handled. Migration Spotlight: Pope Leo’s visit to Spain’s Canary Islands is set to focus on migrant treatment after years of overcrowding and harsh conditions. Gambia Sports: The Gambia won the Zone II men’s beach volleyball title, while Police FC thrashed Waa Banjul 3-0 to extend their unbeaten run. Energy & Trade Watch: Authorities rejected a vessel carrying off-spec fuel, and The Gambia launched a National SPS committee to strengthen food safety and trade compliance. Governance & Economy: Budget figures show the deficit down 67% in Q1 as revenue rose to D7.68bn. Anti-Corruption Push: Rights group urges Barrow to expedite swearing-in of Anti-Corruption Commission nominees. Local Justice: A driver accused of speeding off with a policeman on his bonnet was charged with attempted murder and other offences.

Offshore Oil Deal: The Gambian government has signed a landmark offshore petroleum exploration, development and production licence with Eni for Block A1, covering about 1,300 sq km in deep waters, giving Eni rights to explore and offering the state direct participation via GNPC, with options for further interest after discoveries. Energy Crisis Pressure: Opposition and stakeholders continue to push for clarity over the prolonged electricity crisis, with GDC calling for a full account of causes, immediate fixes and long-term plans for NAWEC. Health Regulation Boost: President Adama Barrow commissioned The Gambia’s first modern food and drug quality control laboratory, funded by the World Bank, aimed at improving testing of food and medicines and reducing reliance on labs abroad. Tourism Crackdown: The Gambia Tourism Board warned illegal developers in the Tourism Development Area to stop unapproved construction, citing environmental damage, coastal erosion and poor sanitation. Democracy Update: The IEC has completed its 44-day supplementary voter registration, adding 212,095 new voters and expanding participation ahead of elections. Security & Tech: GPF and PURA plan to partner to fight cybercrime, including scams and hacking, through a proposed MoU. China Links: VP Muhammad B.S. Jallow praised China’s zero-emission, automated Tianjin Port and highlighted new trade opportunities, including access for Gambian groundnuts. Sports Facilities: Youth and Sports Minister Bakary Badjie says Independence Stadium renovations are on track for AFCON qualifiers in September, with the pitch done and athletics works continuing.

Energy & Power Crisis: GDC is calling for clear answers on the prolonged electricity crisis, urging NAWEC and the government to explain causes, share a roadmap, and prevent repeat outages. Electricity Accountability: Barrow also admitted NAWEC owes a major debt to Senelec, adding pressure for transparency on the utility’s financial situation. Tourism Protection: The Gambia Tourism Board warned illegal developers in the Tourism Development Area to stop unapproved construction, citing coastal erosion, poor sanitation, and aggressive resistance to notices. Security & Community Policing: NCCE launched a community policing forum with UNDP and Japan support, aiming to build trust between communities and law enforcement ahead of elections. Human Rights Diplomacy: VP Jallow is in China for a Global Human Rights Forum, highlighting The Gambia’s active role in multilateral rights discussions. Offshore Oil Deal: Government signed a landmark offshore Block A1 exploration agreement with Eni, with GNPC set to take a 10% carried interest and options for more after discovery. Cybercrime Fight: GPF and PURA plan a formal partnership to tackle online scams, hacking, and other cyber threats. Sports Infrastructure: Youth and Sports Minister says Independence Stadium will be ready for AFCON qualifiers in September, with pitch work done and athletics track installation ongoing. Business & Standards: CGI welcomed the inauguration of The Gambia’s first Food and Drug Laboratories to boost quality testing, certification, and consumer protection. Finance: FCMB Group proposed a 35 kobo final dividend for 2025, subject to AGM approval. Football Coaching: An advance diploma coaching course is underway at NTTC to strengthen local coach capacity.

Maritime & regional security: Nigeria wrapped a week-long celebration of its 70th anniversary, highlighting how the Nigerian Navy has grown from a small coastal force into a multi-mission service with more than 150 vessels and platforms, and stressing future modernisation and regional cooperation. Gambia governance & elections: The National Development Association says its Chairman, Prof. Yerro Mballow, will attend the Istanbul International Model United Nations as rapporteur, with his role tied to documenting debates and supporting coalition mediation ahead of The Gambia’s 5 December 2026 presidential election. Offshore oil for The Gambia: Eni and the Government of The Gambia signed a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence Agreement for offshore Block A1, covering 1,300 km² in deep Atlantic waters, as the country pushes to unlock hydrocarbon potential. IMF support: The IMF says it is stepping up financial support for at least four African countries affected by the US-Israel-Iran war, including accelerated access for The Gambia. Humanitarian reach: Qatar Red Crescent Society’s Eid al-Adha Sacrifice Campaign says it reached 247,344 beneficiaries across Qatar and 13 countries, including The Gambia. World Cup visa drama (global, with local links): Reports say Iran’s World Cup preparations have been hit by US visa rules affecting entry and exit timing and some support staff, adding logistical pressure as the tournament approaches.

World Cup Visa Tensions: Iran’s national team has been told it must enter the United States only on the morning of matches and leave immediately after each game, a same-day entry/exit rule that has complicated logistics as the squad prepares for the tournament. Diplomatic Row: Iran also says the US denied visas to parts of its World Cup delegation, escalating a dispute that has already forced changes to training plans and bases. Gambia Energy & Oil: Eni has signed a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence Agreement for offshore Block A1, a 1,300 sq km deepwater area, as The Gambia pushes to unlock offshore potential. IMF Support: The IMF says it is stepping up financial support for at least four African countries affected by the Iran–US conflict, including The Gambia, with requests for augmentation and rephasing under existing programmes. Power & Public Services: A Rhode Island judge struck down a US policy that paused immigration benefit processing for applicants from 39 travel-ban countries, including The Gambia. Humanitarian Aid: Qatar Red Crescent’s Eid al-Adha campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries across 14 countries, including The Gambia. Sports: The Scorpions’ 2027 AFCON qualifiers draw has The Gambia opening against Somalia in September 2026.