AGP Executive Report

Power Crisis & Protests: Gambia’s President Adama Barrow urged calm after violent street protests in Banjul and surrounding areas over rolling blackouts that reportedly lasted up to 48 hours, with police using tear gas and demonstrators burning tyres; Barrow said improvements are expected by end of October, ahead of December elections. Public Order Crackdown: Inspector General of Police Seedy Mukhtar Touray ordered that no unauthorised demonstrations will be allowed, warning against night gatherings and vandalism after unrest included attacks on NAWEC branches and the unlawful release of detainees; 11 people were arrested. AFCON 2027 Build-Up (Ghana): Ghana’s Sports Minister and NSA DG inspected Accra Sports Stadium for Black Stars qualifiers, with the venue facing scrutiny and calls to meet CAF standards; Ghana hosts The Gambia on 29 September. Ghana Squad Process: Carlos Queiroz submitted his squad for the Ivory Coast and Gambia qualifiers, with final player invitations pending GFA approvals. Regional Health Warning (Gambia in focus): A new study on pesticide exposure found unintentional acute pesticide poisoning affects about 51.5% of farmers and farm workers in The Gambia, alongside high rates across West Africa. Sports (CAF/Clubs): Kwasi Sibo is set for a CAF Champions League debut after Al-Swehly’s win over Espérance’s opponents, and Medina United’s continental run ended as Star Sport Academy advanced.

Protest Crackdown: Gambia’s police chief Seedy Mukhtar Touray has banned all unauthorised public demonstrations after violent anti-government protests tied to prolonged power cuts, warning that anyone who converges or causes havoc—especially at night—will face “necessary force,” with police saying 11 people were arrested and NAWEC branches were attacked. Electricity & Politics: The unrest has been linked to anger over blackouts ahead of December elections, with opposition candidate Talib Ahmed Bensouda saying people were pushed to the streets by heat and frustration. Telecom Investment: The U.S. Export-Import Bank approved a $99.6m loan to Africell to expand American and allied network equipment, with Africell operating in Angola, DR Congo, Sierra Leone and The Gambia. Sports—CAF: Star Sport Academy advanced in the CAF Champions League after beating Medina United 2-1 on aggregate, setting up a second-round tie with Morocco’s RS Berkane. Education Data: A global map shows women lead college enrollment in most countries, with Gambia listed at an 83% women-vs-men tertiary gap. Football—Ghana Link: Reports say Ghana’s Black Stars squad for AFCON qualifiers vs Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia is expected soon, as players impress abroad.

Gambia Protests Crackdown: Gambia’s Inspector General of Police Seedy Mukhtar Touray has banned all unauthorised public protests after violent demonstrations over prolonged power cuts, with tear gas used to disperse crowds and 11 people arrested over vandalism. Election Rules Tightened: The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) set Nov. 3–14 for presidential nominations and says it will strengthen verification of signatures and voter card numbers, with candidates needing support from at least 5,000 registered voters plus extra documentation. Electricity Costs & Cement Prices: MPs urged lower power and utility costs for Salaam Cement, arguing high electricity charges are pushing up cement prices, as the company cites unreliable and expensive power as a key challenge. US-Backed Telecom Loan: The Trump administration announced a $99.6m Export-Import Bank loan to Africell to expand American tech in Africa, with Africell operating in Angola, Congo, Sierra Leone and The Gambia. Football & Talent Pipeline: Gambian youngsters Ebrima and Abdoulie Jatta signed pro contracts with Turkish club Gençlerbirliği, while Amara Camara completed a permanent move to Sweden’s Kalmar FF; meanwhile, Ghana’s Ronald Donkor and Nathaniel Adjei continued strong club form ahead of AFCON qualifiers involving The Gambia.

Power Crisis & Protests: Gambia’s Inspector General of Police Seedy Mukhtar Touray has banned all unauthorised demonstrations, warning that anyone who converges or causes “havoc” especially at night will face “necessary force,” after violent anti-government protests over prolonged blackouts, tear gas use, vandalism and attacks on NAWEC branches. Election Rules: The IEC has set presidential nomination dates for Nov. 3–14, with stricter verification for candidates, including support from at least 5,000 registered voters and stronger checks on signatures and voter card numbers. Electricity Costs & Industry: MPs urged action to cut power and utility costs for Salaam Cement, saying unreliable and expensive electricity is pushing up cement prices. Football Talent Abroad: Two Gambian youngsters, Ebrima and Abdoulie Jatta, signed pro contracts with Turkish club Gençlerbirliği, while Amara Camara completed a permanent move to Sweden’s Kalmar FF. International Tech Loan: Africell—operating in Angola, Congo, Sierra Leone and The Gambia—received a $99.6m U.S. EXIM loan to expand American telecom technology and compete with Huawei.

Power Crisis & Protests: Gambia’s Inspector General of Police Seedy Mukhtar Touray has banned all public demonstrations without permits after violent unrest linked to prolonged NAWEC power cuts, warning that anyone who converges, causes havoc, or disturbs peace—especially at night—will face “necessary force,” with authorities also arresting 11 people over vandalism and reporting attacks on NAWEC branches. Election Rules: The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) set Nov. 3–14 for presidential nominations ahead of Dec. 5, requiring candidates to secure support from at least 5,000 registered voters (including 200 from each administrative area), strengthen signature and voter-card verification, and submit assets declarations and tax clearance. Electricity Costs & Industry: MPs urged lower power and utility costs for Salaam Cement, saying unreliable and expensive electricity is pushing up cement prices, while the company relies on generators and pays commercial tariffs. Telecom Funding: The Trump administration announced a $99.6m EXIM loan to Africell to expand U.S.-backed telecom technology in Angola and beyond, including operations in The Gambia. Sports (Gambia Abroad): Gambian players continue to move and score overseas, including Ebrima and Abdoulie Jatta signing pro deals in Türkiye and Amara Camara completing a permanent transfer to Sweden’s Kalmar FF.

Power Crisis & Protests: Gambia’s police chief Seedy Mukhtar Touray has banned all public protests without official permits after violent demonstrations over prolonged blackouts, warning violators will face “necessary force.” Police used tear gas, a police post was vandalised, and NAWEC said three branches were closed after attacks. Elections & Electoral Integrity: The IEC has tightened presidential candidate verification ahead of the Dec. 5 vote, setting nomination dates for Nov. 3–14 and requiring support from at least 5,000 registered voters, with strengthened checks on signatures and voter card numbers. Electricity Costs & Industry: MPs urged lower power costs for Salaam Cement, saying unreliable and expensive electricity is pushing up cement prices. International Spotlight: The US is pressuring the ICC further as more states announce withdrawal, while Washington also plans a nearly $100m loan to Africell to expand telecoms using “trusted” equipment amid Huawei competition. Youth & Football: Two Gambian youngsters, Ebrima and Abdoulie Jatta, signed pro contracts with Turkey’s Gençlerbirliği, and Amara Camara completed a permanent move to Sweden’s Kalmar FF.

Electricity Crisis & Protests: Fresh protests erupted in The Gambia over rolling power cuts, with police tear-gassing demonstrators in areas around Banjul; residents say outages have lasted up to 48 hours, disrupting shops, food and water. Government Response: President Adama Barrow urged calm and promised improvements to power supply by October, as debate grows over how the crisis could affect the December election. Election Politics: Opposition and civil society voices are pushing for a national conference on coalition formation ahead of the Dec. 5, 2026 presidential vote, while UDP leader Ousainu Darboe urged focus on winning rather than distractions. Justice Reform: The Minister of Justice told lawmakers government policy is to abolish the death penalty, with a moratorium already in place since 2017. Sports & Youth: Medina United prepare for CAF Champions League action; Gambia’s volleyball men’s team received D10 million ahead of the African Nations Championship. Court Briefs: Brikama court granted bail to a man accused of theft and heard other minor traffic and stealing cases.

Electricity Crisis & Protests: Gambians took to the streets again after months of rolling blackouts, with reports of violent protests and calls for President Adama Barrow to resign, as communities say outages have disrupted water and daily life. Governance & Accountability: Vice President Muhammed B.S. Jallow told the National Assembly that only 17 of 30 National Audit Office recommendations (2023–2025) were fully implemented, while others are still partially or fully in progress. Death Penalty Reform: The Minister of Justice said government’s policy position is to abolish the death penalty in the law books, noting a long-standing moratorium since 2017. Election Process: An IEC calendar update explains nomination steps for the Dec. 5, 2026 presidential election, including candidate requirements and nomination timelines. Coalition Politics: Team Gambia 2026 is pushing for a national conference on Sept. 12 to discuss forming a broad coalition ahead of the election. Agriculture & Climate: Farmers in western Gambia are rethinking how to protect rice fields as saltwater advances and threatens estuary farmlands. Sports (Gambia): Medina United host Star FC in CAF Champions League preliminaries after a goalless first leg, while the Baby Scorpions U-17 tournament has been relocated to Thies.

Electricity Crisis & Protests: Gambians in Banjul, Kanifing, Brikama and Brufut took to the streets again over rolling blackouts, burning tyres, blocking roads and chanting “Barrow must go,” as police used tear gas to disperse crowds; President Adama Barrow urged calm, saying the outages are a national security emergency and promising power improvements by end of October, including a new 24-megawatt generator at Brikama and additional supply measures. Sports—Ghana AFCON Focus (Regional Impact): Ghana’s Carlos Queiroz has been tasked by the GFA to get the Black Stars back to AFCON 2027, with qualifiers starting 24 September away to Côte d’Ivoire and then hosting The Gambia three days later; ex-GFA vice-president George Afriyie warned Ghana “no business” missing qualification and stressed tight management and logistics. Youth Football—Gambia Results: The Scorplings began WAFU Zone A U-17 AFCON qualifying with a 4-1 comeback win over Sierra Leone, while GSSSA UBS finals spots were secured by Penyem UBS (Boys) and Abuko UBS (Girls). Governance & Faith: GIABA urged religious leaders in Banjul to use their influence to fight money laundering and terrorism financing. Business/Infrastructure (Regional): Sierra Leone’s PaviFort praised by Gambian authorities for work on the 50KM urban roads project in Brufut.

Power Crisis in Focus: Gambians in Banjul and nearby areas staged candlelight and street protests over rolling blackouts, with police using tear gas as crowds burned tyres and demanded President Adama Barrow’s resignation. Barrow urged calm, calling the outages a national security emergency, and promised improvements by end-October, including a 24-megawatt generator and a 50-megawatt solar plant. NAWEC says shortages are worsened by reduced regional imports and failures in major units, while the National Audit Office has flagged weaknesses in NAWEC’s past operations. Sports & Regional Football: Ghana’s Black Stars prepare for 2027 AFCON qualifiers with Carlos Queiroz expected to arrive in Ghana this week; Accra Sports Stadium is the only approved venue and is undergoing rehabilitation ahead of the Gambia match. Youth Football: The Gambia U-17 “Scorplings” began their WAFU Zone A AFCON qualifying campaign with a 4-1 comeback win over Sierra Leone. Governance & History: NCAC clarified that Gambia-Senegal boundary pillars being identified are colonial-era markers from 1904–1905. Security & Finance: GIABA urged religious leaders to help fight money laundering and terrorism financing across West Africa.

Power Crisis & Protests: President Adama Barrow urged calm after violent demonstrations in Banjul over rolling blackouts that residents say can last up to 48 hours, with police using tear gas as protesters burned tyres and blocked roads toward NAWEC. He called the outages a “national security issue” and promised action, saying a new 24-megawatt generation unit will be commissioned by end of October and a 50-megawatt solar plant in Soma is set to begin construction soon. Regional Security & Finance: GIABA called on religious leaders across West Africa to help fight money laundering, terrorism financing, corruption, trafficking and kidnapping, urging them to lead by example and use their influence to promote ethical conduct. Football Focus (Gambia-linked): Ghana’s Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz is expected to arrive in Ghana this week to prepare for 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with Ghana to host The Gambia shortly after their opening trip to Côte d’Ivoire; the GFA says Accra Sports Stadium rehabilitation will be completed in time. Migration Update: MSF reported that 1,046 migrants, including people from The Gambia, were rescued off West Africa after boats headed for Spain’s Canary Islands got stranded, with survivors suffering severe dehydration and injuries.

Power Crisis Protests: Protesters in Banjul and nearby areas burned tyres and blocked roads after blackouts lasting up to 48 hours, with police using tear gas near NAWEC and the VP’s residence; President Adama Barrow called the outages a “national security issue” and said he will address the nation after visiting the Brikama power facility. Port Efficiency Boost: The Port of Banjul cut vessel turnaround time from 16 days (2024) to 8 days 20 hours (2026), citing better coordination, faster cargo handling, fewer equipment delays, and a new 15,000-square-metre container terminal. Migration Rescue Update: MSF says 1,046 migrants were rescued in one week off West Africa after boats left The Gambia for Spain’s Canary Islands, with survivors reporting severe dehydration, injuries and infections. Gambia Football Spotlight: Gambian goalkeeper Ebrima “Onana” Jaiteh started for UD Songo in the CAF Champions League opener, while Sarah Jarju finished joint-top scorer in the WAFU-A Women’s qualifiers; Kemo Ceesay also attended his first WAFU-A congress as GFF president. Regional Sports Link: Ghana’s Carlos Queiroz says he will soon submit the Black Stars squad for 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with Ghana set to face Côte d’Ivoire then The Gambia.

Gambia Football & AFCON Qualifiers: The Gambia has named a 35-man preliminary squad for the September AFCON qualifiers, with captain Omar Colley and forwards Musa Barrow and Ebou Adams in the mix, but winger Yankuba Minteh is ruled out due to injury; the Scorpions open at home against Somalia on 25 September before travelling to Ghana on 29 September. Injuries & Club Action: Medina United drew 0-0 away with Sierra Leone’s Star Sports Academy in the CAF Champions League preliminary first leg, setting up a decisive home return in Banjul on 12 September. Player Transfer: Gambian prospect Abdallah Jatta has signed a two-year deal with Turkish club Gençlerbirliği after leaving Ebohna Football Academy. Regional Cooperation & Tourism: Senegalese tourism operators visited The Gambia for business talks, with calls for follow-up partnerships beyond familiarisation tours. Infrastructure: President Adama Barrow inaugurated parts of the 50-km Urban Roads Project in Brufut, calling it a long-term investment for mobility and economic growth. Health & Data: WHO launched a Regional Health Data Hub to help countries use trusted health data for outbreak response and planning. Travel Deal: A UK travel agent is promoting a December offer for seven nights at Kombo Beach Hotel in The Gambia, with bookings open until 21 September.

Public Health & Misinformation: Africa CDC says rumours can turn deadly, citing “genital theft” false claims that sparked mob violence and killings across parts of East Africa. AFCON Qualifiers (Gambia): Head coach Johnathan McKinstry named a 35-man preliminary squad for the September double-header vs Somalia and Ghana; Yankuba Minteh is ruled out with injury, while Musa Barrow is also facing fitness concerns. Gambia in CAF Champions League: Medina United drew 0-0 away with Sierra Leone’s Star Sports Academy in the first leg, setting up a decisive return in Banjul on Sept. 12. Local Development: President Adama Barrow inaugurated key components of the 50-km Urban Roads Project in Brufut, calling it a long-term investment beyond the 2024 OIC Summit. Sports Transfers (Gambia-linked): Abdallah Jatta signed a two-year deal with Turkish club Gençlerbirliği after leaving Ebohna Football Academy. Regional Humanitarian Response: MSF reports survivors of Gambia-linked Atlantic crossings disembarked in Mauritania and Senegal, with many suffering dehydration, injuries, and infections.

Gambia-Linked Migration Crisis: Reports say a migrant boat from Gambia has been adrift for weeks near the Canary Islands, with dozens feared dead and multiple deaths confirmed, renewing calls for faster rescue and protection at sea. Education & Placement Integrity: Ghana’s education minister has ordered senior high schools and TVET centres not to admit students outside the CSSPS system, warning heads of sanctions if placement rules are breached. Regional Football Leadership: Sierra Leone’s SLFA president Babadi Kamara was elected Vice President of WAFU-A at a congress in Banjul, boosting sub-regional football administration ties. Maritime Skills: The Ghana Maritime Authority urged stronger seafarer assessment and certification standards, highlighting regional training involving The Gambia and neighbours. US Green Card Lottery: The US State Department released DV-2026 selection details, with West Africa featuring prominently and applicants urged to complete processes before the September 30, 2026 deadline. Sports (Gambian Spotlight): Brighton coach Fabian Hurzeler says Yankuba Minteh could still earn a “dream” Liverpool move in a future window after rejected bids.

Gambia Electoral Update: The IEC has moved into a key legal phase for the 2026 polls, with Revising Courts hearing 1,694 objections to the supplementary voters’ register across multiple areas, focusing on who is legally entitled to be registered. Football & Regional Sports: SLFA President Babadi Kamara was elected Vice President of WAFU-A at the regional congress in Banjul, boosting Sierra Leone’s role in sub-regional football administration. Gambia in the Spotlight Abroad: A Gambian immigrant, Ousman Ceesay, is at the centre of a Tucson gay bar shooting case in the US, with police describing it as a hate-motivated attack. Health & Trade: The Philippines has banned meat products from at least 23 countries including The Gambia, citing foot-and-mouth disease risk. Youth & Community: A Gambian media company is publishing a children’s book on business tycoon Muhammed Jah, aiming to distribute 10,000 copies nationwide. Maritime Standards: The Ghana Maritime Authority is pushing stronger assessment and certification standards for seafarers, with regional training involving The Gambia.