AGP Executive Report

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.

US Immigration Ruling: A federal judge struck down Trump-era policies that delayed immigration benefit decisions for applicants from 39 “high-risk” countries, including The Gambia, saying the rules left people in legal limbo. World Cup Visa Drama: Iran’s squad left Turkey for Mexico for FIFA World Cup 2026 after receiving US visas for players and some support staff, while Iran protested that some officials and media staff were denied. IMF Support for Africa: The IMF said it is stepping up financial support for at least four African countries hit by fallout from the US-Iran conflict, including The Gambia, with requests for augmentation and rephasing. Gambia Energy & Internet Pressure: Gamtel reported an internet outage linked to loss of power at the ACE submarine cable station in Sukuta, adding to public frustration during power cuts. Oil & Gas Move: The Gambia awarded offshore exploration rights for Block A1 to Eni, a bid to unlock deepwater potential. Humanitarian Aid: Qatar Red Crescent’s Eid Al Adha campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries across 14 countries, including The Gambia. Local Sports: The Scorpions’ 2027 AFCON qualifiers draw includes Somalia and Ivory Coast.

Offshore Energy Deal: The Gambia has signed a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence Agreement for offshore Block A1 with Eni, bringing a major deepwater operator into the country’s Atlantic Margin push to unlock hydrocarbon potential. Internet Disruption: A nationwide internet outage hit Gambia early in the day, with Gamtel linking the problem to loss of power at the ACE submarine cable station in Sukuta amid ongoing electricity challenges. Power Crisis Deadline: Gambia’s utility authority has set a June 19 deadline for action on stabilising electricity after public frustration over outages. Regional Trade Support: ECOWAS and WiLDAF ran a five-day training in Banjul to strengthen women cross-border traders and agribusiness entrepreneurs. Sports & Visas: Iran’s World Cup squad row with the US over visas for support staff continues as Iran prepares to travel to Mexico for the tournament. AFCON Qualifiers: The Scorpions have been drawn in Group C for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, starting against Somalia in September.

Offshore Energy Deal: The Gambia has awarded offshore Block A1 exploration rights to Eni, with a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence Agreement signed for the 1,300 sq km Atlantic block in deep waters. Power & Internet Strain: A nationwide internet outage hit major telecoms after power loss at the ACE submarine cable station in Sukuta, adding to public frustration over ongoing electricity problems. Governance & Justice: The Independent Electoral Commission says 24,058 people registered multiple times in the voter exercise, warning of criminal penalties. An Afrobarometer access-to-justice survey also finds many Gambians doubt courts are fair, affordable, or timely. Security Leadership Update: President Barrow accepted the resignation of former CDS Lt Gen Mamat Cham amid allegations, appointing Maj Gen Ousman Gomez as Acting CDS. Sports & National Pride: The Scorpions’ 2027 AFCON qualifiers draw puts Gambia in Group C against Ivory Coast, Ghana and Somalia, starting with Somalia in September. Humanitarian Support: Trust Bank presented $10,000 to SOS Children’s Village, bringing its total support to $40,000 for children without parental care.

World Cup & visas: Iran’s squad says it has received Mexico visas and will leave Antalya for Tijuana on June 6, but the trip still follows uncertainty around US entry rules. Power sector: Nawec’s debt talk is back in focus after reports of liabilities to regional utilities; official sources cited put the Nawec-Senelec figure at about US$37m, plus about US$21m to Guinea’s EDG. Elections & integrity: The IEC says 24,058 people registered with multiple voter’s cards, warning double registration is a criminal offence with fines, jail and possible voting bans. Justice trust: An Afrobarometer access-to-justice survey finds many Gambians doubt courts are fair, affordable or timely, with concerns about unequal treatment and impunity. Governance & unity: Brikama North chief Lamin ‘Mondo’ Jatta urged Gala to stop frequent protests and form a political party instead. Human rights: Lawyers filed a complaint with the African Commission to stop US “third-country” deportations to Equatorial Guinea, citing fears of persecution. Energy investment: Eni entered The Gambia with an offshore Block A1 exploration and production licence agreement. Sports: Coach Jonathan McKinstry’s Scorpions contract extension was confirmed, and the Governor Famara Jatta interbank trophy final is set for Saturday.