A report by the Institute of Security Studies highlights concerns over the prolonged presence of ECOWAS-backed troops in The Gambia, suggesting it undermines sovereignty and hinders crucial reforms. Gambians increasingly call for the departure of Ecomig, originally deployed for security sector reform.

The Institute of Security Studies recommends Ecowas seek UN and AU assistance for Gambia's constitutional building process, crucial for security and judicial reforms post-dictatorship. Despite political tensions over the 'Barrow Constitution', Ecowas mediation is urged for stability and transitional justice progress.

Modou Gibba, a Gambian youth player from Logic Sports Academy, has joined Jordanian club Inglizia for an international youth tournament in Dubai, becoming the third player from the academy to do so. Coach Pascal Njie has also traveled to Jordan to oversee their progress.

The Gambia faces controversy over high customs duties on flour imports, with a Danish entrepreneur encountering difficulties. The Ministry of Trade refutes claims of an embargo, citing protection of local flour mills and a 47% duty increase since 2013.

GNOC president and delegation met with Chinese Ambassador to enhance sports collaboration and introduce new leadership. Discussions focused on strengthening ties and acknowledging China's historical support, with a vision to boost Gambian sports through international partnerships.

Former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh is listed among the world's ten most 'wanted' ex-leaders for serious crimes, including human rights violations during his 22-year rule. Although no international warrant exists, a Special Tribunal for The Gambia is being created for his prosecution.

The Sports Journalists Association of The Gambia plans a seminar at the Olymp-Africa Centre to celebrate the country's 60th independence anniversary, featuring discussions with sports legends to engage and network with current and past female athletes.

Turkish company Albayrak and Gambia Ports Authority, operating as Alport, have initiated modernization efforts at Banjul ports, aiming to reduce turnaround time, enhance efficiency, and boost cargo volume. The project involves significant investments to expand and modernize the port, as well as construct

Albayrak Group's subsidiary, Alport Banjul, has taken over The Gambia's ports under a 30-year PPP agreement, aiming to modernize facilities, increase efficiency, and boost the country's role as a trade hub in West Africa, with plans for job creation and economic

Western diplomatic missions, including the French consulate in Bamako, are reportedly refusing to recognize the newly introduced AES passports held by Malians, causing concerns among passport holders. Malian authorities assert all necessary procedures for international recognition have been followed, and efforts are underway to address the issue.

Nearly 600 residents of Ghana Town in Brufut, Gambia face statelessness due to lack of official documents, with 94% lacking any form of identification. The report highlights a need for legal reforms and cooperation between governments to address this issue.

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Dr. Abubacarr Jawara, CEO of Gambia, Africa, China Holding (GACH), has significantly reduced the cost of basalt in The Gambia by importing directly from Ivory Coast, bypassing Senegal. This move has made basalt more accessible for local construction projects, saving time and money. Jawara praised President Barrow's administration for creating an environment conducive to private investment, which has made such ventures possible.

The Gambia College Students Teachers Association (STA) is launching a football championship at the Brikama campus, named this year after Mayor Talib Bensouda of KMC. The competition, organized by Gambia College sports minister Lamin F Sanneh, aims to promote unity and teamwork among students and teachers in the School of Education. The tournament, which will include both male and female categories, is set to commence this evening.

Dr. Abubacarr Jawara, CEO of Gambia, Africa, China Holding (GACH), has significantly reduced the cost of basalt in The Gambia by importing it directly from Ivory Coast, bypassing Senegal. This move has made basalt more accessible for construction projects in the country, saving both time and money for Gambians. Jawara also commended President Barrow's administration for creating an environment conducive to private investment.

The Gambia government's concession agreement with Turkish company Albayrak for the management of the Banjul Seaport and the development of a Deep Seaport in Sanyang has been marred by irregularities, according to an investigation by The Alkamba Times. The report raises concerns about the bidding process, Albayrak’s qualifications, and the government’s decision-making, with allegations that the contract was awarded despite Albayrak failing to meet all bid requirements. The investigation also reveals financial and managerial disputes within the Albayrak-Negmar Consortium, and allegations of corruption and mismanagement in Albayrak's past engagements in other African countries.

The Public Enterprise Committee (PEC) of the National Assembly in The Gambia has decided to question the Office of the Vice President and Finance Ministry about the €9.8 million spent on 70 buses for the Gambia Transport Service Company (GTSC). The decision follows discussions with the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC) and the GTSC about the unrecovered expenditure. The government had initially directed the purchase of 50 buses, later adding 20 more, with the promise of refunding the money, a promise that has yet to be fulfilled.

The Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) is planning to engage with the Sanyang community to address concerns over the ongoing ports expansion project, which involves the relocation of 461 properties and settlements. The community has demanded that all facilities of the deep sea port be located in the sparsely settled Tourism Development Area to avoid affecting any settlements. In response, the GPA has recognized the importance of community involvement in port development and is ensuring their representation in the project implementation.

Sparks from a grinder used by a scrap metal dealer caused a fire that destroyed 11 discarded buses at the Gambia Transport Service Corporation (GTSC) depot in Kanifing. The fire, which occurred on Saturday, also partially damaged four other buses. The affected buses had previously been auctioned off as scrap, and no injuries or deaths were reported in the incident.

The Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG) has arrested Gambian national Saikou Krubally in a major drug bust at Banjul International Airport, seizing 128,745 ecstasy pills. Krubally, who arrived in Banjul from Brussels, was under surveillance and was arrested on February 2, 2025. This arrest is part of DLEAG's ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking through the airport, with more than 215,000 ecstasy pills and other illicit substances seized in the past three months.

The Gambia's Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, Ebrima Sillah, has announced that the Hakalang road project is nearing completion, with an inauguration expected by the end of April 2025. The project, which is fully funded by the Gambian government, includes an 85-kilometer road stretch divided into three sections, with approximately 85% of the work already completed. The Minister also visited other ongoing road projects in the country, emphasizing that these roads are linked to essential services like hospitals and schools.

The political climate in Germany is becoming increasingly challenging for migrants, including over 30,000 Gambians, due to the rising popularity of the far-right party, Alternative for Germany (AfD). The party, known for its anti-migrant stance, has recently distributed around 30,000 counterfeit "deportation" tickets, sparking nationwide outrage and comparisons to Nazi-era practices. Gambian migrant activist in Germany, Yahya Sonko, warns that the growing support for AfD could lead to stricter residency requirements and an increased risk of deportation for immigrant communities.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports in The Gambia concluded its annual senior management team meeting, where key stakeholders reviewed progress, addressed challenges, and planned future strategies. Representatives from various institutions, including the President's International Awards and the National Sports Council, presented their achievements and challenges, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and effective communication. The meeting also included updates from all six satellite institutions and projects under the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

Relevant: As of November 24, 2024, 1,035 Gambian nationals are on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) non-detained docket with final orders of removal. The Gambia has been classified as a country “at risk of non-compliance” with U.S. removal efforts, indicating potential delays in confirming citizenship, issuing travel documents, or accepting repatriation flights to The Gambia.

At an African ministerial meeting on anti-doping in sports in Banjul, ministers committed to enhance sports governance and fight the issue with support from UNESCO and global partners. The strategies agreed upon aim to address challenges faced by youth, including drug use and irregular migration, by promoting clean and fair sports. Minister of Sports Bakary Badjie and President Barrow met to discuss the progress and reinforce The Gambia's commitment to anti-doping and youth development through sports.

The annual inter-bank football championship, initiated by the late Governor Famara Jatta, has commenced with the participation of 10 commercial banks and the Central Bank. In the opening matches, Bloom Bank emerged victorious with two wins, defeating CBG 3-0 and BSIC 3-0. The tournament continues this weekend, with all participating teams vying for the championship title.

The Gambia will host the Inter-Regional African Ministerial Meeting on Anti-Doping in Sports, which aims to strengthen ethical standards and foster collaboration in African sports governance. Minister of Youth and Sports Bakary Badjie emphasized the event's importance for The Gambia and its commitment to transparency and ethical practices.

A devastating fire in Bakau Newtown on Wednesday morning consumed an entire compound, causing significant property damage and leaving residents homeless. The fire, which started at 2:30 a.m., spread rapidly due to inflammable materials in the structures. The timely response of youths, neighbors, and the fire service prevented further damage, but the authorities are now appealing for assistance to help the displaced families.

The Gambia Ferry Service Company conducted a three-day training program for its staff on emergency response and disaster management, covering risk assessment, first aid, and evacuation protocols. The training aims to enhance the safety of passengers and staff by ensuring adequate preparation for emergency situations.