Daily Gambian News Summary
Episode 2025-01-28
EN WO FR AR

Today's Stories

1

Open Letter To AG Over Jammeh's Recent Rhetoric – The Standard Newspaper

Former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh's provocative statements, claiming a return to power, have raised concerns about stability and democracy. The article calls on the Justice Ministry to issue warnings, engage international partners, strengthen security, and reiterate government efforts to address public concerns raised by Jammeh's rhetoric.
Standard
2

Dangerous False Equivalence Of Haji Jawara – The Standard Newspaper

Gambia's honorary consul in Angola, Haji Jawara, has called for forgiveness for former president Yahya Jammeh, despite ongoing efforts to prosecute Jammeh for crimes committed during his dictatorship. However, Jawara's call has been met with criticism from those who believe it undermines transitional justice and national security. The Gambian government is urged to continue pursuing accountability for past crimes.
Standard
3

Sherif Jallow Appointed PS At MoPS – The Standard Newspaper

Sherriff Jallow has been appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, effective January 24th, 2025. He will oversee the implementation of the Civil Service Reform Program Strategy (2018-2027), which aims to modernize the public administration and improve service delivery through technology. His responsibilities include ensuring optimal staffing, attracting and retaining skilled personnel, enhancing ethical conduct, and leveraging ICT advancements.
Standard
4

Jammeh Says He Will Never Go To Jail – The Standard Newspaper

Former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh has declared he will resist prosecution for alleged crimes committed during his rule (1994-2017), vowing to return home despite threats. Jammeh has also reassumed control of his party, dismissing his appointed successor. He expressed concern over the current state of Gambia, criticizing its healthcare, education, and public safety.
Standard
5

Father Blames Police For Escape Of Suspect In Son's Death – The Standard Newspaper

A man named Alhaji Baba Ceesay is threatening to sue the Inspector General of Police and Minister of Interior over the escape of a suspect in his son's death. The suspect, Ebou Secka, escaped police custody while being transported back to remand, and Ceesay alleges that he was released by police on orders from higher authorities. Police have confirmed the escape and are actively searching for the suspect.
Standard
6

Brikama Area Council Accuses WCR Governor Bojang Of Vendor Stall Demolition – The Fatu Network

The Brikama Area Council has objected to the demolition of vendor stalls near the Magistrates' Court, claiming it undermines their support for local vendors and development efforts. The council alleges that Governor Bojang, who denies involvement, orchestrated the demolition, leading to tensions between the two authorities. A stakeholder meeting was held to restore relationships and emphasize their shared goal of development.
Fatu Network
7

Press Release - For Immediate ReleasePostponement Of The Inauguration Of Mansa Sansang City – The Standard Newspaper

The inauguration of Mansa Sansang City has been postponed to address concerns with community engagement, government coordination, international invites, supply chain disruptions, and the prioritization of inclusivity and sustainability. The new inauguration date will be announced after careful consideration of stakeholder availability.
Standard
8

Jammeh Gets Life Ban, Faces Criminal Trial – The Standard Newspaper

The Gambian government has accepted the recommendations of the Janneh Commission report, seizing assets of former President Jammeh to recoup funds he allegedly misappropriated. They have also banned him from holding public office and opened criminal proceedings against him for theft, economic crimes, and corruption.
Standard
9

Gambian Arrested In Italy For Abusing Family – The Standard Newspaper

Police in Italy arrested a 34-year-old Gambian man, K.S., on charges of family mistreatment and resistance to a public official. The arrest was made after police responded to an emergency call about a domestic dispute involving K.S. and his family members, including his spouse and two daughters, one aged 1 year and the other 15.
Standard
10

Barrow Says He Is A Mandinka – The Standard Newspaper

President Adama Barrow dismissed allegations of tribalism, asserting his inclusivity toward all ethnic groups. Stating that his meeting with a Fula association was not politically motivated, he emphasized that he aims to develop The Gambia through cooperation. Barrow announced a nationwide tour starting on November 18th, highlighting his determination to lead the country.
Standard
11

Results Of 1xBet’s New Year’s Advent In Gambia: How The Festive Adventure Turned Out – The Standard Newspaper

The article is relevant to The Gambia. The piece discusses a festive Advent promotion run by the bookmaker 1xBet Gambia, in which participants were active on social media and received valuable prizes. The most active users received promo codes for bets and some lucky winners received Bluetooth speakers as gifts.
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12

A Jan. 6 Rioter Pardoned by Trump Shot and Killed by Sheriff’s Deputy

Matthew Huttle, a 42-year-old Indiana man who was pardoned by President Trump for his involvement in the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021, was shot dead by a sheriff's deputy during a traffic stop. Huttle was reportedly resisting arrest and in possession of a firearm when the incident occurred. The deputy involved has been placed on leave during the investigation led by the Indiana State Police.
Gambia Journal
13

Saudi Arabia Allocates 2,000 Pilgrim Slots for Gambia – Foroyaa Newspaper

Saudi Arabia has allocated 2,000 slots for Gambian pilgrims and 20 officials for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, announced Hamat Nk Bah, the Minister of Land, Regional Government, and Religious Affairs. The Hajj package, costing GMD 525,000, includes airfare, accommodation, catering services, ground transportation, visa fees, and a provision of 5 liters of Zamzam water. The minister urged pilgrims to finalize their packages early, purchase them from approved agencies, and comply strictly with Saudi regulations to ensure a smooth pilgrimage.
Foroyaa
14

Lands Minister Announces Large Land Seizure at Kamalo – Foroyaa Newspaper

The Gambia Government has accepted the recommendations of a task force investigating land allocation issues in Kamalo Layout and Kamalo Proper, following legal advice from the Ministry of Justice. The task force's recommendations include developing a National Land Policy, establishing clear criteria for allocating multiple plots to a single entity, and conducting an environmental impact assessment before further development. The government has also agreed to revoke land allocations made without ministerial approval and to hold officials accountable for a missing Kamalo file.
Foroyaa
15

Brikama Area Council Accuses WCR Governor Bojang Of Vendor Stall Demolition – The Fatu Network

The Brikama Area Council has strongly objected to the demolition of vendor stalls near the Brikama Magistrates' Court by West Coast Region Governor Ousman Bojang. The council alleges that the governor attempted to use police force to execute the action, despite prior consultations with authorities confirming the stalls complied with regulations. The situation has sparked tension between the council and the governor, but a stakeholder meeting was held to restore relationships and promote collaboration in regional development.
Fatu Network
16

Canada, Netherlands Join Gambia's Fight For Rohingyas – The Standard Newspaper

On November 11, 2019, The Gambia filed a lawsuit at The Hague against Myanmar for human rights violations against the Rohingya minority. Canada, Netherlands, and The Gambia have subsequently formed a joint working group to pursue the case, with support from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and other countries. Discussions with representatives from Indonesia and Saudi Arabia have affirmed their support for The Gambia's efforts to seek accountability for the alleged crimes.
Standard
17

GAMBIA ANTI-DOPING MEETING ENDS WITH COMMITMENT TO CHANGE IN SPORT INTEGRITY – The Standard Newspaper

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.
Standard
18

AG Appeals For In'tl Support To Fund USD$60m Special Tribunal – The Standard Newspaper

Gambia's Justice Minister has appealed for international support to establish a hybrid tribunal to address human rights violations committed during the Yahya Jammeh regime. The tribunal, which requires an estimated $60 million in funding, aims to prosecute individuals named in the truth commission's report and provide reparations to victims. The government is committed to implementing the tribunal and other transitional justice recommendations to promote reconciliation and accountability.
Standard
19

The Thorny Debate Of Prosecuting Former President Yahya Jammeh – The Standard Newspaper

This article discusses the controversy surrounding the Barrow administration's push to prosecute former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh based on the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) report. It highlights the political tensions and divisions within the APRC-NPP alliance, particularly in relation to the proposed prosecution of Jammeh. The article also criticizes the TRRC's processes and final report, suggesting they are politically motivated and biased.
Standard
20

Food Portraits: Celebrating Gambian Women At Alliance Française De Banjul With Enora Lalet – The Standard Newspaper

This article is relevant to The Gambia. French artist Enora Lalet, in collaboration with Gambian photographer Lena Nian, is set to embark on a month-long residency at Alliance Française de Banjul, creating five unique portraits of Gambian women using local food and materials. The project, funded by the French Embassy in Senegal and The Gambia, aims to promote women's expression through the arts and culture, focusing on the Kenyeleng community of women who have experienced infertility.
Standard
21

BOM BOUNCES BACK AS WOMEN SCORPIONS COACH – The Standard Newspaper

Mariama Sowe has been reappointed as interim head coach of Gambia's Women's national football team, replacing Yahya Manneh who moved to the U-17 male team. Sowe, a CAF B license holder who guided Gambia to its first WAFU-A bronze title, will prepare the team for the African Women's Nations Cup qualifiers against Niger in February.
Standard
22

JACK ORDERED TO FACE RYAN ROZICKI BY WBC – The Standard Newspaper

WBC cruiserweight champion Badou Jack will face mandatory challenger Ryan Rozicki in a fight that must take place within 60 days of a deal being reached. Rozicki, who is coming off a majority draw in his last fight, is confident of victory against Jack, who has not fought since winning the title in February 2023.
Standard
23

20 AFRICAN SPORT MINISTERS DUE HERE FOR THE BANJUL REGIONAL GOVERNANCE MEETING – The Standard Newspaper

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.
Standard
24

11 BANKS SQUARE UP FOR GOVERNOR'S TROPHY – The Standard Newspaper

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.
Standard
25

Navigating Population Growth, Crime, Poverty, And Housing In The Gambia – The Standard Newspaper

The Gambia is grappling with rapid population growth, projected to reach 3.5 million by 2025, against limited resources, leading to increased social issues such as crime, poverty, and land grabbing. The high population growth, driven by a youthful demographic, has resulted in rampant unemployment and underemployment, contributing to a rise in crime rates and an increase in poverty. The government is urged to take proactive measures, including investments in family planning, education, healthcare, sustainable agricultural practices, and stronger land tenure laws.
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