Episode 2025-01-31

Today's Stories

1

SENEGALESE MARABOUT ALLEGEDLY MURDERED IN BANSANG – The Standard Newspaper

The Gambia police are investigating the suspected murder of a Senegalese marabout, Moussa Bâ, who resided in Bansang Sukuru Kunda Allatentu. The homicide reportedly occurred on January 29, and preliminary findings suggest that two individuals, claiming to be Bâ's relatives, visited him before his disappearance and are now missing. The police have called on the public to provide any information that may assist in the investigation.
The Standard
2

Victims Centre Ex-chairman Tells Gov't To Issue Int'l Arrest Warrant For Jammeh – The Standard Newspaper

Sheriff Kijera, former chairman of the Gambia Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations, has called on the Barrow government to issue an international arrest warrant for former president Yahya Jammeh. This comes after Jammeh, currently in exile in Equatorial Guinea, released an audio declaring his intention to return to The Gambia, dismissing efforts to put him on trial. Kijera, now head of Accountability Project Gambia, has urged President Barrow to assure that Jammeh will be arrested and held accountable if he returns.
The Standard
3

Standoff Ends At GPPC As MD Hands Over To Deputy – The Standard Newspaper

A dispute between the managing director and the board chairman of the Gambia Printing & Publishing Corporation, which had resulted in operational paralysis, has been resolved. The conflict had led to staff salaries for January not being processed and a lack of funds for essential office operations. The managing director, Momodou Ceesay, was sent on administrative leave due to allegations of economic malfeasance and mismanagement, and after initially defying orders to hand over his duties, he complied and handed over to the deputy managing director.
The Standard
4

Foreign Affairs Ministry Updates NA On Plans To Open New Embassies – The Standard Newspaper

The Gambia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Momodou Tangara, has informed the National Assembly Foreign Affairs Committee about plans to open new embassies in Berlin, Stockholm, and Tokyo. The fact-finding missions for these proposed embassies have been successfully conducted and approved, with the reports sent to the Office of the President for further directives. Minister Tangara also updated the committee on the Foreign Service Bill, which is expected to be finalized and submitted for enactment by the National Assembly by the end of 2025.
The Standard
5

A Call For Unity: Ending Character Assassination In The Gambia – The Standard Newspaper

The article discusses a growing trend of character defamation for personal gain in The Gambia, which is reportedly eroding the nation's unity and slowing its progress. It calls for a shift from envy and deceit to unity, encouragement, and honesty, emphasizing that the success of one Gambian can open doors for many others. The piece underscores the need for unity and collaboration over personal interests for the nation's growth.
The Standard
6

MoYS HOLDS SMT MEETING TO STRENGTHEN TEAMWORK – The Standard Newspaper

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.
The Standard
7

Gambia to open 3 new embassies in Europe

The Gambia is in the process of establishing embassies in Berlin, Stockholm, and Tokyo, with fact-finding missions completed and reports submitted to the President's Office for further directives. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad, along with other departments, are involved in the delegations for these missions. Germany is prioritized due to the challenges faced from the country and the recent opening of a German embassy in The Gambia.
The Point
8

Gambian asylum seekers in Italy to be transferred to Albania

Italy's offshoring scheme for refugees, which includes Gambians, has been criticized by international human rights bodies. The government of Giorgia Meloni recently passed a decree stating that individuals from countries deemed "safe," including The Gambia, cannot be granted political asylum. Despite this, an official has confirmed that the fundamental rights of any Gambian with a genuine claim will be respected under the 1951 Geneva Convention on the protection of refugees.
The Point
9

Senegalese national allegedly murdered in Bansang

In Bansang, the lifeless body of Musa Bah, a Senegalese national, was discovered following a distress call to local officers. Preliminary investigations suggest that Bah was last seen with two individuals claiming to be his relatives, who are now missing. An investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances of his death, with the public urged to provide any relevant information.
The Point
10

2025 Germany’s Election: Anti-Migrant Campaign Triggers Outrage, Authorities Initiate Criminal Investigation Into “Fake Deportation Tickets” – The Fatu Network

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.
Fatu Network
11

2025 Germany’s Election: Anti-Migrant Campaign Triggers Outrage, Authorities Initiate Criminal Investigation Into “Fake Deportation Tickets” – The Fatu Network

The political climate in Germany is causing concern for the Gambian migrant community, as the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) gains popularity with its anti-migrant stance. The party recently distributed around 30,000 counterfeit "deportation" tickets, sparking outrage and a criminal investigation. Gambian activist Yahya Sonko warns that the rising support for AfD could lead to stricter residency requirements and increased deportation risks for Gambians and other immigrant communities in Germany.
Fatu Network
12

Barrow Downplays Jammeh’s Threats, Says Justice Awaits Exiled Former President

President Adama Barrow of The Gambia has responded to threats from exiled predecessor Yahya Jammeh, stating that if Jammeh returns to the country, he must face justice for alleged crimes committed during his 22-year rule. This comes after Jammeh, currently in exile in Equatorial Guinea, suggested in a recent speech that he would reclaim power upon his return. The Gambian government maintains that Jammeh can return as a citizen, but not to power, and must answer for his past actions.
Gambia Journal
13

President Barrow Open to Dialogue with Ousainou Darboe, Rejects Partisan Gridlock

President Adama Barrow of The Gambia has expressed his readiness to engage in direct talks with Ousainou Darboe, the leader of the main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), amidst ongoing tensions between the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) and the UDP. The President emphasized the importance of national interests over political rivalries and reiterated his support for constitutional reforms, including presidential term limits. The move signals a potential shift in political engagement as the country seeks a new constitution that balances democratic governance with executive authority.
Gambia Journal
14

Cost of Living and Industrialize Gambian Economy – President Barrow Outlines Strategy

President Adama Barrow of The Gambia has emphasized his government's commitment to reducing living costs, increasing domestic production, and modernizing infrastructure for economic stability. He outlined efforts to encourage business investment in agriculture and energy, including a tender for a 50MW solar farm, and addressed concerns over the privatization of the country's main port. Barrow's administration faces the challenge of translating these policies into real economic relief for ordinary Gambians, with the success of these initiatives crucial in determining whether The Gambia can achieve sustainable growth and reduce its dependence on imports.
Gambia Journal
15

Gambian Court Issues Bench Warrant for Bemba Drammeh Over Seditious Intent Case

A bench warrant has been issued in The Gambia for the arrest of Bemba Drammeh, who failed to appear in court to face charges of seditious intent. Drammeh, who had previously been granted bail, fled the country and did not attend his scheduled court hearing. He had previously claimed in an interview that the 2021 presidential election was rigged, and his absence has led to his bail being revoked.
Gambia Journal