Daily Gambian News Summary
Episode 2025-02-03
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Today's Stories

1

Scrap Metal Dealer Blamed For Inferno That Gutted 11 Old GTSC Buses – The Standard Newspaper

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 Standard
2

Police Register 4 Homicides In 72 Hours – The Standard Newspaper

The Gambia Police Force recorded four suspected murder cases between 29th January and 1st February, including the alleged murders committed by Fatoumata Bintou Jallow and Haddy Boye. Police spokesman Modou Musa Sisawo confirmed that investigations are underway, with both suspects in custody. Despite these incidents, President Adama Barrow, in a recent interview, maintained that the overall crime rate in the country is decreasing.
The Standard
3

Minister Says 2025 Salary Increment To Curb Civil Service Attrition Rate – The Standard Newspaper

The Gambia's Minister of Public Service, Baboucarr Bouy, has announced a significant salary increase for civil servants in an effort to reduce attrition and address pay disparities. The aggregate salary has been increased by 30%, with transport and residential allowances boosted by 100% and 105% respectively. The announcement was made during a town hall meeting in Bijilo, attended by cabinet ministers, government officials, media personnel, and community members.
The Standard
4

Court Tells Fishing Company Manager To Pay $10,000 To Sailors – The Standard Newspaper

Justice Ebrima Jaiteh of the Banjul High Court in The Gambia has upheld a theft conviction against Ousman Manneh, manager of the Taiwanese Taitek Company. Manneh was found guilty of failing to pay four employees from funds sent to his Standard Chartered Bank account by the employers in Taiwan between 2017 and 2019. The court ordered Manneh to pay a fine of D100,000 or face two years imprisonment, and to pay each of the complainants US$10,000.
The Standard
5

President Barrow's Obsession With Road Constructions – The Standard Newspaper

The article criticizes the Gambia's President Adama Barrow's government for its focus on road construction at the expense of other sectors such as healthcare and education. The author argues that while infrastructure development is important, it has led to a declining standard of living, a struggling healthcare system, increasing crime rates, and deteriorating educational outcomes. The piece calls for a more balanced approach to development, prioritizing investments in healthcare, education, job creation, and social services.
The Standard
6

A Call To Action For A Safer Gambia – The Standard Newspaper

The Gambia is grappling with a rise in criminal activities, prompting the government to increase security patrols and improve forensic investigations. The recent establishment of the country's first forensic DNA laboratory is seen as a step in the right direction, but it requires proper training, resources, and public trust. The article calls for collective action from both the authorities and citizens to restore peace and security.
The Standard
7

Côte D'Ivoire To Host Gambia V Kenya World Cup Match – The Standard Newspaper

The Gambia's national football team, the Scorpions, will play their 2026 World Cup qualifier matches against Kenya and Côte d’Ivoire in Abidjan due to the Independence Stadium not being approved before March 17. The decision to host the home match in Abidjan was made to reduce travel and logistical costs. This comes as a disappointment for Gambians who were hoping to see their national team play at home after a five-year wait.
The Standard
8

GAMBIAN OFFICIALS APPOINTED FOR WOMEN’S AFCON QUALIFIER – The Standard Newspaper

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has selected a team of Gambian referees, led by Isatou Touray, to officiate the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Togo and Djibouti. This decision underscores the increasing acknowledgement of Gambian referees on the African stage and the ongoing development of female match officials in the country.
The Standard
9

The President's Executive Order: A Blow To Judicial Independence And Effectiveness? – The Standard Newspaper

President Adama Barrow's recent executive order, which excludes the Gambian judiciary from a 30% salary increase for civil servants, has raised concerns about the government's commitment to a functional and impartial justice system. Critics argue that the order, which also emphasizes centralized control over the judiciary's budget, undermines the judiciary's independence and effectiveness. The order has been criticized for failing to address systemic issues such as court security, inadequate working conditions, and timely disbursement of allocated budgets.
The Standard
10

Gov’t increases salary to curb attrition rate in Civil Service

During a town hall meeting in Bijilo, Gambia, Public Service Minister Hon. Baboucarr Bouy announced a significant increase in civil service salaries and allowances. The move, which includes a 30% increase in aggregate salary and 100% and 105% increases in transport and residential allowances respectively, is aimed at retaining professional personnel within the Civil Service. The minister expressed optimism that the salary increase will help to address the loss of over 200 civil servants to parastatals and the private sector in the past two years.
The Point
11

Police investigates 3 murder cases, fire incidents

The Gambia Police Force is investigating several alleged murder cases, including a fatal stabbing in Dippa Kunda involving siblings and another in Sinchu Malado involving a married couple. Additionally, authorities are probing a case of baby dumping in Nema Kunku and assessing damage from a fire outbreak at Brikama “Sandika” Market and GTSC Depot. The investigations are ongoing with suspects in custody and post-mortem examinations scheduled.
The Point
12

HOW DO PEOPLE RESPOND TO BARROW’S BID FOR A THIRD TERM? – Foroyaa Newspaper

President Barrow, initially an independent candidate, is currently serving his second term in The Gambia, despite initially agreeing to serve for only three years. This year, as The Gambia turns 60, questions arise about whether Barrow will establish a two-term limit for future presidents or seek another term, potentially continuing a history of long-serving presidents in the country.
Foroyaa
13

HAKALANG ROAD TO BE INAUGURATED IN APRIL – Foroyaa Newspaper

The Gambia government's key road project, the Hakalang Road, has been funded by tax payer’s money and has taken five years to complete, with annual allocations of hundreds of millions of dalasi. Despite an announcement that the road will be inaugurated in April 2025, there are projections for further allocations of 621 million dalasi in 2026 and 658 million dalasi in 2027, raising questions about the project's financial management.
Foroyaa
14

Sanyang Alkalo Lamin Jabang Highlights Community Challenges, Achievements – The Fatu Network

Lamin Jabang, the Alkalo of Sanyang in The Gambia, has discussed the challenges and successes of his leadership since taking office in 2022. He highlighted land disputes, youth unemployment, and ongoing development projects in the community. Despite these issues, Jabang has made strides in community development, including the establishment of a nursing school, a community-owned bank, and a local health centre.
Fatu Network
15

Renewu Wolof Community Applauds Cornerstone Construction For CSR Efforts, Urges More Support For Water Crisis – The Fatu Network

The residents of Renewu Wolof in the Central River Region of The Gambia have commended Cornerstone Construction for its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, despite facing a severe water crisis. The company, known for infrastructure projects across the country, has contributed to local development, but the community is urgently seeking further assistance to address the water issue. The Central River Region is one of the areas in The Gambia facing acute water shortages, affecting households, farming, and livestock activities.
Fatu Network
16

Meet Ajie Jaila Sey: A Gambian Makeup Artist And Aspiring Journalist – The Fatu Network

Ajie Jaila Sey, a young Gambian woman, is simultaneously pursuing careers in journalism and makeup artistry. Despite the challenges of working in The Gambia's media industry and balancing her growing makeup business, she aims to establish herself as a journalist and podcast host, and expand her makeup business into a comprehensive beauty spa.
Fatu Network
17

Sanyang Alkalo Lamin Jabang Highlights Community Challenges, Achievements – The Fatu Network

Lamin Jabang, the Alkalo of Sanyang in The Gambia, has discussed the challenges and successes of his leadership since assuming office in 2022. In an interview, he highlighted issues such as land disputes and youth unemployment, while also noting the progress made in community development, including the establishment of a nursing school, a community-owned bank, and a local health centre. Jabang also emphasized the importance of empowering women, girls, and youth in the community's development efforts.
Fatu Network
18

Renewu Wolof Community Applauds Cornerstone Construction For CSR Efforts, Urges More Support For Water Crisis – The Fatu Network

Residents of Renewu Wolof in The Gambia's Central River Region have praised Cornerstone Construction for its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, despite ongoing water shortages. The community has called for further assistance, including government intervention, to address the water crisis, which is affecting households, farming, and livestock activities.
Fatu Network
19

Meet Ajie Jaila Sey: A Gambian Makeup Artist And Aspiring Journalist – The Fatu Network

Ajie Jaila Sey, a young Gambian woman, is striving to balance careers in journalism and makeup artistry. After initially failing to meet university entry requirements, she enrolled in a makeup school and later gained admission to the Media Academy for Journalism and Communication (MAJaC) in The Gambia. Sey plans to establish herself in entertainment journalism and expand her makeup business into a full-service beauty spa.
Fatu Network
20

NEA Director Warns Against Littering, Calls for Proper Use of Cleansing Materials – Foroyaa Newspaper

The Director of the National Environment Agency (NEA) in The Gambia, Dr. Dawda Badjie, has warned against littering and emphasized the agency's commitment to enforcing anti-littering laws. During a ceremony at the NEA headquarters, the agency donated cleaning materials to various institutions to support environmental cleanliness efforts. Dr. Badjie expressed concern over the misuse of these materials and the increasing waste littered across the country.
Foroyaa
21

Minister reveals about 2,700 staff not reporting to work – Foroyaa Newspaper

The Ministry of Public Service in The Gambia, led by Baboucarr Bouy, has identified approximately 2,700 'unseen workers' across ten ministries, saving about D13.5 million per month. Following an internal audit conducted in April 2024, over 3,000 workers' salaries were blocked, with 882 reinstated after verification of their statuses. The ministry is currently entering data for the fourteenth ministries as part of their ongoing internal audit.
Foroyaa
22

Gov’t digitizing access to national documents – Foroyaa Newspaper

The Gambia's Minister of Public Service, Baboucarr Bouy, announced a collaboration with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy and support from Bangladesh to digitize a government portal for improved public service delivery. The digitization process aims to simplify access to national identification cards, passports, driver’s licenses, birth certificates, and business registration. The Minister also revealed plans for an internal audit on all ministries, except Basic and Secondary Education, Health, and Agriculture, to control the country's wage bill.
Foroyaa
23

Hakalang Road to be Inaugurated in April 2025 – Foroyaa Newspaper

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.
Foroyaa
24

Old Jeshwang Health Centre Decorates Outstanding Staff – Foroyaa Newspaper

The Old Jeshwang Health Centre in The Gambia was recognized for its exceptional performance and dedication to providing quality medical services to the community. The award ceremony, held on 30th January 2025, acknowledged the significant roles of the staff and management in the facility's progress. The health center, serving a population of 21,863, conducts an average of 240 to 300 deliveries per year.
Foroyaa
25

GPF Says Recent Alleged Murders Are Acts Of Domestic Violence – The Fatu Network

The Gambia Police Force has clarified recent alleged murder cases, stating they were acts of domestic violence within private residences, not public or gang-related crimes. Public Relations Officer Modou Musa Sisawo emphasized that these incidents, which occurred between January 29 and February 1, 2025, could not have been prevented through routine policing strategies. The police force is committed to addressing domestic violence through community policing, sensitization, strengthening laws and enforcement, and working with social services and civil society organizations.
Fatu Network
26

GPF Says Recent Alleged Murders Are Acts Of Domestic Violence – The Fatu Network

The Gambia Police Force has clarified that recent alleged murder cases were acts of domestic violence, not public or gang-related crimes, according to a press release. The cases, which occurred between January 29 and February 1, 2025, took place within private residences and involved individuals with pre-existing personal relationships. The police force emphasized its commitment to addressing domestic violence through community policing, early reporting encouragement, and collaboration with social services and civil society organizations.
Fatu Network
27

The Gambia JournalRights Group Calls for Explanation Over Arrest of Sira Touray

The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) in The Gambia has expressed concern over the arrest and detention of Sira Touray by the Gambia Police Force. The rights group has urged the Inspector General of Police to respect Touray's rights in detention and provide a public update on the circumstances surrounding her arrest. The case has raised issues about due process and detainee rights in The Gambia.
Gambia Journal
28

The Gambia JournalGambia Police Rejects Crime Surge Claims, Says Recent Murders Stem from Domestic Violence

The Gambia Police Force has clarified that recent murder cases were acts of domestic violence, not random or gang-related crimes, occurring between January 29 and February 1, 2025. The incidents took place in private residences in Bansang, Wellingara, Dippa Kunda, and Sinchu Malado, involving individuals with pre-existing relationships. The police are urging for greater societal involvement in addressing domestic violence and have initiated a community sensitization program on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and domestic abuse.
Gambia Journal
29

The Gambia JournalDLEAG Operatives Seize Over 128,000 Ecstasy Pills at Banjul International Airport

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.
Gambia Journal