Episode 2025-02-06

Today's Stories

1

US-FUNDED MCC PROGRAM ‘PAUSED’ IN GAMBIA AFTER TRUMP FREEZES FEDERAL GRANTS – The Standard Newspaper

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC-Gambia) threshold programme, aimed at addressing The Gambia's electricity challenges, has been temporarily paused due to an executive order by US President Donald Trump. The order, which freezes all US-funded programmes worldwide for 90 days, has caused the delay of a US$25 million grant intended to fund economy-boosting investments, reduce poverty, and improve education, transport, and the ecosystem along The Gambia River. Despite the pause, the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) will continue its operations and no staff layoffs are expected.
The Standard
2

Suspended Union Leader Sues GPA For D1 Million – The Standard Newspaper

Lang Balla Sawo, the suspended president of the Gambia Dock and Maritime Workers Union, has petitioned the Banjul High Court to order the Gambia Ports Authority to pay him D1 million for alleged wrongful interference in his office. Sawo is also seeking a declaration that his suspension is null and void, and that his removal from the board of directors of the Dock Labour Company, Gambia Limited, is unlawful. He is further demanding that the defendants vacate his office and pay all dividends due to him by the Gambia Ports Authority.
The Standard
3

NPP Surrogate Rebuts BB Dabo And His GFA – The Standard Newspaper

Yaya Dampha, the coordinator for NPP supporters in the diaspora, has defended the Barrow government against accusations of failure by the GFA party. Dampha highlighted the government's efforts in transitional justice, including holding perpetrators accountable and establishing a hybrid court system. He also criticized former officials for their past actions and called for citizens to confront the realities of the current situation.
The Standard
4

EFSCRJ Rejects Inclusion Of Yahya Jammeh In The Diamond Jubilee Activities – The Standard Newspaper

The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights & Justice (EFSCRJ) has objected to the inclusion of former Gambian president Yahya Jammeh's portrait on a billboard commemorating The Gambia's diamond jubilee of independence. The organization argues that Jammeh, who led the country from 1994 to 2017, violated the constitution, committed human rights abuses, and imposed autocratic rule. The EFSCRJ is calling for Jammeh's image to be removed from the billboard and for his legacy to be remembered as a dark period in the nation's history.
The Standard
5

Barrow Should Not Attempt To Contest For A Third Term – The Standard Newspaper

This article is about the political situation in The Gambia, focusing on President Adama Barrow's intention to run for a third term. Critics argue that despite the constitution allowing unlimited terms, Barrow's decision contradicts his previous support for term limits and risks causing instability. The article also highlights the president's prioritization of his party's interests over those of the Gambian people, and the potential implications for the 2026 elections.
The Standard
6

Airport Ecstasy Trafficker Fined D0.5 Million – The Standard Newspaper

Alieu Njie, arrested at Banjul International Airport in The Gambia with ecstasy tablets in December last year, has been convicted and fined D500,000 or a default six-year prison sentence. Njie was found guilty on two counts of possessing and dealing in prohibited drugs by Principal Magistrate Anna Mendy of the Brikama court. He was caught with 47,078 pills of MDMA (ecstasy) amounting to 22kg 900g.
The Standard
7

Gambia, S/Leone, Liberia Launch Landmark Free Roaming Agreement – The Standard Newspaper

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (Pura) of The Gambia, in partnership with Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) and the National Communications Authority (NatCA) of Sierra Leone, has established a free-roaming agreement to eliminate cross-border telecom charges and enhance regional connectivity. The agreement, which aligns with Ecowas regulations, will be implemented in phases starting from 2nd May, 2025, allowing mobile users across The Gambia, Liberia, and Sierra Leone to communicate without incurring roaming fees. This initiative is part of a broader effort to foster economic growth and seamless communication for the region's 16 million residents.
The Standard
8

Upholding Justice: The Indispensable Legal Year Celebration – The Standard Newspaper

The Judiciary of The Gambia marked the opening of the 2025 Legal Year on February 9, emphasizing the need to adequately resource the judiciary for a more efficient legal landscape. The event highlighted the importance of judicial independence, the need to address challenges such as case backlogs and inadequate resources, and the importance of attracting and retaining quality legal professionals. The celebration also served as a call to action to ensure a fair and effective judicial system, seen as a cornerstone of a just society.
The Standard
9

ASD Calls For Political Reforms And Transparency In Gambia – The Fatu Network

The Alliance of Social Democrats (ASD), a Gambian civil society and political organization, has called for critical reforms in governance, security, and the economy ahead of the 2026 presidential elections. ASD leader Marie Sock criticized the current government's performance, highlighting issues such as the deteriorating security situation and underfunding of key sectors. The ASD also emphasized the need for transparency in political party financing and reaffirmed its commitment to nonpartisan politics.
Fatu Network
10

Oasis Network Concludes Sign Language Bible Translation Training For Individuals With Hearing Impairments – The Fatu Network

The Oasis Network has completed a two-week intensive Bible translation programme into sign language for the deaf community in The Gambia. The programme, which brought together both Muslim and Christian participants, was aimed at enhancing their understanding of the Bible and improving their sign language communication skills. The initiative also revealed a strong connection between Gambian sign language and Dutch sign language, which was used to ensure effective communication of the Bible's message.
Fatu Network
11

IEC Chairman Alieu Momarr Njai Retires – The Fatu Network

Alhagie Alieu Momarr Njai, the long-standing Chairman of The Gambia's Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), has officially announced his retirement. During his tenure, Njai oversaw several major elections, including the notable 2016 presidential election that resulted in a peaceful but turbulent transition of power from Yahya Jammeh to Adama Barrow.
Fatu Network
12

"From 90% To 73%": Gambia's Slow Battle Against Female Genital Mutilation Reveals Persistent Challenges – The Fatu Network

The Gambian Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare has reported a slow decline in Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) prevalence, from 90% in 2009 to 73% currently, despite the practice being criminalized in 2015. The Minister emphasized the need for collective efforts to overcome cultural and social barriers that hinder the elimination of FGM. The government remains committed to its goal of zero tolerance for FGM, but the current pace of change suggests this may remain elusive for future generations.
Fatu Network
13

ASD Calls For Political Reforms And Transparency In Gambia – The Fatu Network

The Alliance of Social Democrats (ASD), a Gambian civil society and political organization, has called for governance reforms ahead of the 2026 presidential elections, criticizing the current government's performance and highlighting concerns about security, the economy, and political financing. ASD leader, Marie Sock, who plans to run as an independent candidate in 2026, emphasized the need for transparency in political party financing and urged Gambians to take control of their democratic future. The ASD's calls are expected to fuel further debate on governance, political financing, and democratic reforms in Gambia.
Fatu Network
14

Oasis Network Concludes Sign Language Bible Translation Training For Individuals With Hearing Impairments – The Fatu Network

The Oasis Network has concluded a two-week intensive Bible translation program in sign language for the hearing-impaired community in The Gambia. The initiative, which included both Muslim and Christian participants, was led by Karamakho Danfokho, a sign language expert from the U.S., and aimed to enhance the understanding of the Bible among the deaf community. The program also revealed a strong connection between Gambian sign language and Dutch sign language.
Fatu Network
15

IEC Chairman Alieu Momarr Njai Retires – The Fatu Network

Alhagie Alieu Momarr Njai, the long-serving Chairman of The Gambia's Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), has officially announced his retirement. During his tenure, the IEC oversaw several major elections, including the significant 2016 presidential election, which saw a peaceful yet turbulent transition of power from Yahya Jammeh to Adama Barrow.
Fatu Network
16

"From 90% To 73%": Gambia's Slow Battle Against Female Genital Mutilation Reveals Persistent Challenges – The Fatu Network

The Gambian Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare has reported that despite efforts to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), the practice remains prevalent, with a reduction from 90% in 2009 to 73% currently. Despite the implementation of the Women’s Amendment Act in 2015, which criminalizes FGM, the practice continues to persist due to deeply rooted cultural practices. The government maintains its commitment to the elimination of FGM, but the slow rate of decline raises questions about the effectiveness of current strategies.
Fatu Network