news and current affairs.
Bushfires Threaten Heritage Sites and Communities
Bushfires Threaten Gambia's Historic Sites, Officials Warn. National Centre for Arts and Culture head Hassoum Ceesay reported Thursday that bushfires pose a serious risk to Gambian communities and heritage sites. A recent fire damaged parts of the Wassu Stone Circles in Central River Region North. The site stands on UNESCO's Tentative List for World Heritage status. Local guides, residents, and NCAC staff helped put out the flames. The fire burned plants and left black marks on the ancient stones before crews stopped it. "We need to address bushfires across the board to protect people and property," Ceesay said. NCAC plans to work with UNESCO's World Heritage Centre on repairs, aiming to prevent future fires at the site. The...
Spaces for Change Launches CSO Compliance Report
Civil Society Groups Launch Compliance Study for Gambia, Sierra Leone. A new report on rules for civil society groups in The Gambia and Sierra Leone launched Wednesday at Baobab Holiday Resort. Spaces for Change partnered with the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) for this project. Key leaders met for two days to review how these rules affect West African organizations. The meetings included civil society members, regulators, and experts. African Commission representative Dr. Litha Musyimi-Ogana praised the timing of this study. She noted civil society groups lead efforts to cut poverty, protect rights, and boost democracy. "These groups face many deep challenges. Complex laws and rules create problems...
Game-Based Learning Boosts GBV Skills
Police Learn New Ways to Handle Gender Violence Cases. Gambian police officers completed special training last week on sexual and reproductive health rights. The five-day program used games to teach officers about gender-based violence. The Joint EU-German Support project led the training from January 27 to 31. Dr. Marion Popp, the project head, praised the trainers' work and asked officers to share their new skills in their communities. "Knowledge creates power and change," Dr. Popp said. Police Commissioner Mustapha Ndong discussed including these lessons in police training schools and praised the trainers for their clear approach to gender violence issues. Banjul region Commissioner Amie Nyassi thanked Girl's Pride and GIZ for...
High Court Orders Psychiatric Exam for Murder Suspect
Court Orders Mental Health Test for Murder Suspect. A Banjul High Court judge ordered psychiatric evaluation Thursday for Ya Fatou Sawaneh, accused of killing her mother last year. Justice Omar Cham directed Sawaneh's transfer to Tanka Tanka psychiatric hospital. The suspect appeared distressed and cried during the court session. Sawaneh faces charges in the death of her mother, Binta Bojang, in August. The case moved from Brusubi Magistrates' Court to the High Court in October 2024, as lower courts cannot hear murder cases. Defense attorney Lamin J. Darboe filed a motion on January 29, 2025. He requested a medical assessment to determine if Sawaneh could receive bail and return to her family in Tujereng, Kombo South District. The...
New Puma Deal Fuels Gambian Youth Football
Former National Team Star Secures Major Football Partnerships. The Tijan Jaiteh football academy launched its five-year partnership with Norwegian club FK Bodø/Glimt last week, marked by a delivery of premium Puma sports equipment. The academy received new match jerseys, training gear, boots, bags, and other essential items from the Norwegian top-flight team. This collaboration aims to scout and develop young Gambian talent through shared expertise and training methods. "The academy welcomes all Gambians. We want to train talented footballers and help them succeed," said Tijan Jaiteh, the academy's founder and former national team player. He thanked President Barrow, Sports Minister Bakary Badjie, and other supporters for backing his...
Presidential Exit and Term Limits Needed
An Open Letter Questions President Barrow's Political Future. President Adama Barrow's recent statements about remaining in power have sparked concerns about The Gambia's democratic path. His April 2023 meeting with Muslim elders suggested plans to leave office after his second term. He discussed creating a foundation and recruiting staff, indicating clear intentions to step down. Yet his supporters pushed a different message. They claimed the president meant something else, despite Barrow himself telling QTV's Alieu Ceesay he wanted to leave office. His party members convinced him to stay for the National People's Party's interests. Critics point to troubling patterns among Barrow's current allies. Many supported the previous...
West Africa Reels as Nations Exit Ecowas
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger's Exit from ECOWAS Signals Regional Shift. The departure of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS marks a major change in West Africa's political landscape. These nations announced their exit from the Economic Community of West African States, raising concerns about regional unity and security. Their decision points to growing frustration with regional organizations. Many citizens see these groups as unable to meet local needs. This shift could lead other nations to question their ties with regional bodies. The exit weakens ECOWAS as a regional force. Created to boost economic growth and political stability, ECOWAS faces new challenges without these three members. Other countries might rethink their...
New JUSTICE Magazine Sparks Legal Dialogue
The Gambia Debuts New Legal Magazine "JUSTICE" A new law magazine launched this week aims to transform legal discourse in The Gambia. "JUSTICE: Let There Be Justice Though The Heavens Fall" brings together legal experts, scholars, and students to address key issues in the country's legal system. Legal veteran FaFa Edrissa M'Bai founded the publication. M'Bai holds degrees from the Universities of London and Keele and has over 40 years of experience, including two terms as Attorney General. The late Bola Carrol dubbed him "The Mobile Law Library of The Gambia Bar." At 82, M'Bai continues his sharp legal analysis. The first edition covers constitutional development, judiciary roles in democracy, and the balance between customary and...
Gambia Seizes 128K Ecstasy Pills at Banjul Airport
Major Drug Bust at Banjul Airport: 128,000 Ecstasy Pills Seized. Drug agents arrested a Gambian man Sunday at Banjul International Airport with over 128,000 ecstasy pills hidden in three suitcases. Saikou Krubally, who holds a Spanish residence permit, arrived on Brussels Airlines. Officers tracked him from the airport and arrested the Sukuta traffic roundabout. Officials say Krubally traveled from Barcelona to Amsterdam to collect the drugs. He then flew to Banjul through Brussels for a promised payment of €10,000. The Drug Law Enforcement Agency described it as one of the largest ecstasy seizures at any airport in West Africa. This marks another major success for agents at Yundum Airport. "This shows DLEAG's commitment to block...
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