AGP Executive Report

Electricity Crisis Turns Violent: Gambians in Banjul and nearby areas staged candlelight protests, burned tyres and blocked roads over rolling blackouts that have lasted up to 48 hours, with police firing tear gas near NAWEC and during clashes around State House and Farato. Barrow’s Response: President Adama Barrow urged calm, called the outages a “national security issue,” and promised a power boost by late October—an extra 24-megawatt generation unit by end of October and a contracted 50-megawatt solar plant in Soma—while blaming regional supply constraints and seasonal hydropower drops. Accountability and Public Anger: NAWEC Managing Director Gallo Saidy asked for patience, but residents also pointed to a National Audit Office special audit of NAWEC (2022–2024) citing procurement and internal control weaknesses. Local Fallout: In Farato, protesters also damaged the police station and an NPP bureau, drawing condemnation from residents who said destroying public institutions won’t restore electricity. Politics Watch: The UDP marked its 30th anniversary, with leader Ousainou Darboe urging focus on issues ahead of December’s presidential election.

Power Crisis & Protests: Gambia President Adama Barrow urged calm after violent blackout protests in Banjul and nearby areas, where demonstrators burned tyres, blocked roads and chanted “Barrow must go!” Police used tear gas as crowds moved toward NAWEC’s headquarters. Barrow called the outages a “national security issue” and said a new 24-megawatt generation unit will be commissioned by end-October, alongside a contracted 50-megawatt solar plant in Soma. Elections & Governance: The unrest adds pressure ahead of December’s presidential election, with Barrow seeking a third term. Regional Democracy Push: The EU and WANEP held a forum, “Voices for Peace,” urging transparency and fairness for The Gambia’s 2026–2027 electoral cycle. Port Performance: The Port of Banjul cut vessel turnaround time from 16 days (2024) to 8 days (2026), citing better coordination and new container terminal capacity. Sports (Gambia-linked): WAFU-A women’s qualifiers saw Gambian striker Sarah Jarju finish joint-top scorer for Berewuleng FC.

Power Crisis & Protests: Police used tear gas to disperse protesters in Banjul and elsewhere after blackouts lasting up to 48 hours, with demonstrators burning tyres and chanting “Barrow must go!” as NAWEC blamed heat-driven demand surges and import constraints ahead of December elections. Political Opposition Pressure: Coalition 2026 leaders renewed calls for change and opposition unity at a Brikama rally, with Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda insisting nothing would stop his 2026 presidential bid despite references to commissions of inquiry. Border & Sovereignty Watch: Lands Minister Hamat N.K. Bah admitted a Gambian government facility was built on Senegalese territory, raising fresh questions about surveying, consultations, and how border projects are managed. Port Performance: The Port of Banjul cut vessel turnaround time from 16 days (2024) to 8 days 20 hours (2026), citing better coordination, reduced equipment downtime, and new container terminal capacity. Sports & National Team: Gambia coach Johnathan McKinstry named a 35-man preliminary squad for AFCON qualifiers vs Somalia (Sept 25) and Ghana (Sept 29), with Yankuba Minteh ruled out on injury.

AFCON Qualifiers (Gambia): The Gambia head coach Johnathan McKinstry named a 35-man preliminary squad for the September 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with the Scorpions set to host Somalia on 25 September and then travel to Ghana on 29 September; Yankuba Minteh is left out due to injury, while Ibou Touray, Saidou Khan, Alassana Jatta and Mohamed Badamosi return, and the squad begins a training camp in Banjul on 21 September. AFCON Qualifiers (Ghana): Ghana captain Jordan Ayew is expected back for the Black Stars after travelling to England to finalise a free transfer to one of two Sheffield clubs, with his availability for the opening qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia now in focus. Education & Governance (Gambia region): Ghana’s education minister Haruna Iddrisu ordered SHS/TVET heads not to admit students outside the CSSPS placement system, warning of sanctions—an integrity push that will be watched across the region. Civic Peace Ahead of Elections: The National Centre for Civic Education (NCCE) urged political actors to avoid actions that could threaten peace and unity ahead of The Gambia’s 5 December 2026 presidential election, stepping up voter education and anti-hate-speech work. Migration & Humanitarian Crisis: Reports detail another deadly Atlantic crossing linked to departures from The Gambia, with more than 80 migrants feared dead after weeks adrift near the Canary Islands, while survivors received emergency care.

AFCON Qualifiers (Gambia): Gambia head coach Johnathan McKinstry named a 35-man preliminary squad for the September 25 home opener against Somalia and the September 29 trip to Ghana, with training camp set to start in Banjul on September 21. Injuries: Yankuba Minteh is ruled out with an ankle injury, while Musa Barrow is also a doubt after being substituted for Neom SC. Sports Transfers (Gambia): Abdallah Jatta has signed a two-year deal with Turkish club Gençlerbirliği after leaving ESohna Football Academy. Election Watch (Civic Peace): The National Centre for Civic Education urged political actors to avoid hate speech and actions that could threaten peace and unity ahead of the December 5, 2026 presidential election. Education Policy (Regional): Ghana’s education minister ordered senior schools and TVET institutions not to admit students outside the CSSPS placement system. Migration/Health (Regional): MSF reported survivors of Gambia-linked Atlantic crossings disembarked in Mauritania and Senegal in late August, citing severe dehydration, fractures, and infections.

Gambia Elections: The IEC’s 2026 electoral process is now in a legal phase, with Revising Courts hearing 1,694 objections to the supplementary voters’ register across multiple locations, focusing on who is legally entitled to be registered—not who wins the Dec. 5 presidential election. Regional Football: Sierra Leone’s SLFA President Babadi Kamara was elected Vice President of WAFU Zone A in Banjul, boosting sub-regional football leadership representation. Maritime Standards: The Ghana Maritime Authority called for stronger seafarer assessment and certification standards, with a regional training involving Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Cape Verde, and The Gambia. International Watch: The U.S. released DV-2026 Green Card Lottery figures, including a full list of selected countries and prospective applicants; selectees must complete processing by Sept. 30, 2026. Global Rights Agenda: The UN Human Rights Council opened its 63rd session in Geneva with dozens of resolutions, amid budget strain and delayed mandated work.

Electoral Justice in the Gambia: Magistrates appointed by the Chief Justice are now hearing objections to voter registrations from the supplementary registration exercise, with the IEC reporting 1,694 objections and Revising Courts sitting across multiple locations as the final electoral register is shaped ahead of the Dec. 5 presidential election. GFF Leadership Change: Kemo Ceesay has officially assumed the presidency of the Gambia Football Federation after taking over from Lamin Kaba Bajo, with a handover ceremony marking a democratic transition and a renewed push for football development. Regional Football Politics: Sierra Leone’s SLFA President Babadi Kamara was elected Vice President of WAFU Zone A at the WAFU-A elective congress in Banjul, boosting Sierra Leone’s role in regional football administration. Digital Economy Pitch: EFF-Gambia leader Prince Ebrahim Sanyang unveiled plans to build a digital powerhouse, including broadband as an “economic right,” regional tech hubs, and digitising government services to fight corruption. Maritime Standards: The Ghana Maritime Authority called for stronger assessment and certification standards for seafarers, including a regional training involving Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Cape Verde and The Gambia.

Gambia’s Election Legal Stage: Magistrates appointed by the Chief Justice are now hearing objections to the IEC’s supplementary voters’ register, after 1,694 challenges were filed—deciding which disputed names stay, are removed, restored or corrected ahead of the Dec. 5 presidential vote. Judicial Reform & Democracy: A democracy and governance forum urged stronger institutions, meaningful political competition, and accountability, warning that treating civil society and a free media as threats weakens elections and security reforms. Sports Governance: Kemo Ceesay has officially assumed leadership of the Gambia Football Federation, taking over from Lamin Kaba Bajo after a peaceful, democratic handover. Regional Diplomacy: President Adama Barrow concluded an official visit to Guinea-Conakry, signing a joint communiqué to deepen cooperation across trade, energy, defense, tourism, youth and fisheries. Migration Tragedy: Spanish authorities say a migrant boat linked to The Gambia drifted for 27 days off the Canary Islands; 44 survivors were rescued and more than 80 feared dead, including a baby.

Electoral Courts Update: The IEC’s 2026 supplementary voters’ register is now being challenged in Revising Courts across the country, with magistrates appointed by the Chief Justice hearing 1,694 objections to decide which registrations stay, are removed, restored or corrected. IEC Operations: The IEC also opened three more electoral offices ahead of the 2026 polls, taking its offices from seven to ten as it ramps up results management, polling manuals and dispute resolution. Judicial Reform Watch: Lands Minister Hamat N.K. Bah says land disputes make up about 62% of court cases and the government is pushing reforms including a dedicated High Court for land disputes and a Land Information System to cut multiple allocations and fraudulent transactions. Political Climate: Civil society leaders at a West Africa Democracy Radio forum urged stronger institutions and warned against treating free media and civil society as threats, stressing accountability, inclusive participation and election credibility beyond election day. Regional Diplomacy: President Adama Barrow concluded a visit to Guinea-Conakry, reaffirming cooperation across trade, energy, defense and security, tourism, science and technology, and fisheries. Humanitarian Tragedy: Spanish authorities report a migrant boat linked to The Gambia drifted for 27 days near the Canary Islands, with 44 survivors rescued and five bodies found, while fears of over 80 deaths persist.

Electoral Courts Update: The IEC’s 2026 voter registration objections are now being heard in Revising Courts across the country, with magistrates appointed by the Chief Justice reviewing whether challenged names should stay, be removed, restored or corrected—an early legal step that shapes who can vote in the Dec. 5 presidential election. Electoral Readiness: The IEC also added three more electoral offices ahead of the 2026 polls, taking the total from seven to ten as it ramps up results management, election materials procurement and dispute-resolution mechanisms. Judicial Pressure Point: Lands Minister Hamat N.K. Bah says land disputes make up about 62% of court cases and says reforms are underway, including a dedicated High Court for land disputes and a Land Information System to reduce multiple allocations and fraudulent transactions. Regional Diplomacy: President Adama Barrow concluded a visit to Guinea-Conakry, reaffirming cooperation across agriculture, trade, energy, defense and security, tourism, fisheries and education. Migration Tragedy: Spanish authorities reported a migrant boat linked to Gambia found adrift near the Canary Islands after 27 days, with more than 80 feared dead and 44 survivors rescued.

Electoral Justice: The IEC’s 2026 election legal process moves forward as Chief Justice-appointed magistrates begin hearing objections to supplementary voter registration across multiple Revising Courts, deciding which challenged names stay, are removed, restored or corrected. Judicial Reform Focus: Lands Minister Hamat N.K. Bah says land disputes dominate court work (about 62%) and says government is pushing reforms including a dedicated High Court for land cases and a Land Information System to cut multiple allocations and fraud. Civil Society & Elections: A democracy rights forum hears ACDHRS executive director Hannah Forster argue that free media and civil society aren’t threats, and that security reforms must include professionalism, civilian oversight and human-rights respect. Political Campaigning: UDP leader Ousainou Darboe vows that a UDP government would stabilize the economy, strengthen the dalasi, improve security, and better welfare for civil servants. Migration Tragedy: Spain reports a migrant boat linked to Gambia drifted for 27 days near the Canary Islands; over 80 feared dead including a baby, with 44 survivors rescued. Regional Diplomacy: President Adama Barrow concludes a visit to Guinea Conakry, reaffirming cooperation on trade, energy, defense, tourism, science, youth and fisheries. Digital Economy Pitch: EFF-Gambia’s Prince Ebrahim Sanyang unveils plans for broadband as an economic right, regional tech hubs, and digitising government services to fight corruption.

Gambia Politics & Unity: President Adama Barrow urged Gambians to reject tribalism, saying every village is multi-ethnic and intermarriage makes ethnic division pointless—while also calling on his NPP coalition to stay united ahead of the 2026 presidential election. Football Governance (Gambia-linked): CAF President Patrice Motsepe congratulated Kemo Ceesay on his election as president of the Gambia Football Federation, pledging CAF support as the new GFF leadership settles in. Regional Humanitarian Crisis (Gambia departure): A migrant boat that left The Gambia in early August was found adrift off Spain’s Canary Islands after about 27 days; Spanish rescue teams reported 44 survivors and five bodies recovered, while NGOs and campaigners fear deaths could be far higher, including a baby and women. Ghana Coaching Fallout (regional politics via sports): Ghana’s GFA reappointed Carlos Queiroz as Black Stars coach for the next phase, as debate continues over the team’s World Cup tactics and preparation time.

Gambia-Election Watch: The IEC has started revising court hearings to settle objections from the 2026 supplementary voter registration, with magistrates across several jurisdictions expected to finish within 60 days. Tribalism & Unity: President Adama Barrow urged Gambians to reject tribalism, warning that ethnic politics can undermine national unity ahead of the Dec. 5 presidential election. Power Crisis: Barrow again assured voters of improved electricity supply, citing new power machines arriving by ship and a completed tender for a 50MW solar plant. Local Government Reform: Government is set to publish the Local Government Commission report and its White Paper, after delays that have left people questioning what caused the hold-up. Youth & Education: The Students Revolving Loan Scheme opens applications on Sept. 15 for interest-free tuition support for eligible students at public universities. Regional Humanitarian Crisis: A migrant boat that left The Gambia in early August was found adrift off Spain’s Canary Islands; 44 survivors and five bodies were recovered, with more than 80 feared dead, including a baby. Sports & Politics Spillover: Ghana’s Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz has been reappointed, with debate in Ghana over his style and limited preparation time.

Sports Governance & Policy: Ghana’s Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz has agreed to stay on, with the GFA saying more details of his new mandate will come later; the immediate test is selection ahead of AFCON qualifiers, including captain Jordan Ayew’s club-less situation as Ghana prepares to face Côte d’Ivoire (Sept 24) and host The Gambia (Sept 27). State Institutions Shake-up: In Ghana, President John Dramani Mahama dissolved the National Sports Authority governing board with immediate effect, part of a wider move affecting boards of several state institutions, while management continues day-to-day operations. Gambia Political & Civic Watch: The Gambia-Senegal border demarcation push is getting support from the National Centre for Arts and Culture, using historical maps and archives to clarify boundary lines. Cost of Living Pressure: The Gambia approved new fuel pump prices effective Sept 1, citing higher international oil costs. Local Lawmaking: Serekunda lawmaker Musa Cham tabled a bill to regulate and manage all markets, moving from First Reading to committee consideration in September. Elections & Public Trust: A Gambia Participates survey piece focuses on methodology and warns readers not to treat perception numbers as election predictions. Human Rights & Accountability: EFSCRJ and GALA warned that governance and accountability gaps persist a decade after dictatorship ended, pointing to weak implementation and politicisation of law enforcement. Immigration Enforcement (Regional): The US published an updated West Africa deportation list naming 15 Gambians among 427 people.

Sports Governance Shake-Up: Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama dissolved the National Sports Authority (NSA) governing board with immediate effect, part of a wider move to dissolve boards of several state institutions; management stays in charge day-to-day while major decisions are paused pending reconstitution. Security & Anti-Corruption Pitch: EFF-Gambia leader Prince Ebrahim Sanyang unveiled a campaign agenda promising decentralised emergency and policing services (“One District, One Fire and Rescue” and “One Community, One Police Station”) plus zero tolerance for corruption. Rights & Accountability Warning: The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) and GALA warned that a decade after dictatorship ended, weak implementation of laws—plus politicised law enforcement and stalled TRRC/Janneh recommendations—still undermines public trust. Local Lawmaking: Serekunda lawmaker Musa Cham tabled a bill to regulate and manage all Gambian markets, moving from first reading to committee stage in the September session. Infrastructure Funding: The Gambia secured an extra US$10m from Saudi Fund for Development for the Greater Banjul Roads Project, aimed at easing congestion and improving connectivity. Justice in Court: Two women in Farato were charged over alleged negligent hot-water burns to a child and exposing a child to likely injury. Regional Appointments: Gambian economist Mam Cherno Jallow assumed office as GIABA Director-General, tasked with strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing across West Africa.

GIABA Leadership: Gambian financial economist Mam Cherno Jallow has assumed office as Director-General of ECOWAS’ GIABA, taking over from Edwin W. Harris for a four-year mandate, as West Africa pushes harder on anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing. ECOWAS Power Shift: Senegal’s Gen. Birame Diop officially took over as President of the ECOWAS Commission, succeeding The Gambia’s Omar Alieu Touray, with a new team tasked on deeper integration and stronger regional security. Gambia Accountability & Politics: Special Prosecutor Martin Hackett renewed vows to pursue justice for victims of enforced disappearances, while Reed Brody warned that any political deal enabling Yahya Jammeh’s return would test the country’s accountability system. Parliament Next Steps: The National Assembly resumes ordinary sessions Monday, with bills including Former Presidents Amendment, Criminal Procedure Amendment, Competition and Consumer Protection, Cyber Crime and Immigration, plus 2027 budget estimates. Elections & Peacebuilding: Religious leaders, women and youth in the West Coast Region trained on peacebuilding and conflict prevention ahead of the 2026 elections. Football Governance: Newly elected GFF President Kemo Ceesay is expected to assume office on 2 September, with calls for openness and unity in Gambian football.