Gambia

Gambia's Lawmakers Reject Proposed Constitutional Amendment The proposed constitutional amendment in Gambia aimed at modifying the presidential term limit has faced a significant setback, as legislators have decisively rejected the initiative. This decision underscores the complexities of governance, particularly in a nation still navigating its democratic identity. So, what led to this striking rejection? A critical loophole within the bill raised alarms among lawmakers,…

The recent constitutional amendment proposal in Gambia, which sought to adjust the parameters of presidential term limits, has met with a decisive rejection from lawmakers. This decision brings to light the complexities surrounding democratic governance, illustrating how legislative processes can be influenced by deeper societal considerations. At the crux of this debate lies a significant loophole in the bill, raising flags regarding its overall implications and efficacy. The proposed amendment aimed to enforce a cap on…

In The Gambia, the livelihoods of countless fishermen have plummeted into a crisis that deepens daily. The declining fish stocks have painted a bleak picture, exacerbated by soaring fuel prices and the relentless presence of foreign trawlers stripping the waters of vital marine life. Fish such as sardines and bonga, once abundant and processed in local factories, have seen their fate redirected to European and Chinese markets, primarily for aquaculture feeding. This shift threatens not only local economies but also the…

As the sun rose over the Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna, a group of determined soldiers stood ready for a new chapter in their careers. They had undergone rigorous training at the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC), preparing not just for the duties ahead but for the tremendous responsibility of peacekeeping in The Gambia. During a pre-deployment ceremony, Major General Uwem Bassey, the Nigerian Army Chief of Operations, took a moment to instill confidence in the…

The Starlink Conundrum: Diplomacy or Manipulation? In an intriguing investigation by ProPublica in 2025, a complex tale unfolds involving significant tensions at the intersection of business and international diplomacy. At the heart of this narrative lies the government of The Gambia and its controversial dealings with Starlink, the satellite internet service spearheaded by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Quite remarkably, the campaign entailed at least seven Gambian ministries embroiled in what could be perceived as veiled threats…

In a surprising turn of events, a distinguished diplomat has officially declared his candidacy for the presidency ahead of the 2026 elections. Essa Bokarr Sey, a seasoned figure who has represented The Gambia in various capacities—most notably as ambassador to France, Taiwan, and the USA—stands at the forefront of this political endeavor. However, his announcement does not occur in a vacuum. It emerges against a backdrop of significant controversy surrounding the recent revisions to the national constitution. The original…

In the wake of widespread public discontent, the Gambian government has initiated an investigation concerning the controversial sale of assets confiscated from former President Yahya Jammeh. This decision reflects the growing disquiet among citizens who have raised concerns over alleged irregularities and a glaring lack of transparency surrounding these transactions. Among the assets in question are livestock, luxury vehicles, and various properties, all sold precipitously before an inquiry panel could assess Jammeh's…

In a surprising revelation, Vice President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue recently took to X to discuss the U.S. government's proposal to deport African migrants to Equatorial Guinea. While no binding agreement has emerged from these discussions, Mangue's statement raises many questions and concerns in his home country. "What does it mean for our nation to accept these migrants?" This is a sentiment echoed by numerous Equatorial Guineans who worry about the implications of such a decision. Anxieties loom large, particularly…

The truth commission in The Gambia, a relatively young institution born in 2018, stands as a beacon of hope amid the shadows of a troubled past. This vital body has accused numerous officials from the regime of former president Yahya Jammeh of heinous acts, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and a slew of other human rights atrocities. Each of these allegations unfurls stories of grief, loss, and injustice that echo throughout the national psyche. Take, for instance, the recent issuance of an arrest…

The Future Beckons: Somalia’s U-17 AFCON Journey Mogadishu (AX) — For Somalia's U-17 squad, the journey to the Africa Cup of Nations concluded in disappointment sooner than they had hoped. On a fateful Friday at Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi, Gambia delivered a decisive 5-1 victory, eliminating the Ocean Stars from the quest for glory. Earlier, Tunisia had handed them a 3-0 defeat, leaving Somalia with no points and firmly at the bottom of Group C. The harsh scoreline paints a picture of a team outmatched, yet it was…