AGP Executive Report

Courtroom Drama: Exiled Cameroonian opposition figure Issa Tchiroma is reportedly urging legal action in Paris after claiming his “stolen” election win wasn’t contested, while also spotlighting alleged detentions after October 12 protests. Public Safety: Gambia Police are investigating the mysterious death of truck driver Kebba Sarr after his body was found in an apartment near Nema Junction; officials say social media stabbing claims are unverified. Pre-Election Watch: ECOWAS and the AU are set to send pre-election missions to The Gambia ahead of the 5 December 2026 presidential vote, with calls for balanced coverage and hate-speech avoidance. Arts & Culture: ART27 has launched a residency programme aimed at transforming Gambia’s art scene, and a piece on wearable masquerade art highlights how costumes carry living cultural memory. Sports Spotlight: Senegal open their World Cup Group I campaign against France, with lineups and match build-up drawing heavy attention. Media & Rights: Penpushing Media’s 8th anniversary lecture in Abeokuta will feature Nigerian lawyer Femi Falana as keynote speaker.

Electricity & Water Crisis: Gambians in Latrikunda Sabiji, Jambur and beyond report prolonged power cuts and dry taps that spoil stock, delay work and push small businesses toward costly generators. Forensic Lab Fallout: Human rights activist Madi Jobarteh urges MPs to summon former Interior Minister Mai Fatty and current Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang over the “mysterious” US$48m DNA laboratory contract, after the ministry said no records were found. Public Service Disruption: Government suspends National ID cards and driver’s licence issuance (9–29 June) for a new PPP system, sparking questions about service continuity. Opposition Coalition Calm: The Opposition Coalition Mediation Committee says it’s a non-partisan civil society body mediating dialogue toward a united front, asking for patience as flagbearer talks continue. Sports Governance: SJAG holds the first GFF presidential debate; only Sadibou Kamaso shows up, with an independent commission overseeing proceedings. Health & Wellness: SICPA Gambia and OSHAG run a Community Wellness Day with screenings and lifestyle guidance targeting hypertension, diabetes and obesity. World Cup Culture: Senegal and France kick off Group I as fans relive the 2002 upset story; coverage also spotlights Senegal’s squad and match-up hype. Masquerade & Wearable Art: A feature on Black Masking traditions frames masquerade as wearable altar and living memory, not just spectacle.

World Cup Spotlight: Senegal open Group I against France, with Lamine Camara and Pape Thiaw’s squad aiming to prove they’re still on course after the Africa Cup of Nations title controversy. Sports Governance: The Sports Journalists Association of The Gambia held its first-ever GFF presidential debate, but only Sadibou Kamaso showed up—setting the tone for scrutiny ahead of the federation elections. Electricity & Daily Life: Gambians report worsening power and water shortages, with small businesses and tradespeople losing stock and income during outages. Health & Wellness: SICPA Gambia and OSHAG ran a Community Wellness Day in Brusubi, pushing prevention and early checks for hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Public Accountability: Human rights activist Madi Jobarteh urged MPs to summon former Interior Minister Mai Fatty and current Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang over the disputed US$48m forensic lab contract. Arts & Culture: A feature on wearable masquerade art highlights how African costume traditions carry memory, spirit, and communal craft.

Tobacco Control Push: A coalition in Kenya urged MPs to fast-track the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill, arguing new nicotine products like vapes need stronger rules. Forensic Lab Accountability: In The Gambia, human rights activist Madi Jobarteh called on the National Assembly to summon former Interior Minister Mai Fatty and current Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang over the alleged US$48m forensic DNA lab contract. ID Services Disruption: The government announced a pause on issuing national ID cards and driver’s licences (9–29 June) during a transition to a new system with Margins ID Group, raising public questions about service continuity. Health & Wellness: SICPA Gambia and OSHAG held a Community Wellness Day in Brusubi with screenings and lifestyle guidance targeting hypertension, diabetes and obesity. Masquerade as Art: A feature highlighted masquerade as wearable art and “wearable altar,” focusing on how costumes carry memory and spirit. World Cup Culture & Coverage: Multiple previews and lineups spotlight France vs Senegal, with Senegal aiming to prove themselves after the Africa Cup of Nations title dispute. Sports Governance: SJAG hosted the first GFF presidential debate, with only Sadibou Kamaso attending. Electricity Strain: Gambians shared stories of worsening power and water shortages hitting businesses ahead of Tobaski.

Wearable Art: A new feature spotlights Black Masking traditions, where masquerade suits are “wearable altar” built through days of communal sewing, prayer, and memory—moving from Côte d’Ivoire’s Zaouli to a wider masquerade story. Electricity & Water Crisis: Gambians in Latrikunda Sabiji, Jambur and other areas describe long power cuts and dry taps disrupting daily life and livelihoods, from spoiled stock for small vendors to lost income for tailors ahead of Tobaski. Opposition Coalition Talks: The Opposition Coalition Mediation Committee (CMC) says it’s a non-partisan civil society group meant to mediate transparently with the coalition taskforce as parties discuss a 2026 flagbearer. Protected Witness Trial: Sanna Manjang’s murder trial continues at Banjul High Court with a protected witness heard in camera under tight security, with the case set to resume 19 June. Non-Communicable Disease Push: SICPA Gambia and OSHAG hold a Community Wellness Day with screenings and fitness sessions targeting hypertension, diabetes and obesity. GFF Leadership Debate: Sports Journalists Association of The Gambia hosts a presidential debate for GFF elections, with only Sadibou Kamaso attending. World Cup Focus: France open Group I against Senegal with projected lineups and match previews dominating sports coverage.

World Cup Spotlight: Monday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup action has Spain vs Cape Verde (Atlanta, FOX), Belgium vs Egypt (Seattle, FOX), Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia (Miami, FS1) and Iran vs New Zealand (Inglewood, FS1), with odds and match previews driving the buzz. Public Service & Identity: The Gambia temporarily suspended issuance of National ID cards and driver’s licences (9–29 June) ahead of a new Public-Private Partnership system—raising questions about service continuity. Forensic Lab Contract Scrutiny: Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang says no records were found for a reported D48m US forensic DNA laboratory contract signed in 2017, after MPs pressed for contract status and payments. Health & Prevention: SICPA Gambia and OSHAG held a Community Wellness Day in Brusubi with free screenings and fitness sessions targeting hypertension, diabetes and obesity. Arts & Culture: ART27 launched a landmark residency programme to boost The Gambia’s art scene, funding large-format works for a BIG & BOLD Touring Exhibition opening in Oct 2026. Community & Unity: The Interior Ministry outlined measures to prevent ethnic hatred during local elections, stressing tolerance and coordination.

World Cup Spotlight: Senegal’s Lamine Camara talks France at MetLife Stadium, aiming to prove they’re not derailed by the Africa Cup of Nations title controversy and to silence critics as the tournament’s early matchups roll on. ECOWAS Tech & Youth: Nigeria wins the $10,000 grand prize at the 4th ECOWAS Regional Cybersecurity Hackathon in Accra, with The Gambia among participating countries tackling ransomware, phishing, fraud and digital extortion. Gambian Athletics: At the NCAA Division I Track Championships, Gambian runner Sanu Jallow-Lockhart of Arkansas smashes the women’s 800m field, cutting nearly a second off the NCAA record. Gambia Arts & Culture: ART27 launches a landmark residency to boost The Gambia’s contemporary art scene, funding large-format works for a BIG & BOLD touring exhibition opening in October 2026. Local Business & Fashion: Jarga marks one year building The Gambia’s luxury handbag industry, spotlighting locally made, export-ready craftsmanship. Civic & Media: The Information Commission gains full NADPA-RAPDP membership, strengthening The Gambia’s data privacy and digital governance links across Africa.

Gambia Arts & Culture: ART27 has launched a landmark residency programme to boost The Gambia’s contemporary art scene, funding four artists now producing 12 large-format works for the BIG & BOLD Touring Exhibition opening in October 2026, with founder Mr. Ferry investing D420,000 to back both established and emerging talent. Fashion & Local Craft: One year on, Jarga is spotlighted for building The Gambia’s luxury handbag industry with locally made, ethically sourced Bajen Bag designs aimed at exporting Gambian craftsmanship worldwide. Sports (Gambia connection): At the 2026 NCAA Division I Track Championships, Gambian runner Sanu Jallow-Lockhart of Arkansas smashed the women’s 800m record, underlining fresh talent on the global stage. Community & Media Opportunities: Talentz MEDIA is recruiting volunteer entertainment writers and researchers across Africa, including The Gambia, to cover music, film, TV, culture and celebrity stories. Arts-adjacent Public Life: The EU Election Exploratory Mission arrived in The Gambia to assess the pre-election environment ahead of a possible full observation mission.

ART27 Residency & Exhibition: ART27 has launched a landmark residency programme to boost The Gambia’s contemporary art scene, funding four artists to create 12 large-format works for the BIG & BOLD Touring Exhibition opening in October 2026. Local Fashion Industry: One year on, Jarga is spotlighted for building Gambia’s luxury handbag industry with locally made, ethically sourced leather pieces exported worldwide. Gambia-Linked Migration Stories: Pope Leo XIV’s Spain visit included meetings with migrants in Tenerife, with Gambian teen Aliu Ceesay among those who followed the Pope’s message of inclusion. Security & Elections: Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang says anyone inciting tribalism during the campaign will be arrested and prosecuted, with tighter monitoring across media and online spaces. EU Pre-Election Check: An EU Election Exploratory Mission arrives to assess The Gambia’s pre-electoral environment and decide whether a full observation mission is needed. Press Freedom Legacy: Tributes continue for Deyda Hydara, marking his 80th birthday and recalling his role as a fearless press freedom hero. Tourism Watch: Gambia Tourism Board warns against illegal developers in the tourism zone. Sports & Culture: World Cup coverage and watch-party plans are circulating, keeping football culture front and centre.

Gambia Arts & Culture: ART27 has launched a landmark residency programme to supercharge The Gambia’s visual arts scene, funding four artists to create large-format works for the BIG & BOLD Touring Exhibition opening in October 2026, with the project set to travel through galleries, hotels, resorts and an ART27 museum space. Local Fashion/Entrepreneurship: One year on, Jarga is spotlighted for building The Gambia’s luxury handbag industry, backing local craftsmanship and exporting premium, ethically sourced designs made in-country. Arts & Community Events: Black Business Hub kicks off a free summer run of pop-up markets with live music and family activities, featuring local vendors including A Taste of Gambia and Designs by Tamecka. Press Freedom Legacy: Gambians mark the memory of Deyda Hydara at 80, revisiting his role as a media pioneer and press freedom hero. Sports & Culture Watch: World Cup 2026 coverage continues to fuel public viewing culture, with diaspora-style watch parties and match hype spreading across communities.

New Music Friday: Jessie Reyez drops LITTLE VENGEANCE with “WHEN YOU HOLD HER,” while Elena Rose releases “HAPPY,” a feel-good track rooted in African drums. Local Fashion & Craft: One year after launch, Jarga is spotlighted for building The Gambia’s luxury handbag industry with locally made, ethically sourced leather pieces. Visual Arts: ART27 unveils a landmark residency programme feeding into its BIG & BOLD Touring Exhibition opening October 2026, funding large-format works by Gambian artists. Culture & Development: PS Mbye’s Tianjin visit highlights how China pairs modernization with cultural preservation, from heritage streets to eco-city planning. Community & Security: Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang says no trace was found of a D48m forensic lab contract, while also promising stronger community policing coordination and tougher action on hate speech. Gambia in the Digital Space: The Information Commission gains full NADPA-RAPDP membership, aiming to strengthen data privacy and regional policy influence. Pop Culture & Sports: A “World Cup 2026 for FREE” guide and fresh soccer talk keep fans tuned in as the tournament approaches. Arts & Community Events: Black Business Hub hosts free summer pop-ups with live music and family activities.

Arts & Culture (Gambia): ART27 has launched a landmark residency programme to boost The Gambia’s contemporary art scene, funding four artists to create twelve large-format works for the BIG & BOLD Touring Exhibition opening in October 2026, with the project backed by a D420,000 investment. Local Business & Fashion (Gambia): One year on, Jarga is spotlighted for building a luxury handbag industry from The Gambia, leaning on local craftsmanship and exporting ethically made, culture-led designs. Community & Security (Gambia): The Interior Minister says anyone inciting tribalism during the political campaign will be arrested and prosecuted, with police set to intensify monitoring across media and online spaces. Governance & Media (Gambia): An EU Election Exploratory Mission arrives to assess the pre-election environment ahead of a possible full EU observation mission. Sports & Talent (Gambia diaspora): Gambian-born MMA fighter Kevin Kunta is going viral as a celebrity bodyguard, while Gambian-born Bakary Sarr qualifies for a natural bodybuilding world championship. Migration (region): Mauritania reports rescuing 75+ migrants from a boat allegedly departing Guinea, while Pope Leo meets migrants in Tenerife, including Senegalese and Gambian voices.

Arts & Culture: ART27 has launched a landmark residency programme to boost The Gambia’s visual arts scene, feeding into the BIG & BOLD Touring Exhibition opening in October 2026 and running through March 2027 across galleries, hotels, resorts, institutions and the planned ART27 Museum; four artists—Edrisa Jobe, David Hosie, Anna Isatou Bah and Moulaye Sarr—are already producing twelve large-format works each (100x140cm), with ART27 founder Mr. Ferenc Donderer investing D420,000 (D120,000 per established artist, D60,000 for emerging talent Bah). Governance & Security: Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang told lawmakers he found no trace of a D48m forensic lab contract, while also outlining plans to strengthen community policing and crack down on hate speech and tribalism ahead of elections. Elections Watch: An EU Election Exploratory Mission has arrived to assess the pre-election environment and decide whether a full EU observation mission is needed, with meetings across parties, civil society and media through 24 June. Media & Heritage: Gambians mark the legacy of veteran journalist Deyda Hydara, remembered as a press freedom hero whose work shaped independent journalism in The Gambia. Digital Rights: The Information Commission has gained full NADPA-RAPDP membership, positioning The Gambia to shape regional data privacy and digital economy policy. Sports (Gambia-linked): Gambian-born MMA fighter Kevin Kunta—bodyguard to Ram Charan—goes viral online, spotlighting celebrity security culture.

Local Pop-Ups: The Black Business Hub kicks off a summer run of free pop-up markets with live music and family activities, featuring vendors like A Taste of Gambia and Designs by Tamecka. Press & Governance: The EU Election Exploratory Mission arrives to assess The Gambia’s pre-election environment ahead of a possible full observation mission. Electoral Participation: The IEC completes its 44-day supplementary voter registration, adding 212,095 new voters nationwide. Digital Rights: The Information Commission gains full NADPA-RAPDP membership, strengthening The Gambia’s role in regional data privacy and regulatory cooperation. Cultural Spotlight: Manding Bulunda Association launches to preserve Manding culture through performances, exchange, and unity-building. Sports & Community: Youth and Sports Minister Bakary Badjie says Independence Stadium renovations are on track for AFCON qualifiers by September. Arts Memory: Tributes mark the legacy of press freedom hero Deyda Hydara, recalling his impact on independent journalism in The Gambia.

Press Freedom Legacy: Gambians mark Deyda Hydara’s 80th birthday with renewed tributes to the slain media pioneer and his fight for free expression. Democracy & Civic Participation: The IEC wraps up its 44-day supplementary voter registration, adding 212,095 new voters and stressing transparency through stakeholder access. Parliament Capacity Building: A “Fellows Meeting” at the National Assembly brings together partners and fellows to strengthen legislative drafting, research, oversight and media engagement. Tax Tech for Citizens: GRA expands ITAS enlightenment for key financial institutions, aiming for simpler, remote tax administration and easier taxpayer compliance. Sports & Community Culture: A Gambia Football Federation-linked coaching course trains local coaches for growth, while the Manding Bulunda Association launches to preserve Manding culture through music, dance and storytelling. Tourism Watch: The Gambia Tourism Board warns against illegal tourism-zone construction, citing environmental harm and sanitation concerns. Energy & Industry: Eni wins a licence to explore offshore Block A1 in Gambian waters, boosting interest in the Atlantic margin. World News With Local Interest: Kuwait restricts domestic worker recruitment to 10 approved countries and bans several others, including Gambia.

Press Freedom Legacy: Gambians mark Deyda Hydara’s 80th birthday, celebrating the media pioneer and democracy defender whose assassination became a lasting symbol against impunity. Parliament Capacity Building: The National Assembly and partners held a “Fellows Meeting” to strengthen legislative drafting, legal research, oversight and media engagement under a UNDP-backed fellowship. Tax Tech for Citizens: GRA expanded enlightenment on ITAS for key financial institutions, pushing easier remote tax administration and compliance for taxpayers. Arts & Culture Spotlight: Atlanta photographer Artemus Jenkins brings “From Afrique, With Love” to Old Rabbit Gallery, while local cultural momentum grows with the Manding Bulunda Association’s debut event to preserve Manding heritage. Sports & Community: A Gambia Football Federation-linked coaching course is underway, and the Minister of Youth and Sports says Independence Stadium renovations should be ready for AFCON qualifiers by September. Tourism Watch: Gambia Tourism Board warns against illegal tourism-zone construction, citing environmental damage and sanitation concerns. Democracy Participation: IEC completes a 44-day supplementary voter registration, adding 212,095 new voters and boosting transparency through stakeholder engagement. Energy & Economy: Eni wins a licence to explore offshore Block A1 in The Gambia, expanding exploration plans in the Atlantic margin.