AGP Executive Report

Offshore Energy Deal: The Gambia has awarded offshore Block A1 exploration rights to Eni, with a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence Agreement signed for the 1,300 sq km Atlantic block in deep waters. Power & Internet Strain: A nationwide internet outage hit major telecoms after power loss at the ACE submarine cable station in Sukuta, adding to public frustration over ongoing electricity problems. Governance & Justice: The Independent Electoral Commission says 24,058 people registered multiple times in the voter exercise, warning of criminal penalties. An Afrobarometer access-to-justice survey also finds many Gambians doubt courts are fair, affordable, or timely. Security Leadership Update: President Barrow accepted the resignation of former CDS Lt Gen Mamat Cham amid allegations, appointing Maj Gen Ousman Gomez as Acting CDS. Sports & National Pride: The Scorpions’ 2027 AFCON qualifiers draw puts Gambia in Group C against Ivory Coast, Ghana and Somalia, starting with Somalia in September. Humanitarian Support: Trust Bank presented $10,000 to SOS Children’s Village, bringing its total support to $40,000 for children without parental care.

World Cup & visas: Iran’s squad says it has received Mexico visas and will leave Antalya for Tijuana on June 6, but the trip still follows uncertainty around US entry rules. Power sector: Nawec’s debt talk is back in focus after reports of liabilities to regional utilities; official sources cited put the Nawec-Senelec figure at about US$37m, plus about US$21m to Guinea’s EDG. Elections & integrity: The IEC says 24,058 people registered with multiple voter’s cards, warning double registration is a criminal offence with fines, jail and possible voting bans. Justice trust: An Afrobarometer access-to-justice survey finds many Gambians doubt courts are fair, affordable or timely, with concerns about unequal treatment and impunity. Governance & unity: Brikama North chief Lamin ‘Mondo’ Jatta urged Gala to stop frequent protests and form a political party instead. Human rights: Lawyers filed a complaint with the African Commission to stop US “third-country” deportations to Equatorial Guinea, citing fears of persecution. Energy investment: Eni entered The Gambia with an offshore Block A1 exploration and production licence agreement. Sports: Coach Jonathan McKinstry’s Scorpions contract extension was confirmed, and the Governor Famara Jatta interbank trophy final is set for Saturday.

US Visa Processing Shift: The US is moving visa services into designated African “processing hubs,” meaning Gambians will now have to travel to Senegal to process US visas. IMF Support for War Fallout: The IMF says it will step up or accelerate funding for Ethiopia, The Gambia and Burkina Faso to manage economic shocks linked to the US-Iran conflict. Power Crisis Update: NAWEC says Gambia’s recent outages are driven by maintenance and equipment rehabilitation, not debt to suppliers, and expects improvement within two weeks. GRA Tax Drive: Africell wins Gambia’s Largest Taxpayer Award for the 7th time, highlighting its continued tax contribution. Football & Sports: The Scorpions’ coach Jonathan McKinstry gets a two-year extension to 2028; in domestic cups, Second Division teams Baalor Sarr and AJ Soccer reach the FA Cup final. Health: Gambia reports an 8% drop in TB notifications in 2025, but still lags End TB targets. Education Tensions: University of Education staff begin a sit-down strike over unresolved demands, risking disruption to classes.

Football Update: Berewuleng stretched their Women’s League 1 lead after beating Gambia Police Force 2-1, with Sarah Jarju scoring twice; TMT also won 2-0 to keep pressure on the top two. FA Cup (Men): Second Division sides Baalor Sarr and AJ Soccer booked their place in the FF Cup final after semi-final wins over GPA and Steve Biko. Sports Administration: The Ministry of Youth and Sports renewed national team gaffer Jonathan McKinstry’s contract, citing confidence in his leadership and plans for AFCON 2027 qualification. Power Crisis: NAWEC says the latest outages are driven by maintenance and equipment rehabilitation, not debts, and expects improvements within two weeks. Education: MoBSE and teachers reached consensus over delayed salary upgrades, with attestations and arrears timelines discussed. US Visas: Gambians may now need to travel to Senegal for US visa processing as the US reduces routine consular services in non-hub countries. Energy/Trade: The World Bank says a regional power programme has expanded electricity access to over 3 million people and boosted cross-border trade across West Africa. Halal Push: SMIIC training in The Gambia aims to strengthen halal quality infrastructure and certification systems.

US Immigration Crackdown: The U.S. plans to deport 355 people from West Africa, listing 110 Nigerians and 14 Gambians, with names and photos released under its WOW programme. IMF Support for Gambia: An IMF team reached staff-level agreement on reviews under Gambia’s ECF and RSF programmes, paving the way for about US$8.5m in a new disbursement, pending Executive Board approval. Electricity Pressure: GALA has set June 19 as a deadline for government and NAWEC to act on power outages, arguing the crisis is political and planning-related, not just technical. Sports Journalism Training: GNOC wrapped a five-day sports admin course for 25 Gambian sport journalists, funded by Olympic Solidarity, focused on governance and sports medicine. AUSC Games in Banjul: The Gambia will host the 2026 AUSC Region 2 Games from 7–13 June, bringing under-20 athletes and boosting local hospitality and services. Women’s Football: Berewuleng moved six points clear in the GFF Women’s First Division after a 2-1 win over Police, with Sarah Jarju scoring twice. Migration Update: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 181 Gambians among 911 migrants over five days, with multiple boats reported departing from Banjul.

IMF Support for The Gambia: The IMF says it has reached staff-level agreements under the ECF and RSF programs, paving the way for a disbursement of about US$8.5m (SDR 6.22m) and extending reforms to July 2027, pending Executive Board approval. Power Crisis Pressure: GALA has issued a June 19 deadline for the government and NAWEC to act on the electricity crisis, arguing the problem is political and planning-related, not just technical. Migration Rescue Update: Mauritania’s coast guard reports rescuing 911 migrants, including 181 Gambians, over five days along the Atlantic route, with multiple boats departing from Banjul. Gambian Football Abroad: Nine Gambian players helped Manila Digger FC win the Philippines Pro League title, with Pa Ousman Gai taking the Golden Boot. Women’s League: Berewuleng moved closer to the GFF Women’s First Division title after a 2-1 win, as Sarah Jarju scored twice. Chief Justice Retirement: Chief Justice Jallow announced he will retire 1 August 2026, thanking judiciary staff for keeping justice running.

Gambia & Cost of Living: Justice for All has called for a nationwide sit-down strike starting Monday, 8 June, blaming fuel price hikes and rising transport fares for worsening hardship for workers, students and traders. Energy & Governance: The Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines says the government has signed a Petroleum Exploration and Production Licence Agreement for Offshore Block Al with Eni Gambia Ltd, a step aimed at unlocking offshore hydrocarbon potential. Politics & Accountability: The NPP-led alliance secretariat rejects opposition “disinformation” claims over alleged corruption, saying allegations are unsubstantiated and published without due process. Migration & Rights: An international NGO warns that trafficking networks in Libya still detain and extort Gambians transiting the country, urging Libyan authorities to dismantle the system and release detainees. Sports & Talent: Gambian defender Alagie Saine wins promotion to Denmark’s Superliga with AC Horsens, while striker Ousman Gai takes a Golden Boot abroad after a record-breaking season. Regional/World Impact: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could push up oil import costs for vulnerable economies, including Gambia, by billions annually.

Fuel & Transport Relief: The government cut diesel by D5 per litre (to D115) and says it will spend over D150m in subsidies, offering short-term pressure relief while critics warn about longer-term fiscal and pricing sustainability. Electricity Crisis: Civil society groups are pushing back hard on NAWEC’s handling of outages, with GALA threatening action if supply doesn’t improve by 19 June and rights activist Madi Jobarteh saying the problem is structural, not just technical. Energy Deal: Government says it has signed a Petroleum Exploration and Production Licence Agreement for Offshore Block Al with Eni Gambia Ltd, aiming to unlock offshore hydrocarbon potential. Politics & Accountability: The NPP-led alliance accuses opposition-aligned media of a coordinated “disinformation” campaign over corruption claims, while separate commentary debates whether election boycotts help or harm democracy. Courts: Two men accused of forging documents to obtain a voter registration card pleaded not guilty and were granted bail by the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court. Sports (Gambia): Sanu Jallow set an NCAA 800m record; Alagie Saine won promotion to Denmark’s Superliga; Ousman Gai took a Golden Boot in the Philippines; and Future Bi stayed top in the GFF Women’s Second Division. International (Gambia-linked): The US released a list of 355 deportations from West Africa, including 14 Gambians, and CENTCOM reported strikes involving a Gambia-flagged ship in the Gulf of Oman.

Gambia Power Crisis: NAWEC MD Saidy says the Tobaski electricity interruptions are technical, tied to OMVG regional load-sharing and fuel-related generation limits, adding that local generation and solar are cushioning the impact. Gambia Politics & Governance: President Faye and Barrow held closed-door talks in Banjul, while the National Assembly submitted a report on Jammeh’s assets to government. Gambia Football: Iran beat The Gambia 3-1 in a friendly in Turkey as the Gambia’s team awaited World Cup visa clarifications; meanwhile, Gambia gaffer Yahya Manneh continues a Europe scouting tour. Regional Security: The US and Iran traded strikes as a fragile ceasefire stayed shaky, with US forces disabling a Gambia-flagged vessel in the Gulf of Oman for allegedly breaching the blockade. Environment & Food Security: A water expert warns saltwater intrusion could drive food crises and migration, raising pressure on vulnerable coastal regions.

Iran-US Escalation: The US says it bombed Iranian radar and drone-control sites after Iran shot down a US MQ-1 drone; Iran retaliated with missile strikes reported in Kuwait, as the fragile ceasefire keeps getting tested. Gulf Shipping Pressure: The US also targeted a Gambia-registered cargo ship, firing a missile to disable it after “20 warnings,” underscoring how the Strait of Hormuz blockade is still disrupting trade. Gambia Politics & Security: President Adama Barrow appointed Maj Gen Ousman Gomez as Acting Chief of Defence Staff after Lt Gen Mamat Cham’s resignation, while EFSCRJ is calling for an independent investigation into alleged misconduct. Electricity Crisis: Dr. Ousman Gajigo criticises NAWEC’s handling and communication over nationwide power outages, as calls grow for urgent, long-term fixes. Tobaski Hardship: Water shortages in Bundung severely disrupted Tobaski celebrations, with families paying for water as taps stayed dry. Football: Iran beat The Gambia 3-1 in an international friendly in Turkey ahead of World Cup preparations. Domestic Economy: GRA highlights record tax collections driven by digital reforms, while a National Assembly report on Jammeh’s assets has been submitted to government.

Gulf Tensions & Maritime Security: The U.S. says it fired a Hellfire missile into the engine room of the Gambia-flagged cargo vessel Lian Star in the Gulf of Oman after the crew ignored 20+ warnings while trying to reach an Iranian port, with CENTCOM saying the ship is no longer heading to Iran and that the blockade enforcement continues despite ceasefire talks. Ceasefire Deal Talks: President Trump has sent back tougher changes to a draft U.S.-Iran framework to extend the ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran’s chief negotiator warned Tehran won’t approve any deal without securing Iran’s rights. Local Governance & Power Supply: The Gambia government condemned misinformation about power cuts, urging national unity and saying electricity supply constraints are being addressed through ongoing efforts. Gambia in Sports: Iran beat The Gambia 3-1 in a World Cup warm-up, while in the U.S. camp Christian Pulisic ended a long goal drought as the U.S. beat Senegal 3-2—highlighting the wider West Africa football spotlight. Aid & Community Support: Qatar Charity thanked donors for its Qurbani (Udhiyah) project, distributing meat to over 900,000 people across 43 countries.

Maritime Security: The U.S. Central Command says it disabled the Gambia-flagged cargo ship M/V Lian Star in the Gulf of Oman with a Hellfire missile after the crew ignored more than 20 warnings while trying to reach an Iranian port; CENTCOM says the vessel is no longer transiting to Iran, and notes it has disabled five vessels and redirected 116 since the blockade began. Diplomacy Overhang: Washington and Tehran remain locked in uncertain talks over a possible 60-day ceasefire extension, while Iran insists any agreement must protect Iranian rights and the U.S. says it will only accept a “good deal” that blocks Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Regional Flashpoints: Israel’s forces captured Lebanon’s Beaufort fortress in its deepest incursion in over two decades, as the wider Middle East conflict continues to shape negotiations. Energy Access: Separately, the World Bank reports a West Africa power programme has expanded electricity access to more than three million people, including gains in The Gambia, through transmission and distribution upgrades. Sports (Local Interest): The U.S. hosts Senegal in a friendly in Charlotte today, with Senegal coming off a win over Gambia ahead of the World Cup.

US-Iran Shipping Tensions: The US military says it disabled the Gambia-flagged bulk carrier Lian Star after it ignored warnings while trying to breach Washington’s blockade of Iranian ports; the ship remains adrift in the Gulf of Oman, with the US saying it has stopped six such attempts so far. Diplomatic Pressure on Iran: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran it can either reach an agreement or face military consequences, as negotiators continue talks and Iran signals willingness for a “dignified framework” to end the conflict. World Cup Visa Headache: Iran has asked FIFA to clarify when World Cup visas will be issued after moving its training base from Arizona to Tijuana, with players still waiting for entry documents for matches in the United States. Gambia Football Admin Row: The Gambia Football Federation pushed back on claims by the Ministry of Youth & Sports, saying Independence Stadium availability for June friendlies was handled through formal channels and documented clearance. Gambia in International Sports: Iran beat The Gambia 3-1 in a friendly in Turkey, days before both teams’ World Cup preparations. Gambia-linked Crime Abroad: Italian authorities say two suspects from Gambia were among five arrested after a Colombian tourist was abducted and gang-raped for 72 hours in Rome. Gambia Economy/Policy: The IMF reports staff-level agreement with The Gambia on reviews under the ECF and RSF, despite missed fiscal targets tied to higher spending in 2025.

GFF Stadium Row: The Gambia Football Federation says the Ministry of Youth & Sports’ claim that its Independence Stadium friendly schedule was “premature” is wrong, insisting it followed formal clearance through the National Sports Council, which said the venue is available only before June 7 or after June 13 due to the AUSC Games. World Cup Visa Pressure: Iran’s federation says it has asked FIFA for clarity on when tournament visas will be issued after relocating its World Cup base to Mexico, with players still waiting for U.S. entry documents. Iran vs Gambia Results: Iran beat Gambia 3-1 in a friendly in Turkey, with Iran trailing 1-0 at half-time before a second-half comeback. GFF Election Bribery Allegations: A Gambian football stakeholder alleges GFF presidential candidate offers 25,000 dalasis to voters, raising bribery concerns ahead of 2026. Public Safety in Europe: Italian police report a Colombian tourist was abducted and gang-raped for 72 hours in Rome; five suspects were arrested, including two Gambians. IMF Deal for The Gambia: IMF talks conclude with staff-level agreement on an extended credit facility review and progress on reforms, despite missed fiscal targets. Health Note: New guidance highlights that starting kangaroo mother care immediately after birth may improve outcomes for premature and low-birth-weight babies.

IMF Deal for The Gambia: The IMF says staff-level agreement has been reached with Gambian authorities under the 2026 Article IV consultation, including progress on the Extended Credit Facility and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, despite missing two fiscal targets linked to higher spending in 2025. Special Prosecutor Debate: A new report questions whether The Gambia’s first Special Prosecutor should be a non-Gambian, arguing it may clash with the “Gambian-driven” accountability approach set out in the 2024 Special Accountability Mechanism Bill. Gambian Migrant in Spain: Spain has arrested a 26-year-old Gambian man accused of stabbing a National Police sub-inspector with a kitchen knife while shouting “Allahu Akbar,” injuring the officer’s shoulder. Gambia in International Crime Case: Italian authorities arrested five migrants over a 72-hour gang-rape case in Rome, naming two Gambians among the suspects. Data Protection Cooperation: Nigeria’s data protection regulator has signed MoUs with Morocco and The Gambia’s Information Commission to support legal cooperation and enforcement harmonisation. Travel to The Gambia: TUI announced direct Birmingham–Banjul flights for winter sun, with weekly Monday departures and typical temperatures around 30C.

Gambia Special Prosecutor: A “charm offensive” is underway at the Gambia presidency as special prosecutor Martin Hackett tours to reassure communities affected by the Yahya Jammeh era, amid controversy over appointments linked to past abuses. Data Protection: Nigeria’s Data Protection Commission signs MoUs with Morocco and The Gambia’s Information Commission to boost cooperation on enforcement and harmonisation. Elections & Youth: Youth conclude a voter awareness caravan as voter registration for the presidential election ends, with media and civil society also trained to fight fake news ahead of 2026 polls. Economy & Tax: The Gambia’s tax drive continues with GRA honours for top tax-compliant companies and reports of revenue targets being surpassed, while the central bank flags food inflation pressures. Health & Safety: Gambia is on alert after an Ebola outbreak is declared in parts of Central and East Africa, and authorities continue work on public health and digital transformation. Regional Mobility: Congo announces visa-free entry for all Africans from 1 Jan 2027, joining a growing list that already includes The Gambia. Diaspora & Culture: A Gambia-linked cultural presence shows up abroad, including a report on African diaspora celebrations featuring West African communities.