AGP Executive Report

Football Transfers: Stockport County’s Gambian striker Adama Sidibeh is back in the spotlight, with reports saying Swansea are among several clubs tracking him after his Wembley display—while QPR and Bristol City are also linked. Visa & Travel Liberalisation: Ghana has rolled out a new e-visa portal and announced visa-free entry for all African passport holders, joining a wider push across Africa to make movement easier. Health Watch: The Gambia’s Ministry of Health has stepped up surveillance after an Ebola outbreak was declared in parts of Central and East Africa, stressing there are currently no suspected or confirmed cases in the country. Economy & Cost of Living: Food inflation remains a live pressure point, with the latest coverage putting the spotlight on how rising prices hit ordinary families hardest. Governance & Diplomacy: The Foreign Affairs Ministry says it has launched inquiries into social media allegations involving the Gambia’s embassy in Moscow. Regional & Global Links: Uganda used the ACHPR session in Banjul to call for stronger African solidarity, while African Day celebrations in Sierra Leone focused on water and sanitation.

Health Fees Shock: The Gambia government has reportedly raised hospital fees from 25 dalasis to 100 dalasis, with leaked documents pointing to plans to roll the change out after the 2026 elections—while critics warn the move could deepen hardship for patients already facing shortages and weak record systems. Data Accuracy Debate: A separate report argues the real problem is not “fake hospitals,” but patchy health information systems, paper-based registers, and gaps between what facilities record and what national and international databases publish. Maritime Readiness: Obangame Express OE26 wrapped up after a three-week drill in Cameroon, with The Gambia among participating countries working to fight piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking in the Gulf of Guinea. Regional Travel Push: The Republic of the Congo joined a growing list of African states moving toward visa-free travel for African passport holders, echoing wider AfCFTA goals. Diplomacy & Recognition: Morocco honoured former Gambian ambassador Saffie Lowe Ceesay with a royal award for strengthening bilateral ties. Sports Spotlight: Notts County beat Salford 3-0 at Wembley to return to League One, in a match watched by David Beckham.

Hospitality Diplomacy in Focus: Africa’s hospitality and sustainability leaders just gathered in Abuja for IHTEF Africa 9.0, with The Gambia’s tourism ministry and Gambia Tourism Authority among the delegations discussing investment, ESG, workforce change, and the future of the continent’s hospitality economy. Visa Reform Shockwave: Ghana scrapped African visa fees and launched a new e-visa portal on Africa Day, aiming to speed up travel while keeping digital border screening in place. Jobs Warning for Africa: An expert cautioned that if job creation can’t match Africa’s youth surge, the continent risks either mass unemployment or a slide into instability and crime by 2030. Human Trafficking Probe: Over 20 Sierra Leoneans are reportedly trapped in an alleged visa-for-sale scheme in The Gambia, with victims saying they paid fees and were held in compounds. World Cup Logistics: Iran says FIFA approved moving its 2026 training base from Tucson to Tijuana, Mexico, as preparations continue amid regional tensions.

Football Transfer Buzz: Qarabağ FK has confirmed the signing of Gambian striker Zakaria Sawo on a three-year deal, adding to earlier arrivals as the club strengthens ahead of the season. Gambia Sports Update: The Gambia senior team has named replacements after injuries ruled out Abdoulie Ceesay and Jesper Ceesay, bringing in Bubacarr Tambedou and Karamba Gassama to the Scorpions camp. World Cup Logistics: Iran says FIFA approved a late move of its World Cup base camp from Tucson to Tijuana, Mexico, citing visa and security concerns, with friendlies including a Gambia match on May 29. Local Governance & Elections: The IEC has concluded supplementary voter registration, paving the way for the final voters’ roll ahead of the Dec 5, 2026 presidential election. Economy & Money: The Central Bank reports remittances rose 17.2% to about US$246.08m in Q1 2026, alongside inflation pressure and a policy rate held at 14%.

World Cup Logistics: Iran says FIFA has approved a late switch of its World Cup base camp from Tucson to Tijuana, Mexico, with the federation pointing to easier travel and fewer visa headaches amid the US-Iran conflict. Gambia Elections: The IEC has wrapped up supplementary voter registration, clearing the way for the final voters’ roll ahead of the December 5, 2026 presidential election. CBG & Economy: The Central Bank reports remittances up 17.2% to about US$246.08m in Q1, citing steadier diaspora inflows and a tourism rebound. Tax & Digital Push: The GRA urges Gambians to embrace digitalisation as it expands modern tax systems that have boosted collections. Health Research: A new study in The Gambia highlights fungal infections that can mimic TB symptoms, stressing better testing for correct treatment. Security: Police arrest a Senegalese man in Amdalai with 14 rounds of ammunition, with investigations ongoing.

World Cup Logistics: Iran says FIFA has approved a switch of its World Cup base camp from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, aiming to avoid visa headaches amid the US-Israel war; Iran’s first friendlies include a Gambia match on May 29. US Immigration Push: The Trump administration is temporarily moving USCIS lawyers into DOJ offices to speed up denaturalization cases tied to alleged fraud or ineligibility. ICC Sanctions Clash: A former ICC prosecutor urges an EU-wide statute to block “thuggish” US sanctions targeting ICC members, arguing they’re meant to undermine the court. Gambia Economy & Policy: The Central Bank reports remittances up 17.2% to about US$246.08m, while inflation pressures remain; GRA also renews calls for digitalisation. Elections Update: The IEC has concluded supplementary voter registration, clearing the way for the final voters’ roll ahead of December 5, 2026. Health Research: A new study highlights fungal infections that can mimic TB-like symptoms in The Gambia, stressing better testing.

AFCON Roadmap Locked In: The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers fixtures are confirmed, spelling out the path for teams including South Africa, Nigeria and Ghana as match windows are set for this year and next. World Cup Prep, Gambia in Iran’s Focus: Iran’s World Cup squad is in a Turkey training camp, with friendlies scheduled against Gambia on May 29 and Mali on June 4—while visa handling is part of the plan. CBG Holds the Line on Rates: The Central Bank of The Gambia kept the Monetary Policy Rate at 14%, citing a mix of resilient activity and renewed inflation pressure, even as remittances rose to US$246.08m. Election Roll Update: The IEC has concluded supplementary voter registration, clearing the way for the final voters’ roll ahead of the Dec 5, 2026 presidential election. Digital Push at GRA: The GRA urged Gambians to embrace digitalisation as it validates enterprise architecture work to modernise tax administration. Sports & Culture: FA Cup semi-final line-ups are set, and Royal Messenger unveiled a cultural “Lya Gaye de Domi Gewel” direction blending Senegambian roots with modern sound.

World Cup Focus: Iran’s squad has stepped up World Cup preparations in Türkiye, with friendlies set for May 29 vs The Gambia in Antalya and June 4 vs Mali, while players also push ahead with visa applications in Ankara. Elections & Democracy: The IEC has concluded the 2026 supplementary voter registration, clearing the way for the final voters’ roll ahead of the Dec 5 presidential election. Economy & Money: The Central Bank kept the Monetary Policy Rate at 14% as inflation edges up (headline 7% in April) and it cites food/transport pressures linked to the wider US–Israel–Iran conflict; meanwhile remittances rose 17.2% to about US$246.08m. Health: A new study flags fungal infections that can mimic TB symptoms in some Gambian patients, urging better testing. Security: Police arrested a Senegalese man in Amdalai with ammunition, and investigations continue. Culture & Sports: Royal Messenger launched “Lya Gaye de Domi Gewel,” and Gambia’s para powerlifting team is set for an African championship.

Football & Scorpions Update: Injured Abdoulie Ceesay and Jesper Ceesay have been left out of the Gambia squad, with Bubacarr Tambedou and Karamba Gassama called in to join camp. World Cup Build-Up: Iran’s squad is in Turkey applying for U.S. and Canadian visas ahead of friendlies including Gambia on May 29. Local Sports: The FA Cup semi-final line-up is set: Steve Biko vs AJ Soccer and Baalor Sarr vs GPA. Economy & Prices: The Central Bank says inflation is back at 7.0% in April, with food inflation at 6.7%, linked to the wider Iran–US conflict pushing up prices. Elections & Media: EU-backed training for media and civil society focuses on fighting fake news and AI-driven misinformation ahead of the 2026 elections. Education: The University of Education, Gambia, has launched its first degree programmes, expanding teacher-focused and new education courses. Road Safety & Trade: Gambia and Nigeria sign a road safety pact, while stakeholders validate a report on five priority economic sectors for jobs and growth. Climate Rights: GEA condemns government abstention at the UN vote on climate obligations, calling it a betrayal of vulnerable communities.

Maritime Security Push: Nigeria says President Tinubu will flag off the AU’s combined maritime task force for the Gulf of Guinea in June, with Gambia, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone already onboard—aimed at tackling piracy and cross-border organised crime. ECOWAS Trade & Borders: ECOWAS also met in Abuja to deepen cross-border cooperation, linking security coordination with faster regional trade and integration. Gambia-Iran Football Build-Up: In Ankara, Iran’s World Cup squad has started visa applications for US entry, while the team’s camp in Turkey continues ahead of friendlies versus Gambia (May 29) and Mali (June 4). Roads & Local Development: President Barrow laid a foundation stone for a 20.5km road in Niamina, ending decades of delays, as similar road projects keep rolling out across CRR and URR. Sports Diplomacy: TOLAC 2026 wrapped with a MoU between Gambia and the Canary Islands wrestling federations, boosting youth and cultural exchange.

AFCON Qualifiers Shock: Gambia’s Scorpions have been drawn into a tough Group C for AFCON 2027, facing Ghana and Ivory Coast alongside Somalia, and coach Johnathan McKinstry says the team is “excited” but fully aware of the challenge. World Cup Prep & Visas: Iran’s squad is in Turkey for pre-World Cup training while players chase US and Canada visas in Ankara, with friendlies against Gambia (May 29) and Mali (June 4) on the schedule. Tourism Boost: Tui launches its first direct winter flights from Birmingham to Banjul, adding a new weekly Monday service from November 2. Social Protection Push: The PEI programme enrolment is underway for 3,420 vulnerable households across 12 districts, with D20,000 cash grants and support for small businesses. Human Rights & Inclusion: At the ACHPR session in Banjul, Gambia reaffirmed its human-rights commitment, while deaf-rights groups warn that lack of sign-language access keeps many Gambians trapped in poverty. Justice Delayed: The ex-Lands Minister’s economic crime trial was disrupted after the death of the first prosecution witness, Yahya Sanyang.

AFCON Qualifiers Shock: Gambia’s Scorpions have been drawn into tough Group C for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers with Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Somalia, and coach Johnathan McKinstry says the team is “excited” despite the “level of challenge” ahead. Women’s Rights Push: Equality Now told the ACHPR in Banjul that many African women and girls still lack real legal protection against sexual violence, FGM, online abuse and discriminatory property rights. Local Football Politics: Sadibou Kamaso has launched his “Restore Confidence” manifesto for GFF leadership, promising reforms and higher prize money. Health & Cost of Care: EFSTH defended a controversial consultation fee increase from D25 to D100, saying it supports medicines and hospital sustainability. Roads & Rural Access: President Barrow continued URR/CRR road expansion, aiming to connect isolated communities year-round. Justice in Banking Fraud: Vista Bank staff were acquitted in a D2.59m GPA fraud case after the court found no prima facie case. Education Milestone: The University of Education The Gambia launched its first degree programmes.

Women’s Rights Push: Equality Now told the ACHPR in Banjul that millions of women and girls still lack real legal protection across Africa, urging stronger laws and enforcement on sexual violence, FGM, online safety, healthcare access and discriminatory property rights. AFCON 2027 Focus: CAF has released the full 2027 AFCON qualifiers schedule, with The Gambia drawn in Group C against Ivory Coast, Ghana and Somalia—setting up a tough run for the Scorpions as qualifiers begin later this year. Gambia Football Politics: Sadibou Kamaso’s GFF presidential bid is gaining traction, with promises of higher league prize money and a “League Management Company” to professionalise football administration. Health Fees Debate: EFSTH defended raising consultation fees from D25 to D100, saying the fee also covers medicines and is needed for hospital sustainability. Food Safety Warning: A new study flags growing risks from open bread sales in Gambia, despite very high public awareness of contamination dangers. Community Support: The PEI programme is enrolling vulnerable households for cash grants and business coaching across 12 districts.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Draw: CAF has set the road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with Ghana, The Gambia and Somalia drawn together in Group C alongside Côte d’Ivoire—already being dubbed a “Group of Death” by pundits. Gambia Football Focus: The draw puts The Gambia in the spotlight for a high-stakes run starting in the FIFA window from September 21 to October 6, with the top two from each group advancing. GFF Politics & Plans: GFF presidential hopeful Sadibou Kamaso launched his “Starting XI” manifesto, promising league professionalisation and higher prize money for clubs and players. Energy & Skills: VRA begins a 10-day “training of trainers” workshop on solar mini-grids for 20 energy professionals from Ghana and The Gambia, aiming to grow local renewable-energy expertise. Governance & Courts: A Kanifing court granted bail to a man accused of a D68.69M hajj visa scam, adjourning the case to June 15.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Draw: Ghana’s Black Stars got an early shock in the PAMOJA 2027 qualifying draw, landing in Group C with Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Somalia—a matchup already branded a “Group of Death” by legends and pundits, with the Ghana–Ivorian rivalry set to define the race. Gambia Football Spotlight: For The Gambia’s Scorpions, the draw turns the spotlight on their ability to upset bigger names, while local football continues to heat up at home with the GFF First Division title race tightening after fresh points on Matchday 25. Health & Development: A global study backs food-based prenatal nutrition to improve birth outcomes, while in The Gambia and beyond, World Hypertension Day programming highlights scholarship support to expand specialist care. Governance & Justice: A new human rights report flags weak enforcement and corruption as key hurdles, as courts continue handling cases including a Hajj visa scam.

FIBA U18 AfroBasket Qualifiers Kick Off: The race for the 2026 FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket in Côte d’Ivoire starts this month, with Zone 4 running 28 May–4 June in Malabo and other zones set to follow across six cities. Border and Migration Watch: A new EU Schengen update says irregular crossings fell 26% in 2025, while Frontex data also shows fewer detections early in 2026—yet warns smuggling risks persist. AFCON 2027 Draw Setup: Ghana has been placed in Pot 2 for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers draw, with Gambia listed in Pot 3 as the campaign begins. Security Update: US and Nigerian forces report coordinated strikes in Borno that killed over 20 ISIS militants after the death of a top commander. Gambia Football Focus: Iran’s national team is set for a friendly against The Gambia on 29 May in Turkey, while locally, Ali Sowe scored twice for Rizespor in a 2–2 draw and the Young Queens drew Liberia 1–1 in the WAFU-A U-20 Cup. Roads and Politics: President Barrow launched major road projects in URR and CRR, and UMC held its first national congress ahead of the 2026 election.