N24 Gambia

09/06/2026

Migrant Boat Returns to Mauritania After Departing Banjul

A migrant boat that left Banjul for the Canary Islands on 2 June reportedly returned to Mamghar, Mauritania, on 8 June.

All 107 passengers, including seven women, two children, and two babies, are safe despite being exhausted after days at sea. No deaths or injuries were reported.

Sources said the boat still had fuel, functioning engines, and adequate food and water supplies. The reason for turning back remains unknown, and while the migrants are under Mauritanian authorities’ supervision, the captain and crew have not yet been located.

PC: Ebrima Migrant

09/06/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐈𝐃 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐈𝐭𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑, 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲

The Director General of the Gambia Immigration Department (GID), Ebrima Mboob, accompanied by members of the Department's Core Command, witnessed the formal submission and first reading of the long-awaited Immigration Bill, 2023 at the National Assembly in Banjul. The Bill was presented by the Minister of Interior, Abdoulie Sanyang.

The historic occasion attracted a wide range of dignitaries, including Cabinet Ministers, National Assembly Members, senior GID officials, and key stakeholders, underscoring the significance of the moment in the Department's history and its ongoing efforts to modernize the country's immigration framework.

The submission of the Bill marks a major milestone in the department's quest to replace the outdated Immigration Act of 1965, which has governed immigration management for over six decades. The development has renewed optimism and confidence among immigration personnel and stakeholders regarding the future of migration governance in The Gambia.

As the Honourable Minister, Abdoulie Sanyang formally handed the Bill to the Clerk of the National Assembly, a sense of hope and anticipation filled the chamber, reflecting the aspirations of the Department and its partners for a more robust and contemporary legal framework.

Once enacted, the Immigration Bill is expected to significantly strengthen the operational and legal capacity of the Gambia Immigration Department. Among its key provisions are the criminalization of migrant smuggling, the establishment of an armed border patrol unit for high-risk border operations, and the enhancement of the Department's enforcement powers in line with international migration management standards and best practices.

The first reading of the Bill represents a crucial step in the legislative process and signals the government's commitment to strengthening border security, combating transnational crime, and promoting effective migration management.

The occasion serves as a testament to years of dedication and advocacy for the GID, and it is aimed at establishing a modern legal framework capable of addressing contemporary migration challenges while meeting international standards.

The Department remains optimistic that the successful passage of the Bill will usher in a new era of immigration governance, institutional growth, and enhanced service delivery for the people of The Gambia.

Gambia Immigration Department

08/06/2026

NAWEC Reports Improvement in Power Supply

NAWEC has announced improvements in electricity supply across the Greater Banjul Area and West Coast Region following the restoration of Generator 5 (G5) to the national grid. The generator, which adds 10MW of power, has helped reduce load shedding, with outages dropping from as much as 20 hours to around 10 hours in affected areas.

The utility says efforts are ongoing to restore additional engines and further improve power supply while prioritising essential services and critical infrastructure.

08/06/2026

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE PEOPLE DEMAND WATER, ELECTRICITY, AND DIGNITY: MASS PROTEST SCHEDULED FOR 19TH JUNE

Gambians Against Looted Assets, (GALA) have formally submitted a notification to the Gambia Police Force informing them of a peaceful public protest scheduled for 19th June 2026 at the NAWEC Headquarters.

This action is a direct response to the unbearable electricity outages and water shortages that continue to plague ordinary Gambians across the country. While citizens endure darkness, dry taps, damaged businesses, interrupted education, and declining living conditions, those entrusted with solving these problems continue to offer excuses instead of solutions.

Electricity and water are not privileges; they are fundamental necessities. The continued failure to provide these essential services undermines the dignity, welfare, and economic survival of the Gambian people.

We therefore call upon workers, students, women, youth, market vendors, transport operators, and all progressive forces to stand united in demanding accountability and immediate action. The people can no longer remain silent while suffering becomes normalized.

Our protest shall be peaceful, disciplined, and lawful, but our message shall be firm and unequivocal: Enough is Enough.

The struggle for decent living conditions is a legitimate struggle. The demand for water and electricity is a just demand. It is the collective voice of a people who deserve reliable public services and responsive leadership.

On 19th June, let our voices be heard. Let those entrusted with public responsibility understand that citizens will continue to organize, mobilize, and advocate until meaningful solutions are delivered.

Power to the People.
Water for the People.
Electricity for the People.
Long Shall the People Live!

Signed,
Central Committee,GALA

08/06/2026

Teen Charged After Police Officer Allegedly Carried on Vehicle Bonnet from Banjul to Manjai

A boy has been arraigned on four charges, including attempted murder, following an incident in which he allegedly drove a vehicle with a police officer clinging to its bonnet from Hagan Street in Banjul to Manjai.

The accused, Abdul Wahabu Jobarteh, appeared before the court facing charges of attempted murder, reckless and negligent acts, disobedience of lawful orders, and common assault in connection with the incident that reportedly occurred on June 5, 2026.

According to prosecutors, Jobarteh allegedly sped off in vehicle registration number BJL 6726 J while Alagie Badjie was lying on the bonnet, thereby placing the officer’s life at serious risk.

The attempted murder charge was brought under Section 168 of the Criminal Offences Act, 2025, while the reckless and negligent acts charge alleges that he drove in a manner likely to endanger human life.

Prosecutors further claim that Jobarteh refused a lawful request by Sergeant Badjie to produce his vehicle documents, leading to the confrontation. He is also accused of assaulting the officer by trapping or striking his hands against the vehicle’s side mirrors.

The case remains before the court, with further details of the proceedings expected.

08/06/2026

Former Prime Minister warns against blocking government work as tensions rise in Senegal.

Former Prime Minister Aminata Touré has warned against attempts to obstruct government operations. She urged cooperation among state institutions and cautioned against using public office for person

08/06/2026

The leader of the United Democratic Party Ousainou Darboe Says Coalition Necessary to Remove President Barrow

The leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) Ousainou Darboe has said that a broad opposition coalition remains the most effective way to defeat President Adama Barrow and the ruling National Peopl

08/06/2026

Barrow Speaks on The Gambia’s Electricity Crisis

President Adama Barrow has responded to growing public concern over the recent electricity shortages and frequent power outages affecting many parts of The Gambia. Speaking on the issue, he said the

08/06/2026

The Government of The Gambia has awarded Italian energy giant Eni a Petroleum Exploration Development and Production Licence

The Government of The Gambia has awarded Italian energy giant Eni a Petroleum Exploration Development and Production Licence for the offshore Block A1 marking a significant step in the country’s effor

08/06/2026

Former Chief Justice David Maraga Arrested During Nairobi National Park Protest.

Former Chief Justice David Maraga was among dozens of protesters arrested on Monday during demonstrations against a proposed development project inside Nairobi National Park. The protesters had gathe