Askanwi

22/09/2025

👮🏿‍♂️🪖TANGO hosts Policy Dialogue on Security, Peacebuilding & Sustainable Development

The Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (TANGO), with support from the European Union through the STAR Project, on Thursday, 18th September 2025, hosted a one-day Policy Dialogue on Security, Peacebuilding and Sustainable Development at its conference hall.

The engagement brought together representatives from security institutions and civil society to review The Gambia’s progress on peace, security, and inclusive governance.

During a panel discussion, former Gambia Bar Association President Salieu Taal warned that the country risks democratic "backsliding" if security sector reforms are not strengthened. He expressed concern over the 'misapplication of the Public Order Act to restrict peaceful assemblies.'

Activist Madi Jobarteh echoed similar concerns, while Police PRO ASP Modou Musa Sisawo defended the police, stressing that their actions are guided by law.

The dialogue also featured contributions from the Office of National Security and WANEP, offering both national and regional perspectives.

Participants agreed on the need for stronger accountability, reforms, and collaboration between state and non-state actors to consolidate peace and safeguard democratic gains.

The Gambia Police Force The Association of Non-Governmental Organizations - TANGO Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice

22/09/2025

⚖️Justice Minister says “Government is Willing to Discuss on Public Order Act”

Justice Minister, Hon Dawda A. Jallow, conceded to public concerns after the Spokesperson of Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) challenged him to amend draconian sections of the Public Order Act. More in this feature publication highlighting President Adama Barrow’s government promises to address the Public Order Act.

Justice Minister, Hon Dawda A. Jallow conceded to public concerns after the Spokesperson of Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) challenged him to amend draconian sections of the Public Order Act. More in this feature publication highlighting President Adama Barrow’s government promises to addres...

22/09/2025

👮🏿‍♂️ Former GBA President Warns of Democratic Backsliding Amid Arrest of Peaceful Protesters

The former Gambia Bar Association (GBA) president, lawyer Salieu Taal, raised concerns to Police PRO Sisawo during a panel discussion that the country is showing signs of backsliding in security sector reforms, particularly in the handling of peaceful assemblies that do not engage in processions or usage of loudspeakers. More in the news report.

The former Gambia Bar Association (GBA) president, lawyer Salieu Taal, raised concerns to Police PRO Sisawo during a panel discussion that the country is showing signs of backsliding in security sector reforms, particularly in the handling of peaceful assemblies that do not engage in processions or

22/09/2025

📸Victims of Former President Jammeh Express Gratitude to WAVE Gambia

Some victims of former President Yahya Jammeh, including the victims of the November 11 incident, victims of witchcraft accusations, and the mother of one student who died during the April 2000 student demonstration, have expressed their gratitude to the Women’s Association for Women and Victims’ Empowerment (WAVE).

This expression of thanks came on Friday, 12th September 2025, in Kartong, where members of the WAVE women’s support group visited the family home of one of the November 11 victims.

The visit was commemorated with healing sessions, including meditation and yoga, designed to provide victims with psychological therapy and emotional support.

The initiative is supported by the National Endowment for Democracy.

19/09/2025

President Adama Barrow's Failed Coalition 2016 Promise and TRRC Recommendation to Review the Public Order Act

“Public Order Act, Laws of The Gambia 2009 gives too much power to the Inspector General of Police and does fetter freedom of association and assembly. The Coalition government will repeal any provision in the Public Order Act which is not reasonable and justifiable in a democratic society such as those which hinder peaceful procession to highlight public grievances which is the min tool for exercising civil society oversight over the governance process.”

President Barrow Renewed this Pledge in 2022 After Winning a Second Term

The TRRC revealed that “The Public Order Act was during his [Former President Jammeh’s] regime used by the Police as a weapon to restrict and suppress the freedom of movement and association of opposition parties.”

To address this, the TRRC recommended that the Government;

R1. “Engage in comprehensive reforms to laws limiting the right to freedom of peaceful assembly to bring them into compliance with international human rights law, in particular the Public Order Act (repealing Sections 5 and 167), repealing Sections 15(A) and 72 of the Criminal Code, and the Indemnity Act.”
GG1. In response, the government promised that it “will initiate a review of the Public Order Act as well as other relevant laws.”

R2. The TRRC recommended “a comprehensive review of the Public Order Act by the National Assembly with a view to amending it to be in line with international human rights instruments and customary standards.”
GG2. In response, “The Government accepts the recommendation of the Commission and will initiate a review of the Public Order Act. The Government will strengthen to the Law Reform Commission to enable a rolling review of all legislation to ensure conformity with best practice.”

18/09/2025

📹 CSOs Joint Statement on Removal of Auditor General

The Coalition of Civil Society Organizations, The Working Group on Transparency and Accountability, is hosting a press conference addressing the unlawful removal of the Auditor General and the ongoing threats to democracy and the rule of law.

16/09/2025

Vote for Askanwi

13/09/2025

👩🏿‍🎓👨🏿‍🎓Exam Fraud: Who’s at Fault? St. Augustine’s Vice Principal Speaks

After some 600 students’ results were withheld due to suspicion of being involved in exam malpractice, an Askanwi journalist had gained access to a WhatsApp group where suspected exam results were being shared.

To ascertain who’s leaking the results, our reporter interviewed school officials and revealed that only 28 students were suspected of the same infringement last year, hinting at a rising problem. More in this feature report.



https://www.askanwi.com/feature-publications/wassce-examination-malpractice-whos-at-fault-st-augustines-vice-principal-speaks

12/09/2025

💸 Victims Demand Reparations and Prosecution as MoJ Reveals Over D20 Million Disbursed

The Gambia Center For Victims Of Human Rights Violations (Victim Center) is well into its musical caravan in its quest to raise awareness of the government’s White Paper, responding to the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC).

During the tour, victims continued to demand reparations and prosecution of perpetrators identified in the report. Meanwhile, the Minister of Justice has responded to a parliamentary inquiry on the government’s disbursement of funds to the newly established Reparations Commission. More in the report.

Attorney General's Chambers & Ministry of Justice ,the Gambia Reparations Commission