Bala B TV

10/06/2026

International News Roundup – 10 June 2026

Middle East Crisis Escalates

Tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified following exchanges of air and missile strikes. U.S. President Donald Trump warned that further military action against Iran could follow if negotiations fail. Iran has launched retaliatory attacks against U.S.-linked targets in the Gulf region, raising concerns about regional stability and global energy supplies.

Oil Prices and Global Inflation Rise

The conflict in the Middle East is affecting the global economy. Rising energy prices have pushed U.S. inflation to 4.2%, the highest level in more than three years. Economists warn that continued disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz could further increase fuel and food prices worldwide.

2026 FIFA World Cup Preparations

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, preparations are in full swing. However, immigration issues and entry restrictions have sparked controversy, including the reported denial of entry to a Somali referee. FIFA and human rights groups are facing growing scrutiny over tournament-related policies.

China–North Korea Relations Strengthen

Chinese President Xi Jinping has made a rare visit to North Korea, meeting leader Kim Jong Un. The visit signals closer political and economic cooperation between the two countries amid ongoing global geopolitical tensions.

Earthquake Aftermath in the Philippines

Authorities in the Philippines continue rescue and recovery efforts after a powerful earthquake struck Mindanao. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced, and concerns remain over aftershocks and infrastructure damage.

Ebola Response in Africa

Health authorities are responding to Ebola cases in Central Africa. International aid agencies and governments, including the United States, have announced additional support to contain the outbreak and prevent wider spread.

Ukraine Conflict

Russian drone and missile strikes have reportedly caused civilian casualties in several Ukrainian regions, including Zaporizhzhia and Sumy. Ukrainian authorities continue to call for increased international support as fighting persists

10/06/2026

Government Suspends Issuance of National ID Cards and Driver’s Licences Ahead of New Digital System Rollout

Banjul, June 10, 2026 — The Government of The Gambia has announced the temporary suspension of the issuance of National Identity Cards and Driver’s Licences as preparations intensify for the launch of a new national identity management system. The move affects services provided by the Gambia Immigration Department (GID) and the Gambia Police Force (GPF).

According to a government statement issued through the Office of the Government Spokesperson, the rollout of the new identification system has been rescheduled to 29 June 2026. The suspension is intended to allow technical experts to review, secure, back up, and synchronize existing databases before they are migrated into the new platform.

The new system will be implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with Margins ID Systems Applications Ltd, a Ghana-based identity technology company that signed an agreement with the Ministry of Interior earlier this year to design, build, and operate a modern biometric identity management system for The Gambia.

Government officials said applicants who have already paid through the GovPay platform will still be allowed to complete their enrolment process. Individuals who have already enrolled and are waiting to collect their documents will receive the new cards once the upgraded system becomes operational.

One of the major features of the new arrangement is the issuance of approximately 670,000 free replacement national ID cards to holders of valid existing cards. The replacement exercise will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis during the first six months after the system goes live.

The government has also confirmed that the validity period of newly issued national identity cards will increase from five years to ten years, reducing the need for frequent renewals and improving convenience for citizens and residents.

Officials say the new biometric-based system is expected to strengthen national security, improve identity verification, and modernize public service delivery across the country. The project will operate under a Build-Operate-Transfer model, with Margins ID Systems financing and managing the infrastructure before eventually transferring it to the Government of The Gambia.

The government has apologized for the inconvenience caused by the temporary suspension and has appealed to the public for patience and cooperation during the transition period.

04/06/2026

A government press conference involving the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) was held on 3 June 2026 at the OIC Conference Centre in Bijilo to address the ongoing electricity crisis affecting many parts of The Gambia.

Key Points from the Briefing

* NAWEC explained that the current power shortages are mainly due to a significant reduction in electricity imports from the regional OMVG/WAPP power network, combined with technical problems and fuel shortages affecting regional power plants. Imports reportedly dropped by as much as 60 megawatts.
* Managing Director Galo Saidy stated that the outages are not caused by a complete failure of The Gambia’s electricity system but by regional supply challenges and limitations in local backup generation capacity.
* NAWEC said scheduled load shedding and power rationing would continue while repairs and maintenance works are underway. Some communities have been experiencing lengthy daily outages as the utility attempts to stabilize the network.
* The company indicated that efforts are being intensified to repair domestic generators, improve network stability, and restore normal electricity supply. A gradual improvement is expected by mid-June if regional imports recover and ongoing maintenance is completed successfully.
* NAWEC apologized to customers for the inconvenience, particularly during the Tobaski period, and appealed for patience and cooperation while restoration efforts continue.

Brief Summary

NAWEC acknowledged the seriousness of the country’s power crisis and attributed it largely to reduced regional electricity imports and technical constraints. The utility assured the public that repair works and additional measures are ongoing and expressed hope that electricity supply will improve progressively by mid-June 2026

04/06/2026

Headlines of today’s newspapers

30/05/2026

The President of Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye arrived in Banjul today, 30 May 2026, for a one-day working visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Senegal and The Gambia. He was received at Banjul International Airport by Adama Barrow and senior government officials. 

According to the Gambian Presidency, the visit focuses on enhancing cooperation and solidarity between the two neighboring countries in areas of mutual interest. Discussions are expected to cover issues such as security, trade, economic integration, education, health, and the movement of people and goods across the shared border. 

The visit highlights the close historical, cultural, and economic ties between the two nations. It is President Faye’s second visit to The Gambia since taking office in 2024 and forms part of ongoing efforts by both leaders to deepen strategic cooperation through the Senegal–Gambia Presidential Council framework. 

A brief summary:

* President Faye arrived in Banjul on 30 May 2026 for a day-long working visit.
* He was welcomed by President Barrow at Banjul International Airport.
* The visit aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation and regional solidarity.
* Key areas of discussion include security, trade, economic development, health, education, and cross-border cooperation.
* The visit reinforces the longstanding relationship between Senegal and The Gambia. 

30/05/2026

IGP Touray Attends Rwanda Police Anniversary and Graduation Ceremony

The Inspector General of Police, Seedy Mukhtar Touray, attended the Rwanda National Police 25th Anniversary and Graduation Ceremony on May 27, 2026, in Gishari, Rwanda, at the invitation of the Rwanda National Police.

The event, presided over by President Paul Kagame, brought together security chiefs and law enforcement officials from across Africa and beyond. Activities included the commissioning of cadet officers, parade drills, and tactical demonstrations.

During the visit, IGP Touray met Gambian officers CSP Omar Jali Bah and CSP Sulayman Jawara, who are currently undergoing the Police Senior Command and Staff Course in Rwanda. He commended their dedication and encouraged them as they prepare to graduate in two months.

The visit highlights the Gambia Police Force’s commitment to professional development, modern policing, and strengthened regional and international security cooperation.

29/05/2026

President Adama Barrow has accepted the resignation of The Gambia’s Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Mamat O. A. Cham, amid allegations of misconduct and abuse of office. Major General Ousman Gomez has been appointed Acting Chief of Defence Staff with immediate effect

29/05/2026

This is a public notice from the National Assembly of The Gambia dated Friday, 29th May 2026.

The notice says that the Approved Report of the Special Select Committee investigating the sale and disposal of assets connected to former President Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh has officially been published.

Key points from the notice:

* The report was adopted on Monday, 23rd March 2026.
* It contains the committee’s findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
* Copies were sent to:
* The Office of the President
* The Attorney General and Minister of Justice
* The Auditor General
* Other relevant stakeholders
* The Clerk thanked everyone who contributed through cooperation, submissions, and testimony during the inquiry.

The notice was issued by:
Office of the Clerk
National Assembly
New Assembly Building
Banjul, The Gambia

25/05/2026