Gambia Journal

26/07/2025

Senegal Bans Nighttime Motorcycle Use in Bakel Amid Jihadist Threat Near Mali Border

Gambiaj.com - (Bakel, Senegal) - Senegalese authorities have imposed a nighttime ban on motorcycle movement in the eastern department of Bakel, citing heightened security concerns following jihadist attacks in neighboring Mali earlier this month.

According to an official decree released this week, the circulation of motorcycles and mopeds is prohibited in Bakel between midnight and 6:00 a.m. from July 24 to August 24, 2025. The order, issued by the prefect of Bakel, specifically excludes vehicles operated by medical personnel and security forces.

The restriction follows coordinated jihadist assaults on July 1 in several towns in western Mali, including Diboli, a town less than 500 meters from the Senegalese border town of Kidira. At least one civilian was killed in the attacks, which were claimed by the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), an Al-Qaeda-affiliated organization.

The local administration declined to comment when contacted by AFP on Saturday, leaving questions about the timing of the order—more than three weeks after the attacks—unanswered.

Security analysts have raised growing concerns about jihadist expansion in the region. A recent report by the Timbuktu Institute, a Dakar-based think tank, warned that JNIM has been increasingly using southwestern Mali, particularly the Kayes region, as a rear base to infiltrate neighboring countries, including Senegal and Mauritania... Full Story Here👇👇

https://gambiaj.com/senegal-bans-nighttime-motorcycle-use-in-bakel-amid-jihadist-threat-near-mali-border/

26/07/2025

Gambian Music Star Attack Sparks Tribalism Debate After Radio Interview

Gambiaj.com - (Banjul, The Gambia) - A revealing interview by Gambian music sensation Abdou Gaye, popularly known as Attack, has triggered a nationwide debate over ethnicity, favoritism, and media bias in the country’s entertainment industry. Speaking on West Coast Radio’s Coffee Time with Peter Gomez on Friday, the artist alleged that tribalism continues to undermine the growth of Gambian music and poses a serious threat to national unity.

Known for his Afrobeat and dancehall fusion enriched with Wolof lyrics and traditional rhythms, Attack said his musical journey has always aimed to promote a Gambian identity that resonates globally.

"Hip hop is best done by the people who were born into that culture. We have to sell our identity if we want to stand out.”

But even as he pushes for authenticity, Attack said his efforts are hampered by ethnic favoritism that infects both industry gatekeepers and media platforms. "Tribalism is the biggest problem weakening Gambian music,” Attack told veteran broadcaster Peter Gomez. “It’s not just in politics—it’s in the music too. I’ve been a victim—and I’m still a victim.”

Accusations of Media Bias

Attack directly accused certain media houses—especially those allegedly owned or influenced by Mandinkas—of sidelining non-Mandinka artists.

“They don’t post my big moves or achievements. But the moment something negative happens, they’re the first to amplify it—and even add spice,” he said. “We are supposed to unite under one Gambia. But some people choose their own, even in projects that are meant to promote collective progress.”... Full Story Here👇👇

https://gambiaj.com/gambian-music-star-attack-sparks-tribalism-debate-after-candid-radio-interview/

25/07/2025

Key Suspect Arrested in Burglary at Gambia's National Audit Office

Banjul, 25 July 2025 — Police have arrested a key suspect in connection with a break-in at the National Audit Office that resulted in the theft of laptops and a bag worth D351,000.

The suspect, identified as Modou Mustapha Jallow, alias “Jamaica,” was apprehended during a nighttime operation near the Westfield Cooperative, the Gambia Police Force (GPF) said in a statement issued Friday. The arrest followed a tip-off from an informant.

According to police investigators, Jallow confessed to breaking into the office and admitted to selling the stolen electronics on the Serrekunda black market. Jallow is currently being held in police custody as the investigation continues.

CCTV footage reviewed by officers showed two unidentified individuals entering the premises, but efforts to retrieve fingerprints were unsuccessful due to contamination of the scene prior to forensic examination.

https://gambiaj.com/national-audit-office-queries-d63-million-expenditure-overrun-at-gambia-civil-aviation-authority/

25/07/2025

Senegal’s Constitutional Council Strikes Down Key Pastef Parliamentary Reforms Over Power Overreach

Gambiaj.com - (Dakar, Senegal) - In a landmark decision reaffirming the balance of power within Senegal’s democratic institutions, the Constitutional Council has invalidated several core provisions of the recently adopted internal rules of the National Assembly, citing violations of the country’s Constitution.

The ruling, delivered on July 24 and made public the following day, nullifies a range of measures from the loi organique n° 09/2025, adopted by 138 of 165 MPs on June 27.

The Council’s decision, numbered 2/C/2025, comes after a referral by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on July 7, indicating high-level concerns about the compatibility of the reform with Senegal’s foundational legal principles.

Judicial Independence and Parliamentary Overreach and Rights Violations

At the heart of the Council’s ruling are concerns about the legislative branch encroaching upon judicial independence and executive prerogatives.

Most notably, Article 56, which authorized the president of the National Assembly to compel individuals to appear before parliamentary commissions of inquiry using public force, was partially struck down.

The Council deemed such coercive power unconstitutional unless the appearance is entirely voluntary and strictly limited to matters related to the administration of the public justice service—not to ongoing or past legal cases... Full Story Here👇👇

https://gambiaj.com/senegals-constitutional-council-strikes-down-key-pastef-parliamentary-reforms-over-power-overreach/

25/07/2025

President Barrow Pays Condolence Visit to Late President Buhari’s Family

Gambiaj.com - (Daura, Katsina) - The president of the Republic of The Gambia, Adama Barrow, on Friday paid a condolence visit to the family of the late former Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari, at his hometown in Daura, Katsina State.

President Barrow, who arrived in Katsina for the visit, was received by the secretary to the Katsina State government, Abdullahi Garba-Faskari, alongside members of the Buhari family... Full Story Here👇👇

25/07/2025

Senegal and IMF Enter Critical Phase Amid Hidden Debt Scandal and Data Discrepancies

Gambiaj.com - (DAKAR, Senegal) - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Senegal are entering a crucial phase of negotiations as the West African nation seeks to resolve a financial credibility crisis triggered by revelations of hidden debt and erroneous budgetary data under the previous administration.

Speaking at a recent press briefing, IMF Communications Director Julie Kozack confirmed the Fund’s sustained engagement with Senegal, following an explosive audit that uncovered extensive underreporting of public debt and deficits. “The IMF remains closely engaged with Senegal,” she said, highlighting the Fund’s commitment to assisting the country in addressing what is now described as a "hidden debt crisis."

Senegal’s fiscal integrity came under scrutiny after the regime of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye revealed that the budget deficit for 2023 was more than double the previously declared figure—exceeding 10% of GDP instead of the reported 5%.

The fallout from the revelations led the IMF to suspend disbursements under a $1.8 billion credit facility approved in June 2023.

Confidence among international investors plummeted, and Senegal’s sovereign bonds lost around 25% of their value following the initial disclosures in September 2024.

Rating agency S&P Global further downgraded the country's credit rating to “B-” with a negative outlook in July 2025, warning of worsening fiscal stress and placing Senegal at the highest debt-to-GDP ratio among African countries in its category—an alarming 118%.

In an effort to restore trust, the Senegalese government initiated a comprehensive review of its debt structure, working with the auditing firm Forvis Mazars... Full Story Here👇👇

https://gambiaj.com/senegal-and-imf-enter-critical-phase-amid-hidden-debt-scandal-and-data-discrepancies/

25/07/2025

In the Shadow of Crisis: Buhari, Barrow, and the Quiet Triumph of 2017

Gambiaj.com - (BANJUL, The Gambia) - In moments of political crisis, gratitude is not only a moral virtue—it’s a diplomatic necessity. Both the Quran and the Bible emphasize the importance of thankfulness. In Surah Ibrahim (14:7), Allah says, “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor].” Similarly, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 advises Christians to “give thanks in all circumstances.” These teachings are not merely spiritual—they are deeply pragmatic. Acknowledging those who stood with you in times of uncertainty reflects the values of a nation.

As I was finalizing this article, the Office of the President announced that President Adama Barrow would travel to Nigeria to offer condolences following the passing of President Muhammadu Buhari. The gesture is commendable. At a critical moment in Gambian history, Buhari acted as a statesman and elder, helping steer the country away from the brink.

Barrow’s decision to pay tribute is not only appropriate—it is a necessary affirmation of political maturity and national memory. Indeed, the late Nigerian former president Muhammadu Buhari helped save The Gambia’s democracy. Let's take a look inside the 2017 crisis and his role, the intelligence, and Barrow’s evacuation.

Buhari’s Role as Chief Mediator

Following Yahya Jammeh’s refusal to concede defeat after the 2016 presidential election, ECOWAS appointed Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari as chief mediator, supported by Ghana’s President John Mahama and Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf... Full Text Here👇👇

https://gambiaj.com/in-the-shadow-of-crisis-buhari-barrow-and-the-quiet-triumph-of-2017/

25/07/2025

Gambia’s New Foreign Minister Charts Pro-Europe Course with France Visit

Gambiaj.com - (Paris, France) - In a move signaling Gambia’s renewed foreign policy direction under its recently appointed top diplomat, Foreign Affairs Minister Sering Modou Njie met with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot in Paris on Wednesday, July 24. The high-level meeting marked Njie’s first official visit to Europe in his new role and underscores Banjul’s intent to deepen its relationship with France and the broader European Union.

At the core of the meeting was a mutual reaffirmation of strong bilateral ties, described by both parties as having “gained new momentum” since the fall of Yahya Jammeh’s authoritarian regime in 2017 and the subsequent democratic transition.

They declared that they share “converging views on international issues” as well as a “mutual commitment by France and The Gambia to peace, democracy, the fight against climate change, and the protection of the oceans.”

The statement also highlighted “France’s tangible support to The Gambia since 2018, notably through projects by the French Development Agency (AFD) in the areas of water, agriculture, biodiversity, and resource mobilization.”

Since then, France has emerged as a key development partner, with support focused on essential sectors such as water, agriculture, biodiversity, and resource mobilization — largely implemented through the French Development Agency (AFD)... Full Story Here👇👇

https://gambiaj.com/gambias-new-foreign-minister-charts-pro-europe-course-with-france-visit/

25/07/2025

AfDB Approves $19.93 Million Grant to Empower Vulnerable Youth and Women in The Gambia

Gambiaj.com - (BANJUL, The Gambia) - The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group has approved a $19.93 million grant to support a sweeping initiative aimed at reducing poverty, youth unemployment, gender inequality, and regional disparities in The Gambia. The Resilience Building - Vulnerable Youth and Women Support Project is expected to significantly improve access to basic social services, boost livelihoods, and help stabilize fragile communities.

Financed under the Prevention Envelope of the AfDB’s Transition Support Facility, the project is part of a broader strategy to intervene early in fragile contexts. The facility is specifically designed to support countries grappling with deep-rooted vulnerabilities and to prevent the escalation of instability.

“This project represents our commitment to tackling the foundational causes of fragility, poverty, exclusion, and lack of opportunity,” said Dr. Joseph Ribeiro, AfDB Deputy Director General for West Africa and Country Manager for The Gambia.

“We are acting early to prevent conflict and youth migration by fostering inclusive growth, gender equality, and institutional stability.”

Despite recent progress, The Gambia remains one of the most economically challenged countries in West Africa.

Over half the population lives below the poverty line, with rural areas like Kuntaur and Janjanbureh facing rates as high as 76%. Youth unemployment is nearly 39%, disproportionately affecting women, and food insecurity has more than doubled in just two years, affecting 29% of the population in 2023... Full Story Here👇👇

https://gambiaj.com/afdb-approves-19-93-million-grant-to-empower-vulnerable-youth-and-women-in-the-gambia/

24/07/2025

senegal - The Politics of Revenge: A Shameful Chapter in the Republic

Gambiaj.com - (DAKAR, Banjul) - There come moments in the life of a nation when it becomes necessary to pause, reflect, and raise the alarm. When governance — which should be the embodiment of the rule of law, ethics, and justice — begins to spiral into revenge, retaliation, and arbitrariness, silence becomes complicity.

The popular phrase “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth — gâtsa-gâtsa” sadly captures the approach of certain authorities now steering the Republic: vindictive, emotional, reactive, and devoid of statesmanship.

Such a mode of governance is not only a betrayal of republican values but also a direct threat to national unity, democratic stability, and public trust.

A Republic Betrayed: From Civic Pact to Political Vendetta

At the heart of a republic lies a moral contract between the rulers and the ruled. This contract is anchored in respect for the public interest, the impartiality of the state, and the supremacy of fair justice.

Today, however, what we are witnessing in some corridors of power looks more like clan-based rule than democratic leadership. Yesterday’s opposition has transformed into self-proclaimed enforcers, consumed by a thirst for revenge against former adversaries... Full Story Here👇👇

https://gambiaj.com/the-politics-of-revenge-a-shameful-chapter-in-the-republic/

Such a mode of governance is not only a betrayal of republican values but also a direct threat to national unity, democratic stability, and public trust.

24/07/2025

Wrestling Icon Hulk Hogan Dies at 71

Gambiaj.com - (Clearwater, Florida) - Wrestling legend and pop culture icon Hulk Hogan, whose real name was Terry Gene Bollea, has died at the age of 71. The WWE Hall of Famer, who became the face of professional wrestling during its meteoric rise in the 1980s and 1990s, passed away on Thursday after suffering cardiac arrest at his Clearwater home.

According to city officials, emergency responders were dispatched to Bollea’s residence following a report of cardiac arrest. He was treated on the scene before being transported to Morton Plant Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The news was first reported by TMZ and later confirmed by WWE.

“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away,” the company said in a post on X. “One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”

Bollea’s towering presence, blonde handlebar mustache, and trademark slogans like “say your prayers and eat your vitamins” turned him into a global sensation. He was central to wrestling’s “golden era,” headlining numerous marquee matchups and creating unforgettable rivalries with fellow legends such as André the Giant, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, and “Macho Man” Randy Savage.

His 1996 turn as “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he shocked fans by adopting a villain persona, remains one of the most dramatic and influential storylines in wrestling history. That era helped WCW dominate WWE in television ratings for 83 consecutive weeks—a feat that has not been repeated... Full Story Here👇👇

https://gambiaj.com/wrestling-icon-hulk-hogan-dies-at-71/

24/07/2025

OVP NCCRM Commends Peaceful Conduct of GALA Protest, Urges Continued Civic Responsibility

Gambiaj.com - (Banjul, The Gambia) - The National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Coordinating Centre (NCCRM) has praised all parties involved in the peaceful conduct of the GALA protest held on Tuesday, July 23, 2025.

In an official press statement, the NCCRM commended protesters for exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly with discipline and respect for public order. “Civic engagement through non-violent means remains a cornerstone of democratic governance and peaceful coexistence,” the statement emphasized.

The coordinating center, which operates under the Office of the Vice President, also applauded the Gambian government for safeguarding civil liberties by enabling a protest environment free of fear and intimidation.

Security forces were lauded for demonstrating a professional and measured approach that contributed to the overall calm and orderly outcome of the event.

Ahead of the protest, the NCCRM had issued a public appeal calling for calm, discipline, and full adherence to the rule of law. The Centre emphasized that while the right to demonstrate is guaranteed under the Constitution, such expressions must remain peaceful and within legal boundaries.

“In line with its mandate to anticipate and mitigate risks to human security, national peace, stability, and cohesion, the NCCRM urges all protesters and organizers to exercise their constitutional right to peaceful assembly in a manner that is calm, lawful, and respectful of public order and safety,” the earlier advisory read... Full Story Here👇👇

https://gambiaj.com/ovp-nccrm-commends-peaceful-conduct-of-gala-protest-urges-continued-civic-responsibility/