Friday, September 12, 2025
UDP in Turmoil: Resignations Rock Gambia’s Main Opposition
By JarraNews Staff Writer
United Democratic Party (UDP), Gambia’s main opposition force, appears to be grappling with its most serious internal crisis yet, with signs of disintegration following a bitter battle over the party’s flagbearership.
What was expected to be a routine process of selecting a standard-bearer ahead of the 2026 general elections has instead spiraled into factionalism, insults, and mass resignations. The fallout is raising questions about whether the once-formidable party is heading toward political irrelevance.
The controversy began when party leader Ousainou Darboe, Talib Ahmed Bensouda—Mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council—and nine others submitted their applications for the UDP flagbearer position. Instead of a unifying democratic exercise, the selection process turned toxic.
Supporters divided into camps, engaging in online and offline confrontations marked by smear campaigns, personal attacks, and character assassinations.
At the center of the storm was Mayor Bensouda, a rising star in Gambian politics, who became the primary target of relentless criticism from within the party. The hostility grew so intense that he ultimately withdrew his application, leaving many of his supporters disillusioned.
The party’s selection committee eventually announced veteran leader Ousainou Darboe as the flagbearer—a figure who has led UDP through decades of struggle but also one who has suffered five consecutive election defeats: four against former president Yahya Jammeh and the most recent in 2021 against incumbent Adama Barrow.
Instead of rallying around Darboe, the announcement triggered an exodus of prominent members, especially those aligned with Bensouda. In what is now being described as a wave of “mass resignation,” several senior figures have abandoned the party in quick succession.
National Campaign Manager Karafa Sonko and executive member Malick Sowe, a former chairmanship aspirant for Janjanbureh, both tendered their resignations this week. Their exits came just a day after the departure of Tombong Saidy and Baboucarr Loppy. All are widely seen as loyalists of Bensouda.
Observers warn that the UDP is now at a dangerous crossroads.
Instead of presenting a united opposition to President Barrow’s National People’s Party (NPP), the UDP appears consumed by internal rivalries. The rift between the old guard, embodied by Darboe, and the younger generation, represented by Bensouda, may signal an irreversible fracture.
For many Gambians, the developments raise a sobering question: Can the UDP, once the symbol of democratic resistance, survive this storm—or is it gradually digging its own grave?
However the current political situation is only signalling a victory for president Barrow and the National People’s Party (NPP).
Thursday, September 11, 2025
A Rebuttal to the Misguided Criticism of President Barrow’s Cabinet Appointments
By Yaya Dampha Coordinator NPP Diaspora Sweden
The recent wave of criticism from some online media outlets and self-styled political commentators regarding His Excellency President Adama Barrow’s cabinet reshuffle—particularly the appointment of Hon. Baboucarr ousmaila Joof as Minister of Defence—is not only misguided, but also reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of both The Gambia’s political history and the constitutional role of the Ministry of Defence.
To begin with, the claim that appointing a civilian without a military background as Defence Minister is unprecedented or a misstep is historically false.
From independence, successive Gambian leaders, including the founding father Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, held the Defence portfolio themselves. Sir Dawda, during his long tenure as Head of State (1970–1994), personally oversaw the Ministry of Defence on multiple occasions. When he did delegate this role, it was to capable civilian leaders such as Sheriff Mustapha Dibba, Assan Musa Camara, Alhaji Alieu Badara Njie, and Saihou Sabally (who also served as Vice President). None of them were military officers, yet they served diligently and effectively.
It was only during the time of former president Yahya Jammeh's time that the Gambia’s Defence ministry was militarised.
Why is it that our so-called experts and online media outlets always jump to conclusions without digging for historical, legal and factual proofs.
This precedent illustrates a simple but critical truth: the Defence Minister’s role is fundamentally civilian and political, not military. Defence ministries across the world are led by civilians precisely to ensure democratic oversight, accountability, and the subordination of the armed forces to elected leadership. A Defence Minister is not meant to lead troops in combat—that is the duty of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the professional military command. Instead, the Minister of Defence provides policy direction, facilitates coordination between government and the armed forces, manages resources, and ensures that the army operates within the framework of the constitution and the laws of the land.
Furthermore, those who suggest that Hon. Joof lacks political experience are equally mistaken or should I say economical with the truth. His distinguished record of public service and leadership stands as proof of his competence and ability to oversee such sensitive ministry. Unlike what critics would have the public believe, a Defence Minister’s greatest strength lies in diplomacy, governance, and management—not in military rank.
It is also worth emphasizing that placing a military figure as Defence Minister often risks unhealthy power struggles between the CDS and the Minister. History shows that soldiers naturally command loyalty from the ranks, and combining this with political authority could create friction, rivalry, or even destabilization. A civilian Minister, on the other hand, provides balance—free from competition for military loyalty, and better positioned to uphold civilian control over the armed forces.
Therefore, President Barrow’s decision to appoint Hon. Joof as Minister of Defence is neither new nor misguided. It is consistent with democratic tradition, Gambian precedent, and global best practice. Instead of sensationalizing this appointment, commentators should acknowledge it as a step towards stability, civilian supremacy, and continuity in governance.
President Barrow has once again demonstrated his commitment to consolidating democracy and ensuring that the armed forces remain a professional institution under civilian oversight. The criticism is not only baseless but also undermines the democratic principle that the military must serve the state—not govern it.
Monday, September 8, 2025
Police Give Update on Cybercrime Case and Drifting Incident
By Jarranews Staff Reporter
It could be recall that sometimes last week the police in the Gambia have arrested dozens of foreigners with multiple devices after a raid on a compound in Tujereng Town. The arrested foreigners were suspected of engaging in cybercrime activities mainly targeting foreigners and Gambians in the diaspora. They have since been helping the police with their investigation.
Today the Gambia Police Force has provided updates on two high-profile cases currently before the courts, one involving an alleged cybercrime syndicate and the other a road safety matter linked to a drifting incident.
Cybercrime Case: 42 Foreign Nationals Arraigned
Forty-two foreign nationals—five Chinese and 37 Nigerians—appeared before Principal Magistrate Anna O. Mendy at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court as part of ongoing cybercrime investigations.
The accused face charges of unlawful possession of devices and data, as well as computer-related fraud and forgery under Sections 168 and 173 of the Information and Communications Act of 2009.
All 42 suspects pleaded not guilty. Each was granted bail set at D300,000, with two Gambian sureties required to provide an affidavit of means. The case was adjourned to September 11, 2025, for further proceedings.
Drifting Incident: Bail for Baboucarr Sawo
In a separate matter, the case of IGP vs. Baboucarr Sawo, popularly known as “Daddy,” was also heard today. Sawo faces charges linked to an alleged drifting incident at Piccadilly that left an elderly vendor injured.
The court granted him bail in the sum of D1.5 million, with conditions including three Gambian sureties, sworn affidavits of means, and the surrender of travel documents. The case was adjourned to September 17, 2025, for continuation.
The Gambia Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing all cases diligently and ensuring justice is served in accordance with the law.
Friday, September 5, 2025
Mass Cybercrime Bust in Tujereng:
By JarraNews Staff Writer
September
Tujereng — The quiet coastal town of Tujereng has been thrust into the national spotlight after Gambian authorities uncovered what is believed to be one of the country’s most extensive cybercrime operations to date.
In a carefully coordinated raid, police seized 36 laptops, 174 mobile phones, 32 desktop computers, and multiple pieces of networking equipment, allegedly used in a network of online scams. The bust resulted in the arrest of 60 foreign nationals, believed to be of Chinese and Vietnamese origin, though authorities are working with diplomatic partners to verify their exact nationalities.
A police spokesperson described the case as “a highly organized operation with international footprints.”
Alleged Cryptocurrency and Recruitment Scams
Investigations suggest the suspects were engaged in cryptocurrency investment scams and fraudulent recruitment schemes, using online platforms to target victims abroad. Authorities believe unsuspecting individuals were enticed with offers of unrealistic profits or lucrative job opportunities, only to be defrauded when funds were transferred to offshore accounts.
Expert Warnings on Global Cybercrime
Cybersecurity experts say the Tujereng case reflects a broader trend in global cybercrime.
“Cryptocurrency has become the tool of choice for international fraud syndicates,” explained Dr. Lamin Sanyang, a cybersecurity analyst based in Dakar. “These networks exploit its anonymity to move large sums of money quickly, making it extremely difficult for law enforcement to trace.”
Dr. Sanyang added that The Gambia’s growing digital footprint makes it both a potential target and a possible base for such operations:
> “Criminals look for jurisdictions where digital oversight is still developing. This is not a Gambian problem alone, but the country must strengthen its laws, build capacity, and invest in cyber-policing if it is to deter such activities in the future.”
Commendations to the Gambia Police Force
The swift and coordinated operation has drawn praise from security observers and local residents alike. Many have commended the Gambia Police Force for taking decisive action against a network that could have further tarnished the country’s image if left unchecked.
“This is a victory not just for The Gambia, but for all victims of cybercrime globally,” said a civil society representative. “It shows that with determination and cooperation, even small nations can disrupt powerful criminal enterprises.”
A Growing Challenge
While the suspects are believed to have targeted mostly foreign victims, officials caution that Gambians at home and abroad remain at risk. Fraudulent online investments and fake recruitment schemes have become increasingly common across social media platforms, often presented with polished websites and convincing testimonials.
The police are analyzing the seized devices to track financial flows, identify accomplices, and potentially link the operation to larger criminal syndicates.
Editor’s Note: A Word to the Public and Diaspora
The JarraNews editorial team strongly urges readers to remain vigilant. Online scams are becoming more sophisticated, often targeting Gambians abroad with promises of quick profits or overseas job placements.
To the Gambian diaspora community: be especially cautious of unsolicited offers of cryptocurrency investments or recruitment opportunities that sound too good to be true. Before sending money or sharing personal information, verify the legitimacy of the company or platform.
The Gambia Police Force has taken a commendable step in protecting both Gambians and the wider international community. Continued public awareness, vigilance, and cooperation with law enforcement will be critical in the fight against cybercrime.
Saidou D.M. Camara Reviews Dr. Dampha's Scholarly work
By Jarra News TV Staff Reporter
PACCL Scholar Explores Cultural and Economic Reconnection in Pan-African Futures
The latest scholarly work by Dr. Lang Fafa Dampha, titled African Echoes, Caribbean Futures, is sparking conversation across Pan-African circles for its bold take on culture, economics, and reparative justice.
The essay, reviewed in a commentary by Saidou D.M. Camara, argues that the Caribbean’s reconnection with Africa is moving beyond nostalgia toward a strategy of resistance, empowerment, and future-making. Through food, entrepreneurship, and digital connectivity, Dampha shows how grassroots initiatives are reshaping Pan-Africanism in practical, everyday ways.
At the heart of the essay is Africana Chops, a culinary venture in St. Lucia founded by Dr. Augustine Ogbu. For Dampha, this restaurant is more than a business; it is a living symbol of cultural reclamation. Each dish, from fufu to egusi soup, is framed as both memory and resistance—an act of reconnecting the African diaspora with its fragmented past.
Beyond culture, Dampha insists that revival must be tied to economic agency. Africana Chops, he argues, demonstrates how food enterprises can strengthen supply chains, create youth employment, and model transatlantic trade, echoing the reparations agenda of the CARICOM Reparations Commission.
The essay also highlights how digital platforms—from Instagram to TikTok—are becoming modern Pan-African commons, allowing diaspora communities to share languages, music, and traditions in real time. This, Camara notes, reflects a new kind of Pan-African identity: global, interactive, and youth-driven.
Dampha connects these grassroots practices to state-level initiatives, citing air and sea bridges between Africa and the Caribbean, digital currency experiments, and climate diplomacy. This, he argues, fulfills Kwame Nkrumah’s vision of Pan-Africanism as both cultural and political.
In conclusion, Dampha positions reconnection not as nostalgia but as resistance—a forward-looking strategy rooted in memory, but oriented toward sovereignty and development. In doing so, his work builds on the legacies of Paul Gilroy, Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, Walter Rodney, and Frantz Fanon, while offering a roadmap for Pan-Africanism in the 21st century.
Jarra News TV commends both Dr. Dampha and Saidou D.M. Camara for their wonderful insights and intellectual foresight in guiding the future of Africa and Africans. Their combined perspectives reflect a vision of Pan-Africanism that is both deeply rooted and boldly innovative.
Thursday, September 4, 2025
PACCL Launches Summer Classes with Focus on Leadership
Open to students, professionals, and lifelong learners, the programme combines academic rigor with practical insights, delivered by leading scholars and practitioners with both global and Pan-African expertise.
The first session, “Introduction to Leadership,” will be held online on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. UTC. Conducted in English, the lesson aims to help participants:
Understand the distinction between leadership and management.
Explore the qualities and styles of effective leaders.
Reflect on their personal leadership potential and areas for growth.
The session will be facilitated by Dr. Lang Fafa Dampha, a seasoned academic and leader with a distinguished career spanning Africa and Europe. Dr. Dampha previously lectured at the University of Paris II, Panthéon-Assas, and the University of Paris 8, Saint-Denis, before serving as Executive Secretary of the African Academy of Languages (ACALAN) under the African Union from 2015 to 2025. He also led the African Union’s Centre for the Study and Research on Migration between 2021 and 2022.
Currently, Dr. Dampha is the Executive Director of PACCL and Managing Director of MadiKulaySano Trading and Services. Drawing on his extensive expertise in leadership, policy, languages, and Pan-African thought, he is expected to bring both theoretical depth and practical perspectives to the class.
The PACCL Summer Classes are part of the centre’s mission to nurture knowledge, cultural appreciation, and transformative leadership for Africa and the world.
African Echoes, Caribbean Futures: Reconnecting Through Culture and Language
By Dr.Lang Fafa Dampha
Part I: A Taste of Return – Culinary Bridges and a New Pan-African
Part I: A Taste of Return – Culinary Bridges and a New Pan-African
RODNEY BAY, St. Lucia — The rhythmic pounding of fufu drifts through the streets of this bustling coastal town. For some, the sound is a familiar reminder of home; for others, it is a newfound ritual. But for many, it now resonates far beyond the dinner table. It has become a heartbeat of cultural revival, signaling the Caribbean’s renewed effort to reconnect with Africa in language, enterprise, and shared vision.
In kitchens tucked behind verandas and in small family-run restaurants, food is no longer just sustenance. It is ceremony. Each pounded yam, each simmering pot of egusi or jollof rice, is a declaration: We remember. With every dish, Caribbean communities are reclaiming ancestral bonds strained by slavery, colonialism, and dependency.
This movement is not only about food, but about what the food represents: a revival of identity intertwined with global calls for reparative justice. The echo of the mortar and pestle is also the echo of Africa calling its diaspora home—and the Caribbean is answering, through music, policy, education, and enterprise.
A Doctor Who Cooks for a Cause
At the center of this cultural resurgence is Dr. Augustine Ogbu, a 29-year-old Nigerian-born physician turned restaurateur. His venture, Africana Chops, in Rodney Bay, is more than a bustling takeaway. It is a living bridge between Africa and the Caribbean, a space where heritage and healing converge over steaming bowls of egusi soup and fragrant jollof rice.
“Food is language. Food is identity. Food is memory. Every plate we serve is a story we’re reclaiming,” Dr. Ogbu says.
For many of his Caribbean patrons, the flavors at Africana Chops carry a spiritual familiarity, a sense of déjà vu that transcends centuries of displacement. His restaurant is not just feeding customers—it is nourishing a movement.
Culture as Currency
Africana Chops is also an economic project. By sourcing ingredients from both local and African suppliers, training young chefs in traditional techniques, and collaborating with cultural institutions, Dr. Ogbu is institutionalizing Pan-African exchange. His work demonstrates how cultural businesses can serve as engines of reparative justice and sustainable development.
The restaurant even embodies a kind of grassroots diplomacy. Informal cultural bridges, along with formal cooperation agreements between Nigeria and St. Lucia, illustrate how food, business, and culture can open new channels of political and economic partnership across the Atlantic.
Beyond Nostalgia, Toward Strategy
Dr. Ogbu’s story is part of a larger Caribbean transformation. From classrooms introducing African languages and histories, to entrepreneurs importing shea butter and Ankara fabrics, to musicians rapping in Twi, a new Pan-African consciousness is taking root.
Digital platforms are accelerating this revival. Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube now serve as global commons for the diaspora—spaces where music, fashion, food, and language are exchanged in real time. Viral Afrobeats tracks, tutorials in Swahili or Yoruba, and stories of heritage journeys are reconnecting families separated for centuries.
Governments, too, are taking notice. Caribbean leaders have begun discussing direct air and sea links with Africa, joint investment agreements, and even shared digital currencies to reduce reliance on colonial-era financial systems. These are not symbolic gestures—they are strategic moves toward economic independence and deeper integration.
A Shared Destiny
The strength of this movement lies in its many forms. It can be heard in the drum rhythms a grandmother teaches her grandchildren, and seen in climate summits between Barbados and Nigeria. It is alive in Accra’s festivals and Port of Spain’s spoken-word circles.
This is not nostalgia—it is resistance. It is an unlearning of colonial myths of fragmentation and inferiority, and a reassertion of a buried truth: the descendants of Africa, wherever they are, share a destiny.
Through language, trade, music, and solidarity, the diaspora is not only healing historical wounds. It is also designing a future defined on its own terms.
To be continued in Part II: From Cultural Pride to Economic Repair – How Pan-African Identity Is Fueling New Models of Trade, Innovation, and Justice.
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
A Party on the Brink – UDP’s Flagbearer Selection and the Looming Implosion
At the heart of this political storm is the veteran politician and founding father of the party, Lawyer Ousainou Darboe. A man revered by many as the “Mandela” of Gambian politics, Darboe’s legacy is undeniable. He has been the face of the UDP through thick and thin, enduring persecution, imprisonment, and electoral defeats. But the hard truth remains — he has contested five presidential elections and lost all. Now, once again, Darboe has submitted his application to lead the party into the 2026 elections, setting off a chain reaction that reveals the growing dysfunction within the UDP.
Darboe’s re-emergence as a contender has triggered resignations and forced withdrawals among other aspirants, not because they believe he is the best candidate to lead the country, but out of reverence for his legacy — a glaring case of political godfatherism that flies in the face of meritocratic leadership. Among those who stepped aside is Brikama Area Council Chairman Yankuba Darboe, a rising political figure whose withdrawal is reportedly rooted in his loyalty to the "old man," rather than in political strategy or electoral calculation.
But the real twist came with the late and controversial entry of Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda, who had previously vowed not to contest against Ousainou Darboe. His eleventh-hour U-turn has thrown the party into chaos, opening deep wounds within the UDP that may never heal. Bensouda, backed by what observers now term the “mafia wing” of the party — comprising wealthy contractors, political opportunists, and alleged influence-buyers — is aggressively campaigning behind the scenes. Reports of vote-buying, co-opting UDP parliamentarians, and offering shady contracts in exchange for loyalty are rampant.
This development has sharply divided the UDP into warring camps. The Yankuba Darboe camp, still loyal to the elder statesman, has launched verbal assaults on Talib’s perceived betrayal. Meanwhile, Talib’s supporters have not held back, flooding social media and political discourse with insults, innuendo, and character assassinations. What was once a united political family is now a house of verbal war, with online warriors trading blows daily and offline surrogates spreading discord at every level of the party.
Observers warn that the UDP is edging dangerously close to self-destruction. If Talib is selected, Yankuba Darboe has publicly declared he will leave the party. There are whispers of defections and parallel party formations, should either side lose the flagbearer contest. Even more worrying is the complete erosion of ideological unity — now replaced by personal interests, financial muscle, and blind loyalty.
The UDP leadership must now confront a bitter truth: they have failed to build a sustainable political institution beyond the personality of Ousainou Darboe. A political party that cannot transition beyond its founder without descending into chaos is not a democratic institution but a cult of personality.
For the ordinary UDP supporter and for Gambian democracy at large, the current spectacle is deeply disheartening. A credible opposition is vital for any functioning democracy. But right now, the UDP is offering Gambians a circus of egos, not a serious alternative to governance.
In the end, whether Darboe, Talib, or a third figure wins the flagbearer race, the real loss is institutional cohesion. The damage has been done, and whichever way this contest ends, breakaways are now inevitable. The UDP has entered its most dangerous phase — and unless sanity prevails, 2026 may not just mark the next election — it may mark the end of the United Democratic Party as we know it.
Let the UDP be reminded: leadership must be earned, not inherited; and loyalty to country must come before loyalty to any man.
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Talib Bensouda As the UDP Flagbearer for 2026 Is No Threat To NPP
A Response to Political Marketing Disguised
As Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda officially declares his ambition to become the UDP Flagbearer for the 2026 Presidential Elections, we must not allow eloquent speeches and curated press statements to blur the hard truths. For nine years, Bensouda has held the reins of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) — and if leadership is measured by impact, then his record deserves real, unsentimental scrutiny.
1. Proven Leadership? Or Decorative Politics?
Twice elected does not mean twice effective. Beyond the flower buckets at Westfield Junction — symbols of cosmetic urbanism — what tangible development can Mayor Bensouda truly boast of?
Serekunda continues to flood every rainy season, with no effective drainage or water management strategy.
Markets reek of uncollected garbage, unregulated sanitation, and health hazards.
Feeder roads and neighborhood streets are left impassable during rains, turning daily commutes into survival missions.
This is not a legacy of transformation. It's a resume of inaction.
2. Accountability & Integrity? Let’s Look Again.
Team Bensouda brags about integrity — yet the Local Government Commission of Inquiry uncovered clear patterns of mismanagement, abuse of office, and irregular procurement practices at the KMC under his leadership.
Evading legal consequences doesn't mean being clean — it only means the system is still maturing. Gambians aren’t naïve anymore. The days of hiding behind soft PR are over.
3. Development-Oriented? Or Optics-Obsessed?
Waste management and urban renewal may sound impressive — but how many communities in the Kanifing Municipality actually feel the impact?
Ask Bundung. Ask Ebo Town. Ask London Corner. They live with garbage, crumbling roads, and poor drainage. The flashy headlines never make it to their doorsteps.
The so-called development under Bensouda is piecemeal, selective, and mostly designed for photo ops, not long-term change.
A Candidate Controlled by Shadows
Mayor Bensouda’s campaign is not about vision. It's about veneer. He is surrounded by political amateurs, backed by self-seekers, and controlled by backroom mafias who see him as an easy puppet.
He is not leading a movement — he’s fronting for people who are too afraid or too unqualified to show their faces.
The Real Solution? It’s Not UDP or Talib Bensouda.
Both Talib Bensouda and the UDP offer no solutions for Gambia’s future. They represent a recycled opposition with no fresh ideas, no national vision, and no grassroots record of delivery.
The only real solution is the continued leadership of President Adama Barrow and the NPP Government.
In just nine years, President Barrow has transformed The Gambia in ways that are undeniable:
Massive infrastructure development: Roads, bridges, ports, and energy systems expanding across the country.
Modernized agriculture: Mechanized farming inputs and nationwide distribution networks boosting food security.
National electricity coverage: From towns to rural communities, light is reaching where darkness once ruled.
Education & healthcare investments: New schools, upgraded hospitals, and access to quality services.
Digital governance & taxation systems: Increasing transparency and efficiency in public finance.
These are not promises. They are visible, measurable, and ongoing realities — the kind of development The Gambia needs.
Conclusion
Leadership is not about lofty speeches or decorative projects. It’s about nation-building — brick by brick, policy by policy, village by village.
Mayor Talib Bensouda has failed to transform the Kanifing Municipality — how then can he be trusted to transform a nation?
The Gambia cannot gamble its future on controlled candidates or recycled parties. The momentum for progress is already underway — and it is President Barrow and the NPP who are delivering it.
Let’s build on real achievements — not PR experiments.
By Yaya Dampha.
NPP Diaspora Coordinator
Sweden
Friday, August 29, 2025
Major Secka Completes UK Defence Academy Workshop
By JarraNews Staff Writer
Shrivenham, United Kingdom – August 28, 2025 – Major Abdoulie Secka of the Gambia Armed Forces has successfully completed a Joint Doctrine Development Workshop at the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom in Shrivenham.
The intensive programme, organised by the UK Ministry of Defence and delivered by the Integrated Warfare Centre, brought together participants from both NATO and non-NATO countries. The training focused on the United Kingdom’s joint doctrine development process at strategic and operational levels, combining lectures, practical exercises, and modules on effective writing for doctrine formulation.
Gambia’s High Commissioner to the UK, Her Excellency Dr. Fatou Bensouda, praised Major Secka’s dedication and urged him to remain steadfast in service to the nation. Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Suntou Touray, also underscored the importance of continuous training, describing the Gambia Armed and Security Forces as a reliable institution tasked with safeguarding national security. He noted that since 2017, the force has embarked on a series of reforms and capacity-building initiatives designed to modernize the army.
Reflecting on his experience, Major Secka expressed gratitude for the opportunity to train in England. He said the knowledge and skills gained will play a vital role in strengthening the operational effectiveness and doctrinal development of the Gambia Armed Forces.
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Editorial: Hypocrisy Has No Place in the Gambia Police Force
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Hon. Billay G. Tunkara Pays Courtesy Call on Gambia High Commission in London
By JarraNews Staff Writer
LONDON, 26 August 2025 — The Majority Leader of The Gambia’s National Assembly, Hon. Billay G. Tunkara, who also chairs the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, has paid a courtesy call on the Gambia High Commission in London.
Hon. Tunkara was warmly received by the Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Suntou Touray, who conveyed the greetings and assurances of Her Excellency Dr. Fatou Bensouda, The Gambia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. Mr. Touray reaffirmed the Mission’s commitment to closer collaboration with the National Assembly on matters of national interest.
During the visit, Hon. Tunkara underscored the critical role of The Gambia’s diplomatic missions, stressing that all government ministries, directly or indirectly, benefit from the work of Gambian diplomats abroad.
The discussions between Hon. Tunkara and Mr. Touray focused on issues affecting Gambians living in the United Kingdom, particularly access to travel documents and essential consular services. Hon. Tunkara also expressed his appreciation for the High Commission’s hospitality and continued service to Gambians in the diaspora.
Mr. Touray, for his part, briefed the visiting parliamentarian on the Mission’s extensive summer programme of community outreach. He highlighted the growing demand for biometric passport issuance in the UK and across other countries under the London Mission’s jurisdiction.
Both parties further explored ways to strengthen the participation of Gambians abroad in the country’s development and political processes, recognising the invaluable contributions of the diaspora to The Gambia’s progress.
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
Barrow Moves to Address Telecoms Tariff Concerns
By JarraNews Staff Writer
Banjul, 26th August 2025 – President Adama Barrow has established a High-Level Committee to review recent telecommunications pricing regulations introduced by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA).
The move follows growing public concern after PURA’s tariff announcement last week, which sparked demonstrations by a group calling itself Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA). Authorities declared the protest illegal, leading to the arrest of dozens of youths, several of whom have since been remanded by a Magistrates Court
According to State House, the new committee will be composed of representatives from:
1. The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy
2. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs
3. The Ministry of Justice
4. The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment
5. The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA)
6. The Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (GCCPC)
The committee is tasked with conducting a thorough and impartial review of the pricing regime, ensuring its findings are evidence-based and in line with the government’s policy of safeguarding competition and consumer welfare.
President Barrow emphasized that the establishment of the committee reflects his government’s commitment to transparent and consultative governance. He assured Gambians that their rights, interests, and welfare in accessing fair and affordable telecom services will be protected.
“The Government recognizes the concerns of the public and remains steadfast in its resolve to safeguard consumer rights while preserving the integrity of the competitive market,” the statement noted.
Authorities also cautioned against illegal demonstrations, urging citizens to express their concerns through lawful and constructive channels.
The public will be updated on the committee’s findings and further steps as consultations progress.
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