Sheikh Dr. Kemo Saidy Khan Successfully Defends PhD Thesis

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

Sheikh Alhagie Kemo Saidykhan, a distinguished son of Jarra Kani Kunda and a descendant of the renowned Islamic scholar Mamma Yero Saidykhan—whose legacy greatly contributed to the spread of Islamic teachings in The Gambia—has successfully defended his doctoral thesis and has been officially confirmed as a PhD holder.

The thesis, titled “The Impact of False Religions on Qadiani (Ahmadiyya) Beliefs: A Descriptive and Critical Study,” was rigorously examined and unanimously approved by the academic panel.

Following the successful defense, Sheikh Dr. Kemo Saidy Khan was awarded the Al-‘Alamiyyah (Doctorate) degree with an Excellent grade and First Class Honours, marking a significant milestone in his scholarly and religious journey.

The defense took place on 17th Sha‘ban 1447 AH, corresponding to 5th February 2026.

Family members, scholars, and well-wishers have expressed joy at this achievement and have called for continued prayers for Sheikh Dr. Kemo Saidy Khan’s guidance, success, and service to Islamic knowledge and the wider community.

Darboe’s Vision Elevates GRA as Regional Tax Reform Powerhouse at IMF Forum

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter, 2026

The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), under the decisive and forward-looking leadership of Commissioner General Mr. Yankuba Darboe, has once again positioned itself as a leading force in regional tax administration, following its high-profile participation at the Second International Monetary Fund (IMF)–AFRITAC West 2 Regional Leadership Forum held from 2nd to 6th February 2026.

The prestigious forum brought together Commissioners General and senior revenue administrators from Anglophone West Africa and Cape Verde to confront critical leadership and reform challenges shaping the future of revenue mobilization across the region.

Leading The Gambia’s delegation was Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe, whose reform-driven stewardship has transformed the GRA into one of the most dynamic and respected revenue administrations in West Africa. He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner General and Head of Domestic Taxes Mr. Essa Jallow, and Director of Technical Services Mr. Yahya Manneh, reflecting the depth and strength of the Authority’s senior leadership team.

The forum was officially opened by Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance, Hon. Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura, with strong representation from the IMF, European Union, and the AFRITAC West 2 Center—further underscoring the significance of the gathering.

Discussions focused on high-impact themes essential to modern revenue administration, including ethical leadership, effective decision-making, managing political interference, delivering successful reforms, stakeholder management, and translating vision into measurable results. These themes closely mirror the reform agenda already being vigorously pursued at the GRA under Darboe’s leadership.

A major highlight of the forum was the GRA’s presentation on “Navigating Political Challenges in Reform Implementation and Revenue Administration.” Drawing from real-world experience, the presentation showcased The Gambia’s bold and innovative reforms, many of which have been personally championed by Commissioner General Darboe.

Among the standout initiatives were the successful implementation of ASYCUDA World, the rollout of Digital Tax Stamps on excisable goods, the Revenue Assurance System for Mobile Network Operators, and the Rental Tax Compliance System—all reforms that have strengthened transparency, improved compliance, and significantly boosted domestic revenue mobilization.

These achievements were widely acknowledged as practical examples of how strong, principled leadership can overcome political and operational challenges while delivering tangible national benefits.

The forum also provided an invaluable opportunity for the GRA’s Senior Management Team to exchange ideas and learn from peer administrations, further enhancing the Authority’s reform momentum.

With Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe at the helm, the GRA continues to set benchmarks in integrity, innovation, and results-driven leadership—earning The Gambia growing respect as a model for revenue administration reform across the West African sub-region.

TRIAL BY MEDIA IS NOT ACCOUNTABILITY: A DEFENCE OF DUE PROCESS AND THE RULE OF LAW

By Yaya Dampha

NPP Diaspora Coordinator – Sweden

The recent statement issued by Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) concerning Police Prosecutor Almameh S. Manga raises grave concerns—not because it demands accountability, but because it fundamentally misunderstands and undermines the very principles of law, justice, and democracy it claims to champion.

Let us be clear from the outset: allegations are not facts. In any democracy governed by the rule of law, allegations—whether amplified by social media, civil society groups, or political actors—do not amount to misconduct unless and until they are proven through lawful processes. This principle is neither negotiable nor outdated; it is the foundation upon which justice systems stand.

Presumption of Innocence Is Non-Negotiable

The Gambian Constitution, like all democratic legal orders, guarantees the presumption of innocence. This protection does not evaporate because the accused is a public officer. On the contrary, it exists precisely to shield citizens and officials alike from mob justice, reputational lynching, and politically motivated persecution.

GALA’s statement dangerously advances the idea that a public officer can be condemned, suspended, or pressured out of office based on “ethical concerns” that have not been established by any court, tribunal, or competent oversight body. That position is legally flawed and democratically reckless.

Ethical breaches, conflicts of interest, or administrative misconduct—if they exist—must be determined by institutions with jurisdiction, following due process, evidence, and fair hearing. They cannot be declared by press statements or advocacy campaigns.

Accountability Requires Law, Not Loudness

GALA argues that anti-corruption is not assessed solely by criminal culpability. While this is superficially true, it is legally incomplete and misleading. Even non-criminal misconduct must be proven, not presumed. Ethics are enforced through rules and procedures, not suspicion and activism.

Calling for “temporary administrative measures” against an officer without any established finding of wrongdoing is, in effect, punitive action disguised as institutional protection. Courts across democratic jurisdictions have consistently held that administrative actions affecting a person’s career or reputation must be reasonable, proportionate, evidence-based, and lawful. Anything else is arbitrary.

Democracy Rejects Trial by Media

Gambia’s painful history under authoritarian rule should have taught us a vital lesson: justice must be institutional, not emotional. Replacing executive tyranny with civil society intimidation is not democratic progress—it is regression.

If those making allegations against Mr Manga genuinely believe that:

A crime has been committed, they should go to court.

A disciplinary breach has occurred, they should petition the appropriate authority.

A conflict of interest exists, they should prove it within the framework of the law.

What must never be accepted is the idea that social media outrage or politically connected civil society pressure can substitute for judicial or administrative findings.

A Question of Credibility

Gambians must also be mindful of recent history. These are the same voices that once accused former Lead Counsel Amie Bensouda of being centrally involved in the looting of Yahya Jammeh’s assets—allegations that were later thoroughly examined and decisively rejected by a parliamentary commission.

No apology followed. No accountability for misleading the public.

Today, the same tactics appear to be directed at a young public officer, one without political insulation. This pattern raises serious concerns about selective outrage and agenda-driven activism, rather than principled accountability.

Defending Institutions Means Defending Their Rules

True institutional integrity is not achieved by sacrificing individuals to public pressure. It is achieved by upholding due process, respecting jurisdiction, and resisting populist shortcuts.

As things stand, Almameh S. Manga has not been convicted, indicted, or disciplined by any competent authority. Until such time as lawful processes determine otherwise, he remains innocent in law and entitled to full constitutional protection.

Conclusion

Accountability without due process is not reform—it is injustice.

Ethics without evidence is not governance—it is intimidation.

Democracy without the presumption of innocence is not democracy at all.

If GALA truly believes in the rule of law, it must submit its claims to the law, not attempt to replace it.

The young officer deserves justice, not scapegoating.

The nation deserves courts, not campaigns.

GRA Announces Customs and Excise Agents Licence Renewal for 2026

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has issued a public notice calling on all Customs and Excise Agents to apply for the renewal of their operating licences for the year 2026.

According to the notice dated 4th February 2026, the directive is issued pursuant to Section 217 of the Customs and Excise Act 2010 and Regulation 290(1) of the Customs and Excise Regulations 2012. The Commissioner General has urged all agents concerned to submit their renewal applications on or before 31st March 2026, stressing that applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

The GRA outlined several conditions that applicants must meet. These include the payment of a non-refundable application fee of D5,000 for new applicants and a non-refundable renewal fee of D2,000. Applicants must be of Gambian nationality, conversant with customs laws and regulations, and must operate from a registered place of business.

Additionally, applicants are required to present a valid tax clearance certificate issued by the Gambia Revenue Authority and provide security in the form of a bank guarantee worth D1,000,000 or landed property of equivalent value within the Greater Banjul Area. Applicants must also be of good standing with no prior criminal convictions.

Upon approval of an application, successful applicants will be required to pay a licence fee of D15,000, furnish a bond using Form CB.11 or make a cash deposit as determined by the Commissioner General, which shall not be less than D250,000. Agents may also be required to submit a tariff of service charges for approval and must present a letter of appointment from the owner of goods before clearing any consignment.

The Authority warned that continuing to operate as a Customs and Excise Agent without renewing a licence constitutes an offence under the Customs and Excise Act 2010.

For further information, the public is advised to visit the GRA website at www.gra.gm or contact the Authority via info@gra.gm.

Ms. Marang Sanyang Propels The Gambia to Global Leadership at the United Nations

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

The Gambia has once again stamped its authority on the international stage, securing a prestigious leadership role at the United Nations with the election of Ms. Marang Sanyang as Vice Chair of the Bureau of the UN Preparatory Committee on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Humanity.

The historic election, reached by consensus during the UN Plenary Session on 27 January 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, marks a resounding endorsement of The Gambia’s rising influence in global justice and international lawmaking.

Backed by the African Group, The Gambian delegation—ably led by H.E. Ambassador Lamin Dibba—successfully presented the candidacy of Ms. Sanyang, a seasoned Counsellor and Legal Advisor, whose unanimous election reflects international confidence in Gambian leadership, competence, and moral authority.

This landmark achievement places The Gambia at the heart of a critical global mission: closing one of the most glaring gaps in international law. While genocide and war crimes are governed by binding treaties, crimes against humanity still lack a universal legal convention—a deficit the Preparatory Committee is mandated to address.

The Committee is charged with steering global consultations, examining the International Law Commission’s draft articles, and laying the groundwork for the Conference of Plenipotentiaries scheduled for 2028–2029, where a historic convention is expected to be negotiated.

In her role as Vice Chair, Ms. Sanyang will help guide an inclusive, transparent, and results-driven process, ensuring that the voices of all regions—particularly Africa—are central to the development of a strong, enforceable legal framework. The Gambia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening international cooperation, ending impunity, and enhancing national capacities for prevention, justice, and accountability.

This latest milestone reinforces The Gambia’s growing reputation as a champion of human rights, international justice, and the rule of law, proving that even small nations can lead boldly on the world’s biggest moral questions.

— MoFA

A Response to Amadou Sanneh’s Misleading Statement on President Adama Barrow

Amadou Sanneh’s recent remarks in The Standard newspaper, in which he seeks to portray His Excellency President Adama Barrow as a political disappointment, are not only misleading but deeply hypocritical coming from someone whose own tenure in public office was marked by serious ethical and governance concerns.

Mr Sanneh and several senior UDP officials were rescued from criminal prosecution after the change of government in 2017 and were entrusted with ministerial positions in good faith, with the hope that they would help rebuild and rescue The Gambia. Sadly, many of them instead betrayed both President Barrow and the Gambian people through conduct that fell far short of the standards expected in public office.

In 2018, while serving as Minister of Finance and being responsible for government financial administration, Mr Sanneh presided over one of the most glaring conflicts of interest in recent history. He awarded a government audit contract to an audit firm registered in his own name without a transparent tendering process, in clear violation of public finance regulations. His own company was paid to audit government accounts. The resulting audit report was rejected by the World Bank, the IMF, and other development partners due to the obvious conflict of interest. A new audit firm had to be engaged to redo the work, costing the country both credibility and resources. To date, the funds paid to Mr Sanneh’s firm for that rejected audit have not been refunded, a matter that remains unresolved.

This is only one among several dubious contracts and questionable decisions that characterized his tenure as Finance Minister.

Furthermore, the UDP leadership itself has serious unanswered questions to address. Former Vice President Ousainou Darboe admitted before the National Assembly that funds meant for flood victims in Kaur and surrounding communities were deposited into his personal account. To this day, many of those victims are still waiting for the assistance meant for them. This constitutes a clear betrayal of public trust.

Equally troubling are concerns surrounding Mr Darboe’s possession of two diplomatic passports bearing different names during his tenure as Foreign Minister—an issue that would be considered a serious offense in any country governed by the rule of law.

Against this background, it is ironic and disingenuous for Mr Sanneh to accuse President Adama Barrow of the very failures and misconduct that defined the UDP’s period in government between 2017 and 2019. President Barrow has consistently demonstrated honesty, caution, and responsibility in the management of state affairs—qualities that stand in sharp contrast to the record of those now attempting to rewrite history.

When Mr Sanneh likens President Barrow to a wayward “child” of the UDP, he conveniently ignores one crucial fact: President Barrow chose the Gambian people over party loyalty. He refused to be complicit in corruption, conflicts of interest, and the abuse of public trust. That principled decision—not any so-called “unexpected attitude”—is what truly unsettled the UDP leadership.

The Gambian people are discerning. Facts remain facts, records remain records, and political revisionism will not erase the truth.

Written by:

Yaya Dampha

NPP Diaspora Coordinator – Sweden

UK–Gambia Trade and Investment Mission Scores Major Early Success in Banjul

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

The UK–Gambia Trade and Investment Mission has recorded an emphatic success on its very first day of engagement, setting a powerful tone for strengthened economic cooperation between the two nations. The high-level mission is taking place at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Banjul, drawing together senior government officials, influential business leaders, and strategic investors from the United Kingdom and The Gambia.

The landmark event enjoys strong diplomatic and institutional backing, with Her Excellency Dr. Fatou Bensouda, High Commissioner of The Gambia to the United Kingdom, in prominent attendance alongside Her Excellency Harriet King, the UK High Commissioner to The Gambia. Their presence underscores the shared political will and mutual commitment to deepening bilateral trade and investment ties.

Adding further weight to the mission were key dignitaries including the Minister of Trade and Investment, Permanent Secretary Abdoulie Jallow, who delivered a firm and forward-looking statement reaffirming government support for foreign direct investment. Mr. Saul Fraser, President of the Africa Agenda Network, also made a compelling contribution, highlighting the strategic importance of The Gambia as an emerging investment destination.

Also present was the Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Suntou Touray, reinforcing the strong diplomatic endorsement behind the initiative. The mission is further supported by the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA), with its CEO and technical leads in attendance, alongside representatives from DMA Invest and the British High Commission.

The event has attracted a broad and impressive range of UK businesses eager to explore concrete investment opportunities in The Gambia. Among them is Koncept Solution, a UK-based high-tech security technology firm, represented locally by its Gambian partner, Mr. Muhammed Deen, alongside Karl. Several other UK companies are actively engaging Gambian stakeholders across key growth sectors, signaling serious investor confidence.

Gambian private sector participation has been notably strong, reflecting growing local enthusiasm for international partnerships and global market integration. Discussions throughout the day have focused on innovation, job creation, technology transfer, and sustainable economic growth.

Spearheaded by DMA Invest, the mission’s overarching objective is to significantly deepen trade and investment relations between the United Kingdom and The Gambia. The resounding success of the opening day reaffirms both countries’ shared vision for long-term economic collaboration and positions The Gambia as a rising hub for strategic international investment.

Police Arrest Suspect in Possession of Over 40 Suspected Stolen Sheep

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter
January 31, 2026

The Police Intervention Unit has arrested a suspect found in possession of more than forty sheep suspected to have been stolen, in a continued nationwide effort to combat livestock theft and protect farmers’ livelihoods.

The suspect, identified as Assan Babou, a resident of Dibba Kunda, was arrested on Wednesday, January 29, 2026. Police officers discovered forty-four (44) sheep in his possession under circumstances that raised strong suspicion of theft. Although the suspect claimed ownership of the animals, he was unable to provide any documentation or proof to substantiate his claim.

Babou, along with two other individuals, is currently being held in custody at Kairaba Police Station as investigations continue.

Police say the arrest is part of sustained operations aimed at curbing livestock theft and safeguarding property across communities.

Members of the public who may have lost sheep or who can assist in identifying the animals are urged to report to Kairaba Police Station for verification.

The Gambia Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to crime prevention and the protection of lives and property. Further updates will be provided as investigations progress.

A CLEAR SIGNAL FROM THE PEOPLE: WHY 2026 BELONGS TO NPP AND PRESIDENT ADAMA BARROW

The recent Ceprass poll projecting a victory for the National People’s Party (NPP) and President Adama Barrow in the 2026 presidential election did not come as a surprise to many Gambians who are living the reality of progress every day. This is not the first time Ceprass has read the national mood accurately. In 2021, a similar survey predicted President Barrow’s victory—an outcome that was ultimately confirmed at the ballot box.

As expected, the opposition has rushed to dismiss the poll, branding it “self-acclaimed political analysis.” This pattern is familiar: when data and public sentiment do not favor them, denial becomes their default response. Yet elections are not won in press conferences or on social media—they are won by performance, trust, and delivery.

The NPP and President Adama Barrow have always believed in the wisdom of the Gambian people. Gambians value results over rhetoric. They recognize good governance when they see it, and they reward leadership that delivers tangible improvements to their lives.

Under President Barrow’s leadership, the country has witnessed unprecedented investment in road infrastructure, connecting rural communities to markets, schools, and health facilities. Access to electricity has expanded nationwide, with communities that were once in darkness now fully connected to the national grid. Clean and reliable water supply has improved across urban and rural areas, directly impacting public health and quality of life.

Beyond infrastructure, The Gambia today enjoys a stable democratic environment anchored in respect for the rule of law, freedom of expression, and political pluralism. Institutions operate with greater independence, citizens speak freely without fear, and the country continues to consolidate the democratic gains achieved since 2017. This political stability is not accidental—it is the product of deliberate leadership and restraint at the highest level of government.

While the opposition focuses almost exclusively on the cost of living, they conveniently ignore global realities. Economic hardship is not unique to The Gambia; it is a worldwide challenge driven by global inflation, supply chain disruptions, and international economic shocks. Even in Europe and North America, the cost of living today is significantly higher than it was a decade ago.

Importantly, The Gambia remains among the most affordable countries in West Africa. Rather than politicising global hardship, the NPP government has taken practical steps to cushion its impact. Through sustained subsidies to agriculture, the provision of modern farming equipment, improved seeds, and mechanical support, the government is strengthening local food production and protecting livelihoods. These interventions are not theories—they are visible in fields, farms, and communities across the country.

Youth empowerment, skills development, and diaspora engagement have also expanded under the NPP, creating pathways for employment and entrepreneurship. Health and education sectors continue to receive increased attention, ensuring that development is inclusive and people-centred.

The Ceprass poll is therefore not propaganda—it is a reflection of lived experience. It captures a growing national consensus that President Adama Barrow represents stability, continuity, and progress. Gambians understand that development is a process, not an event, and they see clearly who is laying the foundation for a stronger future.

As we move toward 2026, the NPP’s campaign message is simple and honest: performance, peace, and progress. The facts speak for themselves, the record is visible, and the people are watching.

Victory in 2026 will not be won by noise, negativity, or denial. It will be won by trust—and President Adama Barrow has earned it.

By Yaya Dampha
NPP Diaspora Coordinator

SUWAIBOU TOURAY: THE STEADY FIREPOWER OF GAMBIA’S PRINCIPLED OPPOSITION

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

Hon. Suwaibou Touray, Member of the National Assembly for Wuli East, has firmly established himself as one of the most consequential voices in Gambian opposition politics, following his election as Secretary General of the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS).

A lifelong member of PDOIS, Touray represents the party’s generational shift in leadership, succeeding veteran politician and co-founder Halifa Sallah. His election signals a defining moment for PDOIS—one of The Gambia’s oldest, most disciplined, and ideologically grounded political parties—as it balances continuity with renewal.

Touray’s political journey spans more than three decades of service, activism, and intellectual engagement. As a former reporter and editor at Foroyaa Newspaper, he played a pivotal role in mentoring young people in politics and professional journalism. He traversed the length and breadth of the country, sharing political education and empowering communities with information. Those who have worked closely with him consistently describe him as a fountain of knowledge—generous, tolerant, deeply principled, and unwavering in his readiness to serve.

His first attempt at parliamentary office came in 2007 under the National Alliance for Democracy and Development (NADD), where he fell short. But persistence defined his path. In 2017, he secured a historic victory in Wuli East on a PDOIS ticket, a seat he successfully defended in the 2022 parliamentary elections with an increased margin—an emphatic endorsement from his constituents.

Within the National Assembly, Touray has earned respect for his sharp interventions, consistency, and depth of analysis. He has been vocal on constitutional reform, public accountability, rural development, and economic justice, often championing the struggles of farmers and marginalized communities—issues deeply rooted in his largely rural constituency.

As Secretary General of PDOIS, Touray now assumes the mantle of chief executive and political leader of the party. In his acceptance remarks, he pledged to strengthen party structures, energize youth participation, and uphold PDOIS’s long-standing commitment to people-centred governance, social justice, and democratic accountability.

Firmly opposed to corruption, wasteful public spending, and inequality, Touray has cultivated a reputation as a disciplined lawmaker guided by conscience rather than convenience. His rise within PDOIS reflects both loyalty to its founding ideals and the urgency of adapting to a new political generation.

Ultimately, Suwaibou Touray’s power lies not in noise or theatrics, but in moral clarity, intellectual depth, and unwavering service. In an era of shifting loyalties and political expediency, he stands as a rare constant—proof that integrity, patience, and people-first politics can still command respect. For many Gambians, Hon. Suwaibou Touray is not just a leader to watch, but a standard by which leadership itself is measured.

“Rumours the Last Refuge of a Defeated Opposition” Adama Barrow is NPP Candidate OK!!

By Yaya Dampha NPP Diaspora Coordinator Sweden 

It is still many months before the December elections in The Gambia, yet fear, uncertainty, and the clear prospect of defeat have already plunged the opposition into political delirium. Unable to offer vision, credibility, or leadership, they have resorted to what they know best: confusion, fabrication, and calculated rumour-mongering.

First came the hollow and desperate “no to third term” chant—an empty slogan designed to mislead rather than inform. When that failed to gain traction, they escalated to the now-familiar tactic of whisper campaigns dressed up as “reliable sources,” falsely claiming that President Adama Barrow is stepping aside. Let us be absolutely clear: these claims are deliberate lies. They are not mistakes, not misunderstandings, but carefully engineered falsehoods meant to deceive the public.

This is textbook political sabotage. We know the playbook. Third columnists manufacture rumours, deploy agents to spread them, and repeat them endlessly until some are tempted to believe them. “I heard it from someone close.” “I swear I witnessed it.” Some will even invoke the names of their deceased loved ones to sell a lie. Repetition does not turn falsehood into truth—it only exposes desperation.

The National People’s Party (NPP) is far ahead of this tired game. We are focused, organized, and grounded in facts, not fiction. We have been clear, consistent, and transparent: President Adama Barrow is the NPP’s candidate for the 2026 presidential election. There is no ambiguity, no hidden agenda, and no retreat. We are confident of returning him to State House—on the strength of performance, not propaganda.

President Barrow’s record speaks louder than any rumour. Good governance. Respect for the rule of law. Peace, stability, and national reconciliation. Massive infrastructural development across the country. A leadership style defined by tolerance and inclusivity—qualities that have made him one of the most tolerant leaders on the African continent and positioned The Gambia as one of the most peaceful and safest countries in Africa.

These are not opinions. They are facts—visible, measurable, and undeniable.

No amount of rumour-mongering can erase roads built, institutions strengthened, freedoms protected, or peace sustained. The Gambian people are wiser than the opposition assumes. They can distinguish between noise and nation-building.

The truth is simple: when vision fails, rumours rise. But truth, performance, and leadership will always prevail.

POLICE ARREST SUSPECT, SAFELY RECOVER ABDUCTED INFANT

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter
Date: January 26, 2026

The Gambia Police Force has once again demonstrated commendable professionalism and investigative efficiency with the swift arrest of a suspect and the safe recovery of a seven-month-old infant reported missing in Banjul.

The incident occurred on Sunday, January 25, 2026, when a woman travelling from Barra to Banjul boarded a commercial vehicle with her infant. During the journey, the mother briefly entrusted her child to a fellow passenger while she stepped away momentarily. On returning, she discovered that both the passenger and her baby had disappeared.

The case was immediately reported to the Banjul Police Station, prompting rapid police intervention. Officers launched coordinated follow-up operations and issued public alerts, demonstrating a high level of responsiveness and commitment to public safety.

On Monday, January 26, 2026, police successfully apprehended a 17-year-old female suspect at Ebo Town with the missing infant in her possession. The child was recovered unharmed, taken for medical examination as a precautionary measure, and safely reunited with the mother.

The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue in line with due process and child-justice procedures.

This successful operation further reinforces the reputation of the Gambia Police Force as one of the most effective investigative institutions in the world. With better equipment and resources comparable to other international forces, the GP Force would undoubtedly rank among the very best globally.

The Police have commended members of the public for their vigilance and cooperation, while reassuring citizens of their unwavering commitment to child protection and public security. Parents and guardians are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution when travelling with children, particularly in public transport and crowded places.

The public is urged to immediately report any suspicious behaviour involving children to the nearest police station or by calling 9968885.

Editorial Note:
Members of the public are encouraged to remain security-conscious at all times, especially regarding the safety of infants and young children. It is increasingly common to see children left unattended on streets or sent on errands alone, a practice that no longer aligns with present-day security realities. Times have changed, and the safety of children now requires greater responsibility, alertness, and collective vigilance from all.

UDP’s Official Photo Directive: A Dangerous Assault on Media Freedom

The recent directive purportedly issued by the United Democratic Party (UDP), instructing media houses to use only officially sanctioned photographs of its National Executive in all reports and publications, is deeply troubling, profoundly undemocratic, and dangerously authoritarian in spirit.

At its core, this move raises a fundamental question: what happens to press freedom when a political party begins to dictate editorial choices? What becomes of media liberty when politicians attempt to control not only narratives but images?

This is not a minor administrative request. It is a direct intrusion into editorial independence, a cornerstone of democratic media practice. In any functioning democracy, media houses reserve the right to select images, headlines, framing, and presentation—guided by professional ethics, not party instructions. Once political actors begin to issue “orders” to the press, democracy itself begins to suffocate.

Yes, governments and political parties may advocate for ethical reporting. Yes, media laws exist to regulate excesses. But these laws are deliberately designed to be self-regulating, enforced through independent institutions—not through party circulars and threats of compliance. When regulation shifts from independent oversight to political control, it ceases to be regulation and becomes sanctioning—100 percent.

What the UDP appears to be saying is simple and alarming: the media is not at liberty to decide for itself. That position is incompatible with democratic governance.

Even more concerning is the selective nature of this so-called “official photo album.” The conspicuous exclusion of Lord Mayoress Rohey Malick Lowe—while photos of other executive members, including Local Government Chairman Yankuba Darboe of the West Coast and Chairman Landing B. Sanneh of LRR, are prominently displayed—raises uncomfortable questions.

Is this an innocent oversight, or a deliberate political signal?

In a party that claims to uphold fairness, inclusivity, and democratic values, such selective visibility undermines internal democracy and fuels suspicion of political intolerance. When a party controls images, it controls relevance. And when it controls relevance, it controls power.

This incident reflects a broader and more dangerous trend: the gradual normalization of political hostility toward independent media. Today it is photos. Tomorrow it may be language. Next, it may be outright censorship disguised as “guidelines.”

The UDP must be reminded—firmly—that media freedom is not granted by political parties. It is a constitutional right, earned through struggle and protected by democratic norms. Any attempt, subtle or overt, to suppress or intimidate the press betrays those norms.

If the UDP believes in democratic governance, it must immediately clarify or withdraw this directive. Silence will only confirm the worst fears: that this is not about standardization, but about control.

A party that cannot tolerate independent media scrutiny cannot credibly claim commitment to democracy. And a government that fears free images today may fear free speech tomorrow.

This development is damaging, alarming, and unacceptable. The media must resist it. Civil society must challenge it. And the UDP must answer for it—clearly, publicly, and without evasion.

Democracy demands nothing less.