President Barrow Appoints New IEC Chairman and Vice Chairman

Banjul – In a significant development at the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), His Excellency President Adama Barrow has, in accordance with constitutional powers vested in him, appointed Joseph Colley as the new Chairman of the Commission. Mr. Colley, who previously served as Vice Chairman, succeeds outgoing Chairman Alieu Momarr Njai. In the same announcement, President Barrow named Cherno Jallow as the new Vice Chairman of the IEC. These appointments mark a key transition in the leadership of the country’s electoral body as it continues its mandate to uphold democratic processes in The Gambia.

Commendation to His Excellency President Adama Barrow

On the Appointment of Hon. Sering Modou Njie as Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad Your Excellency President Adama Barrow, With profound respect and admiration, I extend my heartfelt commendation to you for your bold and visionary decision to appoint Hon. Sering Modou Njie as The Gambia’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad. This appointment is not only a step in the right direction—it is a masterstroke of statesmanship. At a time when our nation’s foreign policy must rise to meet the complexities of a changing global landscape, your selection of a leader with both deep-rooted national experience and global perspective is timely, strategic, and exemplary. Hon. Njie brings to this critical office a rare and formidable blend of military discipline, diplomatic tact, and academic excellence. A former senior military officer, his service to our nation has been characterized by integrity, loyalty, and professionalism. From his beginnings as Public Relations Officer of the Gambia Armed Forces in 1998 to his most recent post as Defence Minister, he has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to national service.

What makes this appointment even more compelling is Hon. Njie’s robust background in political science and international relations. With a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s in International Relations, he enters this role not only as a patriot, but also as a scholar-practitioner deeply grounded in the principles of diplomacy and international engagement. His exposure to foreign service and global cooperation is precisely the kind of experience required to elevate The Gambia’s diplomatic standing and to deepen our ties with regional and global partners. Your Excellency, this decision sends a powerful message to Gambians and to the international community: that The Gambia is serious about its foreign policy, intentional in its leadership choices, and committed to excellence in public service. With Hon. Njie at the helm of our foreign affairs, we can be confident that the voice of The Gambia will be heard, respected, and well-represented on the global stage. May this appointment mark the beginning of a new chapter of dynamic diplomacy and strategic international cooperation for our beloved country. With deepest respect and patriotic fervor, Yaya Dampha Coordinator NPP Diaspora Sweden

A Groundbreaking Sanyang Deep Port Foundation Laid

President Barrow and NPP Usher in New Era with Groundbreaking of Sanyang Deep Sea Port The Smiling Coast Charts Bold Course Toward Prosperity Under Visionary Leadership The Gambia, affectionately known as the Smiling Coast of Africa, has taken a giant leap toward economic transformation and maritime dominance under the steadfast leadership of His Excellency President Adama Barrow and the progressive National People's Party (NPP). In a move hailed as historic and visionary, President Barrow today laid the foundation stone for the monumental Sanyang Deep Sea Port—a landmark project that cements The Gambia’s place on the global trade map. Thousands of jubilant citizens from all corners of the country gathered in the vibrant coastal town of Sanyang to witness what many are calling the dawn of a new era. Government dignitaries, foreign diplomats, traditional leaders, youth groups, and development partners stood united in praise of a government that delivers on its promises.

The atmosphere was electric, charged with national pride and cultural brilliance. Colorful displays of traditional drumming, spirited dance performances, griots singing praises, and masquerade displays lit up the occasion—symbolizing national unity and the unmatched diversity that defines our beloved homeland. Addressing the nation in his keynote speech, President Barrow declared the project a cornerstone of The Gambia’s economic renaissance. He affirmed that the Sanyang Deep Port will serve as a powerful engine for national development—unlocking massive trade potential, creating thousands of jobs for Gambian youth, boosting government revenue, and easing congestion at the Banjul Port. “This is not just a port; it is a gateway to opportunity and prosperity. It is a symbol of hope for every Gambian, from Kartong to Koina,” the President proclaimed, to thunderous applause.

The NPP government continues to blaze a trail of development across all sectors—education, health, roads, and now maritime infrastructure. The Sanyang Deep Sea Port, a critical component of the Barrow administration’s Vision 2025–2026 development blueprint, reflects the President’s unshakable commitment to modernizing The Gambia and lifting her people to new heights. With this bold step, President Barrow once again proves that under his guidance and the NPP’s visionary governance, The Gambia is not just moving forward—it is rising. The groundbreaking ceremony concluded with the symbolic laying of the foundation stone by the President himself, to chants of gratitude and hope from a grateful nation. The future is bright, and it is President Barrow and the NPP who are lighting the way.

Dr. Mamadou Tangara Resigns as Foreign Minister to Take Up AU Role

State House, Banjul – 3rd July 2025: The Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, has officially tendered his resignation to President Adama Barrow, following his appointment to a senior diplomatic role within the African Union.

President Barrow has accepted Dr. Tangara’s resignation and extended his gratitude for the minister’s years of dedicated service to the nation. He also wished him success in his new responsibilities on the continental stage. Dr. Tangara, who served as Foreign Minister from 2018 to 2025 under the Barrow administration, is set to assume the position of Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission in Mali and the Sahel. He will also serve as Head of the AU’s MISAHEL Office based in Bamako, Mali. Dr. Tangara’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in The Gambia’s foreign affairs leadership, as he transitions to a crucial role addressing peace, stability, and cooperation within the West African sub-region.

Editorial: Darboe’s Dangerous Rhetoric and the Violence It Emboldens

The events that transpired at the United Democratic Party (UDP) meeting in New Yundum — where a female UDP supporter was assaulted, humiliated, and mobbed by her own party comrades — are not only disgraceful but symptomatic of a deeper rot within the political culture that some leaders continue to nurture.

On that very day, UDP leader Ousainou Darboe delivered a speech extolling women in the UDP for their so-called “fierce resistance” and “courageous fight,” framing the party’s legacy in the language of struggle, aggression, and combat. Instead of championing democratic values like dialogue, unity, and peaceful engagement, Mr. Darboe glorified a history of confrontation, implicitly validating violent behavior as a badge of loyalty.

His remarks, far from empowering women, have emboldened a factional, hostile environment where female militants now feel justified — even celebrated — for attacking their fellow citizens, including women within their own ranks. This is not bravery. This is not political engagement. This is thuggery dressed in yellow. The irony is glaring: while Mr. Darboe romanticized women “tightening their waists” to “rescue the country,” a loyal UDP woman was being dragged, beaten, and publicly shamed — not by her political opponents, but by UDP women at a UDP event, under the watch of UDP leadership.

This culture of glorified resistance and selective victimhood has devolved into something dangerous. One must now ask: is the United Democratic Party a platform for democratic ideals or a breeding ground for political hooliganism? Mr. Darboe cannot continue to bask in the glow of past struggles while turning a blind eye to the violence committed in his name. His silence on the attack is complicity. His praise of past aggression is incitement. We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the violence committed by UDP women at the New Yundum meeting. And we hold Ousainou Darboe morally accountable for fostering an atmosphere where such acts are not only tolerated but seemingly encouraged. The Gambia deserves better. Our politics must be guided by respect, not retaliation — by principle, not provocation. Leaders who cannot rise above personal cults and partisan brutality are unfit to lead a nation striving for peace and progress.

Zero Tolerance for Corruption as Justice Ministry Staff Face Prosecution

By JarraNews Staff Writer President Adama Barrow has reaffirmed his government's commitment to accountability, declaring that no individual found culpable in commission of inquiry reports or audit findings will be shielded from justice. Sources close to JarraNews reveal that several cases investigated by the police and forwarded to the Attorney General’s Chambers are slated for prosecution, in what is seen as a strong message against corruption and the misuse of public funds. These impending legal actions aim to serve as a deterrent to public officials, civil servants, and others entrusted with managing state resources. In a major development underscoring the administration’s anti-corruption stance, three staff members of the Ministry of Justice have been formally charged in connection with alleged financial misconduct. The accused are Seedy Jammeh, Yusupha M. Cham, and Matarr Sylva—officials at the Intellectual Property Registry Office—who are alleged to have misappropriated over D14 million in public funds between 2018 and 2019. According to the bill of indictment filed by the State Law Office, the trio are facing six charges: conspiracy to defraud, theft, economic crime, forgery, official corruption, and abuse of office. Details of the Charges Count 1: Conspiracy to Defraud – The accused allegedly conspired to defraud the Government of The Gambia by issuing fraudulent receipts and misappropriating fees collected for trademark applications and renewals. Count 2: Theft – It is alleged that the trio dishonestly converted GMD 14,395,620 in public funds to their personal use. Count 3: Economic Crime – The accused reportedly engaged in willful financial misconduct, causing significant economic loss to the state. Count 4: Forgery – They are accused of falsifying IFMIS records to conceal the alleged embezzlement. Count 5: Official Corruption – Cham and Sylva, both public officers, allegedly received unlawful financial benefits by abusing their positions. Count 6: Abuse of Office – The same two defendants are charged with failing to adhere to financial procedures, leading to a substantial loss of public funds. All three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they appeared before the High Court in Banjul. Bail Hearings and Court Rulings During the bail hearing, State Counsel M. Sarr did not oppose bail but requested stringent conditions to ensure the accused remain available for trial. Defence Counsel S. Sonko, representing the first and third accused, argued that his clients had complied with previous police bail terms. He urged the court to maintain similar conditions. Counsel L.J. Darboe, representing the second accused, called for fair and practical bail terms, stressing that bail is a constitutional right and should not be used as a punitive tool.

In his ruling, Justice Jaiteh acknowledged the presumption of innocence under Section 24(3)(a) of the 1997 Constitution and noted the state’s lack of objection to bail. He further emphasized that there was no evidence suggesting the accused posed a flight risk or had attempted to tamper with witnesses. Justice Jaiteh granted bail under the following conditions: Each accused must provide bail in the sum of D16 million, along with one Gambian surety. The surety must be the registered owner of landed property within The Gambia, with a verified value of at least D16 million. A certified estate valuer must appraise the property, and a valuation report submitted to the High Court Registrar within ten days. Original title deeds must be deposited with the court for safekeeping. The accused must attend all court proceedings unless formally excused. Justice Jaiteh warned that any breach of these conditions would result in automatic revocation of bail and the issuance of a bench warrant. This latest development marks a critical test of President Barrow’s pledge to uphold transparency and justice within the public service.