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.

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.

Opinion: Diaspora Agitators Are Abusing Gambia’s Democracy for Their Own Gain

By Samba Baldeh

It is nothing short of tragic that those who played no role in the long and painful struggle to remove dictatorship from The Gambia—those who were completely absent until late 2014, when their close relatives became victims of tyranny—are today the loudest voices urging our youths into the streets against the police, despite the reality of democracy and rule of law in this country. People like Juka Ceesay, Tukulorr Sey, Ben Suwareh, and other self-styled diaspora “activists” have reduced politics to little more than adrenaline-seeking agitation. Their noise on Facebook and WhatsApp is their only claim to relevance. Since their emergence in the final years of Jammeh’s rule, they have devoted themselves to destabilising The Gambia—not through constructive ideas or sacrifice—but through endless noise-making from their living rooms in the U.S. and U.K. Let’s be honest: no nation has ever developed by turning its youth into idle protesters who blame the government for every shortcoming while refusing to take responsibility for their own growth. Development comes from action, discipline, and hard work—not constant ranting online. Take Juka Ceesay as an example. She tragically lost her brother in 2014, but rather than channelling her grief into something productive, she has turned it into a lifelong campaign of bitterness against President Barrow. Tukulorr Sey thrives on the dopamine of Facebook likes, patrolling timelines for division, her activism more about attention than nation-building. And then they dare to call this “democratic struggle.” Protest is indeed a right—but it is not a lifestyle, nor a business model for collecting diaspora donations. This culture of endless protests that these individuals are exporting into The Gambia is toxic, unsustainable, and fundamentally dishonest. In the very countries they live—America, the U.K.—no one can protest without permits and strict rules. Why then do they expect The Gambia, a young democracy, to tolerate chaos disguised as activism? Turning social media into a circus of division is not activism. It is the abuse of democracy. And it feeds directly into the argument many African thinkers have made: that Africa is being pushed into “democracy” without the time to build the strong institutions and disciplined civic culture that the West took centuries to develop. Instead of direct colonial interference, today’s destabilisation comes through diaspora loudmouths whose motives are anything but national interest. President Barrow must not be distracted by this posturing. During Jammeh’s brutal era, many of these so-called activists were silent, enjoying their personal lives abroad. Now, suddenly, they parade as the conscience of the nation while insulting judges, security officers, and civil servants who are simply carrying out their duties. Even in America, if you defy the law in protest, you face arrest. But when Gambian law enforcement upholds the same principles, these diaspora agitators scream “dictatorship.” This hypocrisy is nauseating. Democracy without law and order is not democracy—it is anarchy. And to the Gambian youth: stop letting yourselves be manipulated by these attention-seekers thousands of miles away. You have opportunities before you—education, entrepreneurship, community building. Instead of wasting your energy on Facebook live streams and protests for protest’s sake, invest in building your own future. This country needs builders, not pawns for diaspora egos. Finally, the UDP—once respected as a voice of maturity in opposition politics—must reflect deeply. Aligning with every anti-government bandwagon only diminishes its credibility. Opposition must mean offering alternatives, not promoting chaos. The time has come to draw the line: democracy is not a toy for diaspora adventurists. It is the lifeblood of our nation, and it must be protected from those who would abuse it for likes, donations, and personal validation.

Police Confirm Suspected Baby Dumping in Tallinding Farokono

By JarraNews Staff Writer

The Gambia Police Force has confirmed the arrest of a 25-year-old woman in connection with an alleged case of baby dumping in Tallinding Farokono. According to a police statement issued on Sunday, August 24, 2025, the suspect, identified as Isatou Jawneh of Farato, was apprehended by members of the public after allegedly attempting to abandon a newborn. She was escorted to the Tallinding Police Charge Office by a crowd along with the infant. Police said officers immediately transported the baby to Kanifing General Hospital, where the child was sadly pronounced dead on arrival. During questioning, Ms. Jawneh reportedly admitted that although she is married, the pregnancy resulted from a relationship with her boyfriend. Due to the size and intensity of the crowd gathered at the station, she was later transferred to Bundung Police Station for her safety. The body of the deceased baby has been transferred to the Banjul mortuary for preservation and a possible postmortem examination. Police say investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Clearing the Misconceptions: Understanding the Police Intervention

Mai Ahmad Fatty

Recent events surrounding the aborted protest at the headquarters of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) have sparked a wave of commentary, much of it driven by speculation and misinformation. To provide clarity, it is important to separate fact from perception and examine the situation from a legal and civic perspective. First, let us address some of the misleading claims circulating: The police did not act to enforce PURA-approved data tariffs. The police did not intervene to shield the commercial interests of GSM companies. The police did not suppress the protest out of a desire to deny citizens their rights. The police did not act to appease the ruling National People’s Party (NPP). Such assertions are unfounded and amount to deliberate disinformation aimed at undermining public trust in law enforcement. The Legal and Practical Context The choice of protest venue raised legitimate concerns. The PURA building also houses a commercial bank and private offices. Any obstruction could have impeded access to these facilities, caused fear among occupants, and disrupted essential services such as ATMs. Additionally, the site is located next to a foreign diplomatic mission, which carries special protections under international law. Any breakdown of order in such proximity could have serious consequences. A fundamental principle of democracy is that the right to protest does not override the rights of others to access public facilities or private businesses. Peaceful assembly is protected, but obstruction of public life is not. Courts worldwide have consistently upheld this distinction. The Police Mandate Based on these principles, the police had legal grounds to intervene when there was a strong likelihood of disruption. However, intervention should always follow recognized standards: Warnings first: Protesters should be given the chance to relocate. Minimal force: Only the force necessary to restore order should be applied. This approach balances competing rights — protecting freedom of expression while safeguarding access to businesses, public services, and roadways. The Broader Implications The protest site was in the heart of a busy commercial district, along Pipeline Road, one of the country’s most vital highways. The risk of major disruption was undeniable. Well-trained police forces around the world often manage such situations by designating alternative protest areas, a step that should have been part of the organizers’ planning. Civil society organizations, such as the E.F. Small Center, have raised legitimate concerns. These voices are essential in a democracy. Yet, the preferred approach is to exhaust dialogue and legal avenues before resorting to the streets. This builds trust and partnership between citizens and law enforcement, while reinforcing respect for the rule of law. The Way Forward The police are tasked with serving and protecting, not oppressing. Protesters, on the other hand, enjoy the right to assemble and speak freely — but always within the boundaries of the law. The guiding principle remains clear: one must either obey the law or be held accountable under it. Ultimately, citizens must recognize that the State and Government are not separate from us — they are us. Peace, law, and order serve everyone’s best interest. Holding public officials accountable must always be done within the framework of legality. May peace prevail in The Gambia. 🇬🇲

GFF Officials Attend CAF Strategic Roundtable in Kampala

By JarraNews Staff Writer

The President of the Gambia Football Federation (GFF), Hon. Lamin Kaba Bajo, and the Federation’s General Secretary, Mr. Lamin Jassey, are currently in Kampala, Uganda, where they joined 18 other representatives of African football federations at the CAF IMPACT Strategic Roundtable. The high-level gathering, convened by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is aimed at strengthening governance and accountability within the sport across the continent. The CAF IMPACT program—described as a flagship initiative—seeks to ensure the proper implementation and utilization of development funds, while promoting transparency, sound financial management, and improved football infrastructure among CAF Member Associations and Zonal Unions.

Speaking after the first day of discussions, General Secretary Jassey highlighted the importance of the forum, noting that it brought together presidents and general secretaries from more than 19 member associations for an engaging roundtable exchange on the future of African football governance. The conference continues in Kampala with deliberations expected to shape reforms and best practices in football administration across Africa.