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.