Gambia Roundup: ECOWAS Court orders exhumation, Darboe pledges justice reforms and rural women demand electricity

ECOWAS Court orders Gambia to exhume Mahawa Cham's remains and prosecute those responsible

The ECOWAS Court of Justice has adopted a settlement requiring The Gambia to investigate the disappearance and killing of former parliamentarian Mahawa Cham, prosecute those responsible and recover his remains for his family. The agreement was adopted as a consent judgment on October 6, 2026, in a case brought by eight relatives: Binta Jarju, Isatou Fatty, Lamin Cham, Bakary Cham, Fatou Cham, Kaddy Cham, Omar Cham and Limam Cham. Cham, a former member of parliament for Kiang East, disappeared and was killed in 2013, during the presidency of Yahya Jammeh. His family subsequently pursued justice through the regional court. The relatives were represented by the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA), working with the African Network Against Extrajudicial Killings and Enforced Disappearance (ANEKED). Under the settlement, the government has committed to investigating Cham's disappearance and killing and prosecuting those allegedly responsible within one year of the agreement. It must also arrange the exhumation and return of his remains, provide compensation to the family and take measures to ensure accountability.

Darboe pledges to implement truth commission recommendations within five years

Opposition leader ANM Ousainou Darboe has promised to implement all recommendations of The Gambia's Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) within five years if elected president. The United Democratic Party (UDP) leader pledged during a fundraising event organised by the party's GASH chapter in Switzerland, where he outlined plans for transitional justice, legal reform, economic empowerment and electricity supply. Darboe said victims of human rights violations committed under former President Yahya Jammeh had waited too long for justice and that reconciliation could not be achieved without addressing their grievances. “We want reconciliation in the country, but you cannot have that if justice does not take place.” He argued that victims must first receive recognition and justice before the country can achieve lasting national unity. The TRRC was established to investigate abuses committed between July 1994 and January 2017. Its work documented allegations of unlawful killings, torture, enforced disappearances, sexual violence and other violations. Its recommendations called for criminal accountability, reparations and institutional reforms.

Kaur women demand electricity, feeder roads and more economic opportunities

Women in Kaur, Central River Region, have appealed to President Adama Barrow to expand electricity connections, construct a key feeder road and introduce more livelihood projects to support families affected by poor rainfall and youth unemployment. The appeal was made during Barrow's Meet the People Tour in Kaur Wharf Town, where representatives of Lower Saloum, Upper Saloum and Nianija discussed development priorities with the president. Speaking on behalf of the women, Njie Ceesay acknowledged government investments in roads, electricity and women's economic empowerment but said several communities still lacked essential services. She praised a government-backed revolving loan scheme that allows women to borrow money for business activities and repay it over five months, making the funds available to other beneficiaries. “We are pleading with President Barrow to help us, especially those who have not yet benefited from this money. Ceesay said participating women meet monthly at the chief's compound to make repayments and appealed for the scheme to be expanded.

New US Ambassador Laurence Socha arrives in Banjul to strengthen diplomatic ties

The new United States Ambassador to The Gambia, Laurence Socha, arrived in Banjul on October 5, 2026, to begin his assignment as head of the US diplomatic mission. Socha was welcomed by Bernard Mendy, Director of the American Desk at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, and Omar Sawh, Deputy Chief of Protocol. His arrival marks a new phase in diplomatic representation between Washington and Banjul as the two countries continue cooperation on governance, economic development, regional security and exchanges between their citizens. Socha is a career member of the US Foreign Service with nearly 20 years of diplomatic experience across Africa, the Americas and Europe. According to the US Embassy, he has represented the United States in 12 countries across four continents. He becomes the 22nd US ambassador to The Gambia since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1965. As ambassador, Socha will lead American diplomatic engagement with the Gambian government and work to strengthen the longstanding bilateral partnership. He is expected to present copies of his credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad before formally presenting his letter of credence to President Adama Barrow.

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5. Gambian researchers to lead £5 million international study on Strep A and heart disease

The Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (MRCG at LSHTM) will play a central leadership role in a £5 million international research programme investigating how Group A Streptococcus infections contribute to heart disease. The programme was announced by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine on October 1, 2026. Researchers will examine how exposure to Group A Streptococcus, commonly known as Strep A, during early childhood affects the development of the immune system and may contribute to serious complications later in life. Strep A is a bacterium responsible for common infections such as sore throats and skin infections. Most infections are treatable, but some can develop into severe invasive disease or trigger immune-related complications. One of the most serious complications is rheumatic heart disease, which can develop when an abnormal immune response to a Strep A infection damages the heart valves. The condition disproportionately affects children and young adults in vulnerable communities, particularly in settings where early diagnosis and treatment are difficult to access.