But World Reframed is made of sterner stuff so we decided to enter the Jollof Wars.

What is Jollof rice?

At its core, Jollof rice is a one-pot dish made with rice, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and a blend of spices. Simple on paper.

In reality, it is anything but.

Across West Africa , Jollof is a symbol. It sits at the centre of celebrations, gatherings, and everyday life. In countries like Ghana and Nigeria, no event feels complete without it. It is not just a dish - it is a statement.

Where did Jollof come from?

Historically, Senegal is widely credited as the origin of Jollof rice, linked to the Wollof people of Senegal and The Gambia.

Interestingly, in Senegal it is not even called Jollof. The dish is known as Thieboudienne, pronounced Chee-boo-Jen, and is typically made with fish and vegetables in a more stew-like style.

But while Senegal may have started the story, the loudest voices in the modern debate belong to Ghana and Nigeria.

When the debate went global

For years, the Jollof debate lived online. Then in 2017, it spilled into the real world.

Festivals and competitions were held in cities like Accra, Lagos, and even Washington DC, turning a cultural rivalry into an international spectacle.

The results only added fuel to the fire:

Yes, no tomatoes. Chaos.

And Ghana? No wins that year. A detail quietly left in the past.

Fast forward to 2025, and Nigeria secured another major victory - this time in Accra itself. For Ghanaians, that one stung.

So what is the difference?

Despite the arguments, each version of Jollof rice reflects its country’s culinary identity.

Ghana Jollof

Nigeria Jollof

Senegal (Thieboudienne)

Gambia Jollof

So yes - everyone is doing something different. And still arguing about who does it best.

The recipe: Ghana Jollof rice

If you want to understand the debate, you have to try it yourself.

Step 1 - The base

Blend tomatoes, onions, peppers, garlic, and ginger into a smooth mixture.

Step 2 - The stew

Fry tomato paste with onions, then add the blended mixture. Let it cook down until thick, rich, and deeply flavoured.

Step 3 - Seasoning

Add spices such as curry powder, thyme, and bay leaves. Pour in your protein stock for depth.

Step 4 - The rice

Add washed rice directly into the stew, allowing it to absorb all the flavour.

Step 5 - The magic

Cook on low heat with a tight cover. Let it steam, not boil.

The secret is patience and balance. Ghana Jollof is not aggressive - it is confident.

More than food

Jollof rice has moved beyond the plate. It appears in music, pop culture, and everyday language. Entire songs have been written about it, sometimes as humour, sometimes as rivalry, sometimes even as metaphor.

It is food, but it is also storytelling.

So who actually has the best Jollof?

Ask a Ghanaian, and the answer is obvious. Ask a Nigerian, and you will get the same certainty.

Ask anyone else, and you may get a diplomatic response.

Perhaps that is the real point.

The Jollof Wars are not about winning. They are about pride, identity, and the joy of sharing something deeply rooted in culture . There are no casualties - only full stomachs and bruised egos.

And if even the King of England and the King of YouTube refuse to choose a side, perhaps you do not need to either.

World Reframed episode 34

World Reframed is produced in London by Global South World, part of the Impactum Group. Its editors are Duncan Hooper and Ismail Akwei.

ISSN 2978-4891

“It is disappointing that the government decided to use over D1 billion from the sale of Jammeh’s assets on other things instead of the welfare of victims,” Jome said. “They promised the TRRC that reparations would be funded from Jammeh’s assets, but that never happened.”

The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), established in 2018, had recommended more than D280 million (approx. US$3.8 million) for reparations. However, according to Jome, the government only provided D50 million (approximately US$685,000), of which D13 million went to interim reparations and medical bills, leaving just D33 million (approximately US$452,000) for compensation.

The TRRC used those funds to pay only 19 percent of victims’ approved reparations, promising that the government would cover the balance. “That balance is still pending,” Jome said.

Although the government set up a Reparations Commission in April to implement TRRC recommendations, victims say progress remains painfully slow. Jome stated that only D30 million, D20 million for reparations and D10 million for the Commission’s operations have been allocated for 2025 - 2026, far below what is needed. 

“Considering the number of victims, D30 million is grossly inadequate,” he said. “The Victims’ Centre and the entire community is worried about how the government is handling this issue. Jammeh’s regime left thousands subjected to arbitrary arrests, torture, disappearances and killings,” Jome said. “Reparations are not only financial, they represent acknowledgement, dignity and closure. But victims are still waiting,” he added.

Many victims have died while waiting for justice . Jome said more than 170 victims have passed away, including some who testified before the TRRC.

In the recording, Jammeh insisted he fears “nothing, not even death,” and claimed that his return was divinely ordained. “If Allah has written it, it shall happen,” he said.

In a press release issued by the party’s NAM Media Team, the APRC distanced itself from videos and voice notes circulating on TikTok, WhatsApp and Facebook that claim to reveal a specific date for Jammeh’s return. The party described all such dates as “bogus” and warned supporters against sharing unverified information.

According to the APRC, Jammeh has previously stated his intention to return “in November 2025,” but the party stressed that no official date has been set. Any confirmed announcement, it added, would come only from the interim party leadership through verified communication channels.

The statement urged the public to remain calm, avoid misinformation, and wait for an official update.

The death of 27-year-old Omar Badjie in Mandinaring has triggered nationwide outrage, with conflicting accounts deepening public mistrust of the authorities. Police said Badjie collapsed while fleeing a patrol. However, eyewitnesses allege he was beaten while in handcuffs. His family has rejected the official explanation, demanding accountability. The Gambia Police Force has issued a statement expressing condolences and pledging an investigation.

The Gambia auditor flags unreported funds in Mega Bank sale

The Auditor General’s 2023 financial report has revealed discrepancies in the sale of Mega Bank, noting that while the bank was sold for D921.2 million, only D896.8 million was recorded in government financial statements, leaving D24.4 million unreported. Of this amount, D23 million was disbursed by the Central Bank directly to Guarantee Trust Bank accounts without passing through the Consolidated Fund or Treasury Main Account. The sale of Mega Bank to KM Holdings for US$15.25 million in December 2024 drew widespread criticism, with lawmakers and civil society raising concerns over transparency.

Audit reveals $520,000 in undocumented spending by presidency

The 2023 Audit Report on The Gambia’s government accounts has found that the Office of the President disbursed over $520,000 to suppliers without the required procurement documents. This included a $14,000 business-class ticket for First Lady Fatoumatta Bah Barrow’s travel to New York. The report also noted that in November 2023, the presidency extended a soft loan of $520,000 to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Secretariat to cover staff salaries.

Audit finds $10.2 million discrepancy in government accounts

The National Audit Office has reported discrepancies of more than $10.2 million in The Gambia’s 2022 government financial statements. According to the audit, closing balances from 2021 were not accurately carried forward as opening balances in 2022, resulting in variances totalling $10.2 million across several government accounts.

Autopsy conducted on Omar Badjie amid disputed accounts of his death

A post-mortem examination has been carried out at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital on the body of Omar Badjie, whose death has drawn conflicting accounts from his family, eyewitnesses, and the police. The examination was conducted by Dr. Leigh in the presence of Dr. Daffeh, representing the family, and the family’s legal counsel, Ayub Johnny Njie of AJ Njie & Associates Law Chambers, to determine the official cause of death. Badjie’s family and eyewitnesses allege he was assaulted by security officers after being found with a cannabis joint, while police claim he died after falling during a “hot pursuit” and was later pronounced dead.

“Sadly, if you look at all the resolutions from page one to the last page, where the resolution required an update from the Vice President, none of them were forthcoming,” Mbowe told lawmakers, adding, “This is one of the clearest evidences that parliamentary resolutions are not respected by the executive.”

At the centre of MPs’ anger is the fate of over $1.7 million (D137 million) in COVID-19 relief funds overseen by the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), which falls under the Vice President’s office. FPAC’s report also flagged more than $1.3 million (D100 million) in undelivered food items and $480,000 (D37 million) in missing oil supplies meant for struggling Gambian families during the pandemic.

“This happened at the most trying time for our people . Some civil servants were receiving only half salaries, while public officers played with millions meant to feed the nation. Yet the Vice President has not updated this Assembly,” Mbowe said. 

Lawmakers also cited other unresolved issues under the Vice President’s remit, including:

$234,000 (D18 million) in unretired imprest; $117,000 (D9 million) in fraudulent withdrawals from sub-treasuries; missing government vehicles and concerns over shady contracts at the National Environment Agency and foreign missions.

Lamin Ceesay, Member for Kiang West, accused the Vice President of showing “executive contempt” by ignoring parliamentary oversight. “How can the Vice President ignore corruption of this scale and not even give a reason? It is unacceptable,” he said.

Lawmakers warned that the continued silence from the Vice President’s office risks eroding public trust in the Assembly’s authority and undermining constitutional checks and balances. 

The coalition includes prominent organisations such as Activista, the Gambia National Youth Parliament, Team Gom Sa Bopa, the Solo Sandeng Foundation, Think Young Women, and the Kenya Human Rights Commission, among others.

The activists noted the removal came on September 15, International Day of Democracy, calling it a bitter irony. “On a day meant to honour freedom, justice and dignity, the Government instead chose to undermine constitutionalism and attack the foundations of democracy in The Gambia,” Dibba said.

They stressed that Gambia’s democracy is still fragile, less than a decade after the fall of Yahya Jammeh’s two-decade dictatorship. “The bitter irony is that the very individual who benefited most from the people ’s rejection of dictatorship, President Adama Barrow, is now dismantling the same democratic order that brought him to power,” Dibba declared.

Why is the removal unlawful?

According to the 1997 Constitution and the National Audit Office Act of 2015, an Auditor General can only be removed under four conditions : completion of a nine-year tenure, voluntary resignation, attainment of retirement age, or proven incapacity or misconduct confirmed by a tribunal or medical board.

None of these conditions applied, the coalition said, accusing Barrow of deliberately bypassing constitutional safeguards. “This is not a mistake or a misunderstanding. It is a deliberate and calculated assault on accountability, transparency and democratic governance,” Dibba said. The civil society groups warned that if the unlawful interference is allowed to stand, it could set a dangerous precedent, threatening the independence of other independent state institutions.

Prosecutors said the group was arrested in September 2025 after raids on buildings in Tujereng and Batokunku, where police seized 242 mobile phones, 72 desktop computers, 54 laptops, seven routers, a flat-screen TV, two Starlink internet systems, and other accessories. The equipment was allegedly used to generate fake data on social media platforms to commit cyber fraud.

All 60 defendants pleaded guilty after the charges were read in English and translated into Chinese. Prosecutors described the group as a sophisticated cybercrime syndicate, accusing them of running fraud schemes through WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram, and cryptocurrency platforms such as Coinbase and Crypto.com, using VPNs to hide their locations. Investigators said the syndicate had invested heavily in technology, logistics, and property to sustain a large-scale cyber fraud network in The Gambia.

The court also ruled that all 60 nationals are to be deported to China within 10 days of completing their sentences or paying the fines. Until then, they will remain confined to one location under the supervision of the Gambia Immigration Department, which has been tasked with overseeing and facilitating their removal by air, land, or sea.

Local news portal Foroyaa reported that lawmakers adopted the report earlier this year and forwarded their findings to the government.

While the joint report stopped short of proving bribery or money laundering, it highlighted “serious governance and regulatory failures, pervasive non-compliance with financial, tax, and corporate laws, and a troubling disregard for due process.”

Minister Keita noted those concerns, telling lawmakers that the regulatory lapses and collusion exposed by the report posed a “significant risk to public interest” and undermined confidence in Gambia’s financial governance.

The report also revealed that Creed Energy and Ultimate Beigee Logistics owed D8.5 million and D12.2 million in tax arrears.

Keita said the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) had imposed “best of judgment assessments” after the companies failed to file returns and pledged that recovery actions would follow.

“GRA will use information available to generate a tax assessment, which may be disputed, and initiate recovery where possible,” he explained.

Among its recommendations, the report urged the suspension of Gam Petroleum’s General Manager and the launch of a criminal investigation into alleged conflicts of interest and fiduciary breaches. Keita confirmed the government would act on the proposal,

“The police will initiate investigations as recommended into any conflict of interest and breach of agreement and fiduciary duties against the General Manager.”

The Central Bank of The Gambia (CBG) was also flagged for failing to enforce prudential risk guidelines, with lawmakers calling for penalties against commercial banks found in breach. Keita assured Parliament that punitive sanctions would be maintained and a special audit would be undertaken to prevent hidden arrangements.

A Gambian woman, Mariama Naba Darboe, was arraigned this week at the Brusubi Magistrates’ Court for allegedly insulting President Adama Barrow in violation of the new Criminal Offences Act, 2025. Prosecutors claim Darboe referred to the President as a “motherfucker” on July 5 in Tanji, an act now criminalised under Section 107(2), which prohibits "parental insults" against senior public officials, Foroyaa reports. She pleaded not guilty when the charge was read in Mandinka. Prosecutor ASP O. Bobb requested that Darboe surrender her travel documents as part of bail conditions, but her lawyer, F. Conteh, objected. “The offence charged is a misdemeanor, not a felony,” she argued. Magistrate Jallow ruled in favour of bail at D50,000 (approximately $700)with two Gambian sureties and the deposit of all travel documents.

Rights group welcomes landmark ECOWAS ruling on FGM

The Women in Liberation & Leadership (WILL) group has praised the ECOWAS Court of Justice ruling against Sierra Leone for failing to outlaw female genital mutilation (FGM). In a statement, WILL called the ruling “a monumental step forward in the fight against FGM” and “a resounding affirmation of the rights of women and girls across the region.” The court ruled Sierra Leone violated international human rights by failing to criminalise FGM, referencing obligations under the Maputo Protocol and African Charter. “This ruling could not have come at a more pivotal moment for The Gambia,” the group said, noting the country’s Supreme Court is currently hearing a constitutional challenge to its 2015 FGM ban, the Standard reports.

MPs block attempt to restore diaspora voting rights

Lawmakers on Tuesday again rejected Clause 14 of the Elections Bill, dashing hopes of reinstating diaspora voting. Lamin Ceesay (Kiang West) moved a motion to rescind the earlier decision, citing a Supreme Court ruling that confirmed voting rights for Gambians abroad. “This clause is cardinal in the evolution of our electoral system,” he said. “The Constitution guarantees the right of all Gambians to vote, regardless of where they live. We must act to give effect to that right,” Foroyaa quotes Ceesay. Despite citing constitutional sections including 39(1) and 100(2)(b), the motion was not carried, maintaining the status quo and sparking concern among diaspora rights advocates.

Justice Ministry received 619 prosecution files in five years

Attorney General Dawda A. Jallow told Parliament that his ministry received 619 criminal case files from 2021 to 2025. These included cases of murder, rape, fraud, and robbery. However, he cautioned that the data were manually compiled due to the absence of a digital case management system. “Due to the limited time given for the submission of this answer, I am not able to provide detailed information regarding the status of all these cases,” he said. Jallow stressed the urgent need for digital reform, “It remains a serious concern that the Attorney General cannot, in this digital age, generate such information instantly from his desk,” Fatu Network reports.

Parliament rejects draft constitution for second time

For the second time since 2020, Gambia’s lawmakers have voted down a draft constitution. The 2024 Promulgation Bill failed to achieve the three-quarters majority required to move forward, garnering just 35 votes in favor and 21 against. Justice Minister Dawda A. Jallow, who tabled the bill, expressed disappointment, “This is the second time the Assembly has rejected an opportunity to usher in a new republican era for The Gambia. Constitutional reform transcends partisan politics and speaks to the very soul of our nation.” The bill proposed key democratic reforms such as presidential term limits and a 50%+1 election win threshold. Its failure is viewed as a significant setback to post-Jammeh reforms, Foroyaa reports. 

Jabbi explained that while Gambia’s communications regulator, PURA, had recommended Starlink for a Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) license, his assumption of office prompted a deeper review of the license application. He said this scrutiny was necessary to ensure compliance with Gambian laws and international best practices, the Standard reports.

“Upon review, I identified several critical issues surrounding the license that required further analysis and consultations, including at the cabinet level,” Jabbi said, adding that Starlink was later found not to qualify under the VSAT category, triggering a reassessment.

The minister confirmed that both Starlink and U.S. officials repeatedly followed up, including during his visit to Washington for World Bank meetings, where the issue was raised again. “Interpretations may vary depending on jurisdiction and culture. However, it is true that the U.S. State Department, U.S. Embassy, and Starlink have been very persistent and critical in their follow-up,” he noted.

Jabbi emphasised that the delay stems from the disruptive nature of Starlink’s technology and the need to consider the country economic, political, social, and security implications. The final decision, he said, will be made at the cabinet level and communicated accordingly.

According to data visualised by The World in Maps, four countries: Denmark, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Gambia, and Equatorial Guinea, have their capital cities situated off the mainland.

Denmark (Copenhagen)

Though Denmark is part of continental Europe, its capital Copenhagen lies on the island of Zealand , not on the Jutland Peninsula (mainland Denmark). Historically, Copenhagen became the center of Danish power due to its strategic maritime location, serving as a trading and political hub as far back as the 15th century. The city is connected to Sweden via the Øresund Bridge and remains a global leader in urban innovation and green development.

United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi)

In the UAE, Abu Dhabi is located on an island in the Persian Gulf , just off the mainland coast. While it’s connected to the mainland by bridges and causeways, its insular position was originally chosen for defense purposes and access to pearl diving routes. Today, Abu Dhabi is not only the political capital but also a global financial center and a cultural hotspot, home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Formula 1’s Yas Marina Circuit.

Gambia (Banjul)

Tiny Banjul, the capital of Gambia, is situated on  St. Mary’s Island (Banjul Island) where the Gambia River meets the Atlantic Ocean. The capital’s location was chosen by the British in the 19th century for its strategic and commercial advantages. Despite its small size, Banjul remains the administrative and economic nerve center of the country, even as many Gambians live in nearby mainland cities like Serrekunda.

Equatorial Guinea (Malabo)

Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea, is located on  Bioko Island , far from the mainland region of Río Muni. Formerly known as Santa Isabel under Spanish rule, the city is rich in colonial history. Interestingly, the government is in the process of relocating many administrative functions to Ciudad de la Paz (formerly Oyala) on the mainland, but Malabo remains the constitutional capital as of 2025.

The report, tabled on July 3 by Omar Darboe, Upper Niumi, a co-chair of the Environment Committee, warned that unregulated livestock migration is driving environmental destruction, fueling land conflicts, and straining rural communities, Foroyaa reports.

“Both forests and grasslands in Gambia are increasingly under pressure from transhumance-related activities, such as cutting tree branches, uncontrolled use of water, farmland encroachment, and damage to planted seedlings,” Darboe told the Assembly.

He described alarming scenes of thousands of animals crossing into Gambian territory, particularly along the northern border with Senegal, resulting in overgrazed pastures and the loss of young saplings critical to climate restoration. “There are no formal agreements on migratory routes between The Gambia and Senegal,” Darboe said, adding, “Although discussions were held with the previous Senegalese government , concrete frameworks are still lacking.”

While transhumance has historically supported food security and trade, Darboe noted it is now being “abused due to unregulated movement and socio-economic pressures.” He cited climate change , erratic rainfall, and dwindling grazing resources in northern Senegal as primary drivers pushing herders into Gambia.

Beyond environmental damage, the report highlighted the introduction of invasive plant species transported by livestock . A study by scientists Lalisa Daguma and Peter Minang was cited, warning that these weeds “replace valuable forage species, further threatening biodiversity and agricultural sustainability.”

Darboe also drew attention to rising farmer-herder disputes, disease transmission among livestock, and a surge in rustling and illegal tree cutting, often carried out under cover of night to avoid detection.

Turtle conservationist Sulayman Njie said his team has been collecting data weekly along the coast from Banjul to Kartong, revealing hotspots where turtle deaths are especially severe. “Our team in Tanji usually records more turtle mortalities than in Gunjur and other coastal villages,” he noted.

In particular, areas near Ghana Town and Brufut see turtles regularly entangled in set nets, large nets left in the sea for up to 48 hours, in which turtles become trapped and drown, Foroyaa reports.

Speaking during a two-day training for fishermen in Tanji this week, Njie expressed deep concern about the scale of human-driven damage. “The rampant death of turtles in this country is all about human activities, honestly speaking. It’s we, the people who are doing our things without following the due respect of the law,” he said.

Highlighting the species’ vulnerability, Njie cited scientific data showing that out of every thousand turtle eggs laid, as few as 1% survive to adulthood. To improve those odds, his team has created a “turtle village” project where hatchlings are reared in tanks until they grow strong enough to be released. “If you can save four turtles up to that size and then release them, you increase their chances of survival. I’m not saying they won’t die, but their odds are better,” he explained.

Marine biologist Dawda emphasised the need to map turtle hotspot areas to inform fishermen and policymakers. “Mapping helps us locate, identify, and create awareness. These areas are biologically and ecologically important because they serve as breeding, spawning, and feeding grounds,” Dawda said.

Mexican beauty influencer shot to death during TikTok live stream

Mexican beauty influencer Valeria Marquez, 23, was fatally shot during a TikTok livestream, sparking outrage in a country plagued by gender-based violence. Authorities are investigating her death as a possible femicide. Read more here .

'Our land is not for sale': Ecuador's Waorani rally to defend Amazon from government oil plans

Dozens of Waorani Indigenous people protested in Ecuador’s capital on May 14 against proposed oil expansion in the Amazon, saying it endangers their ancestral lands and culture. Read more here .

Who was José Mujica? Uruguay’s iconic ex-president, who lived like the poor

José Mujica, Uruguay’s former president known for his humility and bold reforms, has died at 89, President Yamandú Orsi announced on social media. Read more here .

Africa

Survivors fight to heal from rampant sexual violence in war-torn Sudan: Video

In Port Sudan, now serving as the de facto capital of eastern Sudan, survivors of sexual violence find refuge at the Aman Centre—a community-run hub offering psychological support and a path to healing amid the country’s ongoing conflict. The centre has become a critical lifeline for many. Read more here .

Gambian lawmakers demand expanded probe into Jammeh’s hidden assets

The Gambian National Assembly has approved a motion to expand the investigation into former President Yahya Jammeh’s assets, amid rising calls for transparency over his seized properties. Read more here .

Libyan economy and trade minister resigns from the internationally recognised government

Libya's Economy Minister, Mohamed al-Hawij, has resigned, joining two other ministers amid protests in the capital after this week’s violent clashes. Local Government Minister Badr al-Tumi and Housing Minister Abu Bakr al-Ghawi also stepped down. Read more here .

Asia

Vietnam leads the world in breeding high-value sushi fish in lab

Vietnam has made history as the first country to successfully breed amberjack, a prized fish widely used in Japanese cuisine. Read more here .

Turkish police detain 97 students over university protest

Turkish police detained 97 students at Istanbul’s Bogazici University on Tuesday during a protest against a campus event featuring controversial Islamic preacher Nureddin Yildiz. Read more here .

Rogue communication devices found in Chinese solar power inverters

U.S. energy officials are reviewing risks tied to Chinese-made power inverters after finding unexplained communication equipment in some devices. These inverters, crucial to solar, wind, and EV infrastructure, are widely used globally. Read more here .

Majority Leader Billay G. Tunkara, who introduced the motion, said the investigation must go beyond the existing record. Legislators echoed the call for a more comprehensive review, citing persistent gaps in asset tracing and concerns over the sale and management of Jammeh’s seized properties.

“The committee must determine how much was seized, how much was accounted for, and what remains hidden,” said Kebba Lang Fofana, a nominated member.

Lawmakers credited investigative journalist Mustapha Darboe and the youth-led movement of Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) for exposing mismanagement and spurring renewed political will

The Janneh Commission, established after Jammeh’s ouster in 2017, uncovered widespread financial impropriety and asset accumulation. However, lawmakers said its findings were incomplete and lacked full public disclosure.

The motion was adopted after hours of deliberation whereby the assembly will reconvene to appoint committee members charged with leading the investigation. The committee will have at least 180 days to complete its inquiry.

But why is Gambia shaped this way? The answer lies in colonial history, rivalry, and the strategic importance of rivers.

Gambia’s shape dates back to the Scramble for Africa  in the late 19th century, during which European powers divided the continent with little regard for ethnic or geographic boundaries.

According to Oxford Research Encyclopedias :

To avoid conflict, both colonial powers agreed that Britain would claim control over the Gambia River and a strip of land extending 10 km north and south of the river, while the rest remained French. This agreement, formalised in the Anglo-French Convention of 1889, led to Gambia's present-day odd shape.

Gambia is almost like a country within a country. It is surrounded on three sides by Senegal and relies heavily on good diplomatic relations with its neighbour for trade and travel . This arrangement creates both logistical challenges and unique cultural exchange:

The role of the Gambia River

The Gambia River is the lifeline of the country which shapes its geography, economy, and even identity. It provides essential access for agriculture, fishing, and transportation. Much of the nation’s activity centers along the riverbanks, which explains why the country’s territory mirrors the river’s path so precisely.

Despite its unusual shape, Gambia is relatively easy to visit and is a growing tourist destination, especially for European travellers. The small coastal region around Banjul, the capital, and Brikama offers beautiful beaches, wildlife, and cultural experiences — all within a few hours' drive across the country’s narrow width.

"I will take an oath today that I will remain as president until Ousainou Darboe dies. Until such time that he is dead, I will remain president. That is the contract I have signed. When his death is announced, and I attend his funeral, then I will be fulfilled as president, and I can step aside," Barrow declared.

The remarks have been widely condemned as irresponsible, dangerous, and constituting hate speech. Critics argue that such statements are a direct threat to Darboe’s life and well-being. 

Essa Faal, the former lead counsel of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) and a candidate in the 2021 presidential election, was among the first to denounce Barrow’s comments. 

In a statement released on Sunday, Faal said: "Such language has no place in our political discourse, and I stand with fellow Gambians in condemning this troubling statement. While political differences are natural, they must not lead to vile remarks, especially from a head of state. Leaders must uphold civility, respect, and decency, especially during times of political tension and economic challenges."

The Gambia For All (GFA) party has also condemned the president’s speech describing it as undemocratic and unacceptable. 

“It is not the first time that President Adama Barrow has shocked the nation with his usual unrefined, undemocratic, and plainly unacceptable hate speeches, given on the spur-of-the-moment, at random political rallies throughout the country,” the party said in a statement.”

Adding that, “the latest outrage from the President was in Brikama, where he was heard wishing for the death and actual burial of UDP opposition leader Ousainou Darboe. This has really gone far beyond the pale of acceptable political discourse. For a democratically elected leader of a country, to say that he will not relinquish power unless he sees the main opposition party leader “dead and buried” is indeed a big threat to national security .”

Barrow has been president of Gambia since 2017 having defeated Yahaya Jammeh in the 2016 presidential elections .

According to Jean-Guy Afrika , Acting Director of the African Development Bank’s Regional Integration Coordination Office, visa waivers in African countries ease the complexities of going to visit a loved one who lives just a border away.

“It makes it easier for Africans to visit their families, pursue education and business interests abroad, and discover Africa as tourists. It also contributes towards the fulfilment of aspirations for a prosperous, integrated continent where people can develop their potential unhampered by overly restrictive visa regimes,” he said.

Below are five African nations that have adopted such policies to enable seamless travel for Africans:

Seychelles

Situated in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles stands out as one of the most tourist-friendly destinations in Africa. In addition to its stunning beaches and vibrant marine life, Seychelles was reported in 2018 to be the only country offering visa-free access to all African nationals. Visitors need to only provide a valid passport, proof of accommodation, and onward travel arrangements to enjoy up to 30 days in this tropical paradise. However, Nigeria is no longer on its list.

The Gambia

Known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, The Gambia, in 2019 opened its doors to fellow Africans without the need for a visa. The country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that The Gambia is now a visa-free zone for all charter and scheduled flights. The new visa regulations covered the Commonwealth nations, EU nations, Africa, the Baltic States, and Belgians with their ID cards."

Benin

Benin follows the visa openness by allowing fellow Africans to experience the country visa-free. Visitors can explore the ancient Kingdom of Dahomey, marvel at the vibrant markets of Cotonou, and immerse themselves in the country's diverse traditions, all without the hassle of visa applications.

Kenya

In October 2023, Kenyan President William Ruto unveiled plans to abolish visa requirements for all African visitors by the end of the same year. This initiative aimed to boost trade and cultivate stronger economic relationships with fellow African nations. "By the end of this year, no African will need a visa to enter Kenya. The time has come to understand the importance of doing trade between us," he said.

Rwanda

As one of Africa's fastest-growing economies, Rwanda has emerged as a hub for business and tourism on the continent. In 2023, Rwanda rose as a new leader, driven by its increasingly liberal visa policies implemented over the past eight years. Beginning in 2016, the country enabled citizens from nearly 90% of African nations to acquire visas upon arrival, while citizens from the remaining countries could enter visa-free. Subsequently, Rwanda eliminated visa fees for African citizens. By 2023, Rwanda took a monumental step by waiving visa requirements for citizens from the entire continent.

Gambia and Senegal reached trade agreements, focusing on bilateral trade facilitations and collaboration for industrial development. This follows friendly discussions between Gambian President Adama Barrow and Senegalese President Bassirou Faye. Both parties plan to meet in July 2024 to discuss measures to facilitate cross-border trade and promote investment. They also aim to involve Guinea Bissau in a Tripartite Trade and Transit Cooperation Agreement, The Point reports.

Church leaders support humanitarian efforts

Church leaders from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints attended the launching ceremony for the Fatoumattah Bah Barrow Foundation in The Gambia. The Church donated to the foundation and has a history of supporting humanitarian efforts in the country. The First Lady Fatoumattah Bah Barrow has visited Church headquarters in Salt Lake City and expressed gratitude for the Church's ongoing support. The Church has dedicated missionary work in The Gambia and continues to grow with over 100 members, as indicated on its official website .

2020 Draft Constitution

The Coalition of Progressive Gambians (CoPG) has vowed to use legal means to ensure the 2020 Draft Constitution is reintroduced unchanged, or else they will organise a nationwide protest. According to local platform The Point , they have emphasised the importance of independent institutions and urged the Inspector General of Police to uphold the constitution, warning of protests in November if their demands are not met.

Diplomatic relations between Gambia and Cuba

Gambia and Cuba will celebrate 45 years of diplomatic relations on May 19. The Cuban Ambassador Reuben G. Abelenda expressed appreciation for Gambia's solidarity and friendship and pledged continued cooperation in health and other areas. Ambassador Abelenda also emphasised the strong bond between the two nations, Foroyaa reports.

Trade barriers and commercial challenges

The Minister for Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, Hon. Baboucarr OusmailaJoof toured Diamniadio and Sandiara Industrial Zones in Dakar, visiting various factories and companies. He commended his Senegalese counterpart, Dr Serigne Gueye Diop, minister for Commerce and Industry for the opportunity to discuss trade barriers. Joof emphasised the importance of industrialisation and value addition for boosting exports and reducing trade deficits. The visit allowed for discussions on commercial challenges and opportunities and promoted collaboration. Sandiara has about 5000 employees to discourage youth from irregular emigration, The Point reports.

Ekeng-Itua is an award-winning professor with over two decades of experience in Engineering and STEM education across the USA, Europe and Africa, according to Vanguard Nigeria . She earned her PhD from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom.

Her academic journey before her pioneering PhD began with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the Federal University of Technology Owerri in Nigeria, followed by a master’s degree in Mobile and Satellite Communications Engineering from the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom.

In her own words, “This has always been my passion, and pursuing my passion and the dream to disrupt some societal misnomers propelled me to being the first black woman to earn a doctorate in Cybernetics. Being the first in anything is always retrospective, for me, the initial focus is always creating a positively transformative impact,” she said.

Her passion for Mathematics and Physics was ignited at an early age and played a significant role in shaping her career. She recalls, “It was also born from my wish at the age of nine to create platforms that connected the world to foster global unity for progress and appreciative understanding of global cultures. At that young age, I noticed a huge disconnect in what the Global North thought they knew about Africa which I call the Global South.”

Ekeng-Itua’s achievement aligns with another pioneer in the scientific field, Sainabou Laye Ndure a Gambian woman who in 2023 became the first African to have obtained a master's degree in Genomic Medicine, a study that seeks to find methods of handling and curing genetic diseases from Oxford University.

The Gambian scholar, like Ekeng-Itua, also hopes her feat will have a transformative impact. “I believe if I apply the knowledge acquired at Oxford back home, a handful of lives can be changed for the better. I hope to be part of a team that will one day develop a cure and or, better methods of handling genetic disease,” she expressed.

"Through proactive engagement and meaningful dialogue, we will encourage unity and solidarity among Member States, based on a shared vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and equitable future for all," he said.

Barrows’s call for urgent action comes on the back of concerns over escalating violence, persistent instability, and the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. "The ongoing hostilities pose a serious threat to regional stability and global peace," he added, urging Member States to take decisive measures to address underlying causes and pursue just and enduring solutions.

He proposed convening a Comprehensive Peace Conference involving all stakeholders to negotiate settlements that prioritise the rights, dignity, security, and sovereignty of affected communities. He emphasized the critical role of collective action in confronting challenges and forging pathways to sustainable peace.

Under The Gambia's stewardship of the OIC, President Barrow outlined strategic initiatives to promote solidarity, unity, and collaborative problem-solving among member states .

In Africa, the issue is more profound. At the recent CAF AFCON 2023 in Côte d'Ivoire, some young female photographers got the opportunity to capture every move of the players, the emotions of the fans, and goal celebrations.

However, there were only five female sports photographers, making up barely a fraction of the total.

Sarjo Baldeh is one of the fastest-rising female sports photographers on the continent at just 24 years old, capturing iconic moments in sports.

Watch this interview:

Global South World had an encounter with the budding photographer, who has not only captured moments but also the attention and hearts of her people. With the striking details about her appearance, Baldeh stood out at the recent AFCON 2023 held in Cote d’Ivoire and the African Games in Ghana.

In her signature look, a modest Abaya fit and a hijab, Baldeh is relentless in her pursuit of excellence in the male-dominated field. Reflecting on her beginnings with Global South World, she went back to how sports photography started for her and narrated that her dream was born out of the need to document Gambian sports.

“Sports photography was never the plan; I never planned for it. I just see myself doing it because, given that I am a photographer, and I am always on the internet, I have seen other photographers taking sports photos of their national teams and posting them on their pages. That was when I started doing more research about sports photography because I hadn’t seen my Gambian sports documented. So, in 2021, I decided to go in for it and I did.”

“I became a freelancer for one year, continuously taking pictures of our Gambian players and sending to them for free to post on their social media platforms. That is how I started going viral. In 2022, I started working with Real de Banjul (a top football club in Gambia), but I actually started photography at the age of 15 years.”

Big events

As part of her assignments, Baldeh covered the African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast and the All African Games in Ghana . Describing her experiences, she expressed enthusiasm for capturing a variety of sports beyond football. “The African Games was amazing, it was the best. When I reached there and I started taking pictures, I realized that my pictures and pictures of me were also going viral. I had an assignment (All African Games) that took me to Ghana. The Ghanaian people were prepared for me, and they were amazing. I took pictures of all other types of sports, not just football,” she remarked.

Baldeh was among four other young female photographers present at AFCON, including Weam Mostafa Elsayed from Egypt, iLa Yeboah from Ghana, Justina Aniefiok from Nigeria, and Khady Sy from Mauritania.

In October 2023, US President Joe Biden announced intentions to remove Uganda, Gabon, Niger, and the Central African Republic (CAR) from a special US-Africa trade program due to concerns over "gross violations" of human rights and lack of progress toward democratic governance.

Gallup's findings , however, reported a contrasting trend in other African nations, where more than half of the surveyed countries saw a notable increase in approval for US leadership. Countries like Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Senegal, Mauritania, Mozambique, and Tunisia witnessed double-digit rises in approval ratings. This surge in approval helped maintain Africa's mean endorsement of US leadership at 56%.

Globally, the report indicated that “the median percentage of people worldwide who approved of U.S. leadership in 2023, same as 2022.”

Despite the overall positive trend in Africa, some nations continue to express significant disapproval of US leadership. Libya, for instance, recorded the lowest approval rating on the continent at 23%, accompanied by a disapproval figure of 63%. Similarly, Somalia, Tunisia, and Namibia also reported higher disapproval ratings than endorsements.

The Gallup report was based on surveys conducted in over 130 countries across the world.

Gambia's former President Yahya Jammeh also shared the sentiments of the long-term Zimbabwean ruler. He said that homosexuality was “more deadly than all natural disasters put together.”

However, what many might remember is that when the British Empire was introducing legal systems in their colonies, one of the laws they imposed was the law against sodomy.

African countries including Uganda, Gambia, and Nigeria, these very nations now criminalise homosexuality based on the British imperial legal instruments, such as the Indian Penal Code Section 377A, imposed during colonisation.

Research indicates that  13 former British colonies in Africa  have laws that prohibit same-sex relations. Nigeria, Uganda, and Gambia have recently enacted laws that not only intensify penalties for existing offences but also introduce new anti-homosexuality provisions.

Since 1950, Uganda has enforced a law against sodomy , passed during British colonial rule, prescribing life imprisonment for homosexual acts. Similarly, countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Gambia, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, and Eswatini inherited their anti-LGBTQ laws from the British colonial era.

A notable trend has been observed, former British colonies have a higher tendency to implement laws that criminalise homosexual behaviour compared to the former colonies of other European powers, according to analysis of data from 185 countries. Almost 70% of former British colonies still enforce laws against homosexual conduct, the Washington Post reported.

Studies further suggest that within sub-Saharan Africa, former British colonies are more inclined to criminalise homosexual behaviour compared to former French colonies.

According to the Thompson Reuters Foundation News , Namibia's High Court is set to make a crucial decision in May 2024 regarding a case that could potentially lead to the overturning of a colonial-era ban on same-sex relations.

Namibia's legislation traces back to the colonial period and has remained in effect since the country gained independence in 1990.

Similarly, Mauritius took steps in October 2023 to decriminalise same-sex relations when its Supreme Court ruled the law unconstitutional. This law can be traced back to 1898 when Mauritius was colonised by Britain.

French ex-colonies including Algeria, Cameroon, and Mauritania have witnessed a resurgence in the implementation of laws criminalising homosexuality.

While the colonial influence of Britain has had a significant impact on LGBTQ+ communities in certain African nations, this is not universally true for all former colonies.

Portugal, another major colonial power in Africa, has seen all five of its former colonies including Guinea-Bissau, Angola and Mozambique decriminalise gay sex.

Despite its significance in safeguarding women's rights, the law has faced increasing pressure for repeal since 2023, sparking outrage and fears for the well-being of girls and women across the nation.

Advocates for the repeal argue that it is essential to uphold religious and cultural traditions. The bill to overturn the FGM ban cleared its second reading in parliament, with a majority of lawmakers supporting it. Notably, only a handful of predominantly male legislators voted against the bill, while one abstained. While only one of the five women in the assembly opposed the repeal, Semafor Africa reports.

The bill is now subject to further review by a parliamentary committee before a final vote is cast. However, the timeline for this review process remains uncertain, leaving the fate of the ban hanging in the balance.

FGM, which involves the partial or complete removal of the clitoris, holds deep cultural significance in many Gambian communities. It is often viewed as a traditional rite of passage symbolising femininity and cultural identity, despite the severe health risks associated with the practice.

The ban on FGM was implemented during the autocratic rule of former President Yahya Jammeh, who opposed the practice. However, the possibility of its reversal has sparked widespread backlash, prompting activists and civil society groups to stage protests at the National Assembly building during both readings of the bill.

Gambian women’s rights activist and founder of Women in Liberation and Leadership, Fatou Baldeh, said, “Whatever comes out of this threat to repeal the law will set a precedent, especially for African countries where FGM is practiced. Presently, the reason that policymakers are giving is that people at the community level want the FGM ban to be lifted so that they can continue the practice. The other reason is that Female Genital Mutilation is a religious requirement in Islam. If this law is repealed, it will open the vacuum for girls to be continually cut. It will encourage other countries not to pass laws to ban it. It will also open the doors for cross-border cutting. For example, families in Senegal will cross over and have their girls cut,” she told Global South World .

Women's rights advocates fear that lifting the ban could lead to a resurgence of FGM and exacerbate the already dire health consequences faced by affected women and girls.

What they said

Gambian women’s rights activist and founder of Women in Liberation and Leadership, Fatou Baldeh told GSW earlier in March that “Whatever comes out of this threat to repeal the law will set a precedent, especially for African countries where FGM is practised. Presently, the reason that policymakers are giving is that people at the community level want the FGM ban to be lifted so that they can continue the practice. The other reason is that Female Genital Mutilation is a religious requirement in Islam. If this law is repealed, it will open the vacuum for girls to be continually cut. It will encourage other countries not to pass laws to ban it. It will also open the doors for cross-border cutting. For example, families in Senegal will cross over and have their girls cut.” She added, “We have been requesting a permit to protest for months, which we have not been granted. Often, we don’t even get a response about the protest. There was a dialogue between the national assembly members and citizens, and we used that opportunity to go to the House (parliament), and we mobilised survivors and men who support the ban to go and speak to the national assembly members on how it is so important to maintain the law. To also make them understand that the narrative out there that the communities want this law to be repealed is not actually true.” 

Baldeh's journey to this recognition has been marked by her tireless advocacy, particularly during the Jammeh dictatorship. Documenting the harrowing experiences of women, including murder, rape, forced labour, and witch hunts, her work proved instrumental in The Gambia's Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission’s (TRRC) final report . This recognition follows her 2019 Member of the British Empire (MBE) award for outstanding contributions in Scotland.

Through her organization, Women in Liberation and Leadership (WILL), Baldeh continues to raise awareness about the health consequences of Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting (FGM/C), emphasizing human rights abuses against victims.

“Any time you honour a woman of courage, you are sending a powerful message to millions of young girls and women that ‘take courage and speak against injustice'…To my fellow awardees, as we leave today take courage and ask international women of courage, let our courage inspire generations of women and girls around the world ,” said Baldeh in her award speech.

The International Women of Courage Award , now in its 18th year, not only acknowledges individual achievements but also highlights the collective strength of women globally. Baldeh, nominated by U.S. diplomatic missions and approved by senior Department officials, stands among over 190 women from 90 countries recognized since the award's inception in March 2007.

Looking forward, Baldeh expressed excitement about the opportunities accompanying this recognition. As part of an exchange program, including the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) in Washington, D.C., and an additional program in Los Angeles, she aims to collaborate with U.S. institutions and private sector contacts. This initiative aligns with her commitment to empowering women and girls worldwide, embracing diversity in all forms.

However, since 2023, the law has been under threat as calls for its repeal intensified. Beldeh fears that a repeal of the law would open the floodgates for not only abuses against women and girls but also encourage cross-border cutting of girls.

“Whatever comes out of this threat to repeal the law will set a precedent, especially for African countries where FGM is practiced. Presently, the reason that policymakers are giving is that people at the community level want the FGM ban to be lifted so that they can continue the practice. The other reason is that Female Genital Mutilation is a religious requirement in Islam. If this law is repealed, it will open the vacuum for girls to be continually cut. It will encourage other countries not to pass laws to ban it. It will also open the doors for cross-border cutting. For example, families in Senegal will cross over and have their girls cut,” she told Global South World.

Referencing UNSDG Target 5.3 on the elimination of FGM by 2030, Baldeh said this goal will not be achieved once the anti-FGM law is repealed in the Gambia due to the ripple effect such actions would have on neighbouring countries.

Speaking on the attempts being made to withhold the repeal, she added, “We have been requesting a permit to protest for months, which we have not been granted. Often, we don’t even get a response about the protest. There was a dialogue between the national assembly members and citizens, and we used that opportunity to go to the House (parliament), and we mobilised survivors and men who support the ban to go and speak to the national assembly members on how it is so important to maintain the law. To also make them understand that the narrative out there that the communities want this law to be repealed is not actually true.” 

Further berating the silence by the president and other relevant ministries and stakeholders, she noted, “Since this debate started about the repeal, the government has not taken any stance; they remain silent, and for us that speak volumes, including the Ministry of Gender, they still remain silent, which shows their lack of commitment to women and girls in this country. Despite the government being a signatory to regional and international treaties to protect women and girls."

As per the existing legislation in the Gambia, an individual found guilty of carrying out Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) can be sentenced to a maximum of three years in prison, fined up to 50,000 dalasi (approximately $730), or face both penalties. In cases where FGM results in a fatality, the perpetrator may be subject to life imprisonment under the law.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a harmful practice that entails the cutting of female genitalia, typically performed on young girls. It involves the removal of the labia and clitoris, leading to lifelong health complications. These can include severe bleeding, infections, persistent vaginal pain, and infertility. FGM not only poses immediate health risks but also has long-term consequences that affect the physical and mental well-being of girls and women subjected to it.

Globally, an estimated 200 million girls and women have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM), a traditional cultural practice recognised as a form of violence against women and girls. As part of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, United Nations Member States have pledged to eradicate FGM by 2030, as outlined in SDG Target 5.3.

  Watch the full interview with Fatou Baldeh below

President Adama Barrow of The Gambia introduced a new development initiative known as the Recovery Focused National Development Plan (RF-NDP), marking a significant shift from the previous National Development Plan (NDP). The launch took place at the State House in Banjul, Foroyaa reports. The previous NDP covered the period from 2018 to 2021, while the RF-NDP is designed for the period spanning 2023 to 2027. The new plan is aptly named "YIRIWAA," signifying 'development' in one of the national languages. “This plan succeeds the last National Development Plan (NDP) for 2018–2021, and it is the second plan during my presidency. While implementing the previous plan, my government employed numerous measures to stabilise the economy, restore public confidence, and strengthen democratic institutions. Despite this, we recognise the urgency to do more, especially in terms of resilience building. Thus, the formulation of the Recovery-Focused National Development Plan (RF-NDP) will foster sustainable and resilient development,” he said. 

Banknotes withdrawal

The Central Bank of the Gambia (CBG) has outlined its initiatives to remove old and damaged currency notes from circulation. In an interview with Foroyaa , officials from the bank revealed that they have been actively collaborating with commercial banks, rural communities, and various stakeholders as part of their efforts to withdraw these notes. The Head of the Currency Unit at CBG, Bai Abi Jobe, stated that in the previous year, the bank conducted meetings with the heads of the operation units of commercial banks in the Gambia to address the issue of old and damaged currency notes. ‘‘The CBG will continue to engage commercial banks to establish sorting units so that they can sort out old family and damaged bank notes and deposit them at the Central Bank. ‘We have come up with a strategy to remove the old banknotes. The removal of the notes is a process, and this is ongoing steadily,’’ he said. Jobe further emphasized that the Central Bank of the Gambia (CBG) has refrained from setting a specific deadline for the withdrawal of old and damaged banknotes. This decision is aimed at preventing any potential panic among the public, a phenomenon observed in other countries during similar currency transitions. Instead, the CBG has established a Clean Note policy, urging all financial institutions to comply with its guidelines.

Maternal mortality

The Board of Bansang General Hospital Management has revealed that a total of 146 pregnant women lost their lives at the hospital between 2016 and 2020. This disclosure was made during the presentation of their activity report and financial statements, specifically on the Health Statistical Report component, before the Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) of the National Assembly, Foroyaa reports . The board said “7266 pregnant women with complications were admitted to the hospital from 2016–2020, and out of that, 146 died due to some pregnancy conditions. The number of 34 maternal deaths in 2016 has decreased by 14.1 per cent from 34 to 20. The leading cause of the maternity deaths was bleeding (45.8 per cent), followed by eclampsia in 25 cases, severe malaria in 20 cases, and sepsis in 13 cases, respectively.” In the activity report for the period spanning 2020 to 2022, the Board emphasized that Bansang General Hospital is providing healthcare services to an estimated population exceeding 600,000 individuals, both locally and beyond national borders.

Anti-FGM law

Gambian Member of Parliament, Almameh Gibba, is set to introduce a bill aimed at repealing the ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). According to a press release published in a newspaper on February 6, 2024, the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly has issued a statement outlining the general nature and objectives of the Women’s (Amendment) Bill 2024, the Standard has reported. The proposed bill marks a significant development in the ongoing legislative discourse surrounding FGM in the region. A public notice about the new bill issued by the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly this week stated, “This bill seeks to lift the ban on female circumcision in The Gambia, a practice deeply rooted in the ethnic, traditional, cultural, and religious beliefs of the majority of the Gambian people. It seeks to uphold religious purity and safeguard cultural norms and values. The current ban on female circumcision is a direct violation of citizens’ rights to practice their culture and religion as guaranteed by the Constitution. Given The Gambia’s predominantly Muslim population, any law that is inconsistent with the aspirations of the majority of the people should be reconsidered. "

National Dialogue

President Adama Barrow has hosted the first-ever National Dialogue for Political Parties with the participation of fourteen political party leaders out of the nineteen registered political parties in The Gambia. The historic event, organized at State House, marked a significant milestone in the country's political history, being the first such initiative led by a sitting head of state, Gainako reports. The theme of the dialogue, "Our collective responsibility in preserving the nation, safeguarding the state, and securing our resources," set the stage for discussions on crucial aspects of national development. The areas of discussion at the first round of dialogue included the political environment for sustainable peace and stability, religious tolerance for social cohesion, ethnic diversity for national unity, securing sovereignty, safeguarding stability and well-being, the media's role in safeguarding the democratic space, and addressing irregular migration and empowerment. The follow-up national dialogue on February 16, 2024, just two days before Independence Day, is expected to build on the outcomes of the initial discussions.

Deputy Permanent Secretary-Technical at the Ministry of Transport, Ebrima Colley said, “currently, the Government of the Gambia is focused on improving Infrastructure Development requirements such as roads, energy and ICT. By investing in the necessary physical and digital infrastructure, this will ensure that the infrastructure can support the the deployment of technologies such as connected vehicles, sensors, and smart traffic control systems.”

Gambia’s transport challenges primarily stem from inadequate infrastructure, scarcity of public transportation alternatives, and economic constraints,  which collectively impose hardships on persons seeking dependable means of travel, GRT News reports.

“I wish I would be able to order a taxi or Uber from any location and not have to struggle to board a loaded bus, van, or taxi every day, we are in a digital era, and by utilizing it, life will be much easier,” said Fatou Njie, a commuter.

The deficiency in road infrastructure in certain regions in the country amplifies transportation woes, as poorly maintained roads and a lack of proper signage impede smooth traffic flow. This not only extends travel durations but also presents safety hazards to commuters. 

He said that Africa was adopting the colonial education system which he described as a recipe for underdevelopment leading to the African youth irregularly migrating to Europe .

“They only prepare us for MSC degrees in French and doctorate degrees in English and political science. What benefit does that have for the country? That’s what we want to reverse, When you look at the University of The Gambia during graduation, you will see 500–600 lawyers, history teachers, political science, and hundreds of graduates. But when you look at the sciences and medicine, you will see only a few , ” he is quoted by local media the Fatu Network .

“Bad education system is the recipe for our young people dying in the sea in Asia and Africa. The time has come for governments of Africa and Asia to revisit their educational policies ,” he added.

The commitment aligns with Malawi's ongoing efforts, marked by the implementation of the National Strategy for Ending Child Marriage.

Malawi's Parliament on February 14, 2014, voted to amend the constitution, making marriage before the age of 18 illegal.

The amendment, signed into law by then-President Peter Mutharika, replaced the previous practice that allowed minors aged 15 and above to marry with parental consent.

Perpetrators of such marriages now face a penalty of five years imprisonment and a fine of approximately $145.

The fight against early child marriage has gained momentum across Africa. Gambia's steps under former President Yahya Jammeh draws parallels to Malawi's constitutional ammendement.

The former leader of the West African nation outlawed child marriage in 2016. In a proclamation during a feast marking the end of Ramadan on July 6, 2016, Jammeh said "As from today, child marriage below 18 years is illegal in the Gambia." The practice is now punishable by twenty years imprisonment.

Encouraging progress is also evident in Zimbabwe, where the Constitutional Court ruled against child marriage in 2016.

A new Marriage Act enacted in 2022 prohibits marriage for those under 18 in all cases and imposes up to five years imprisonment for offenders. This aligns with a broader trend in Southern Africa , where six out of 16 countries, including Malawi, DRC, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and Zimbabwe have set 18 as the minimum age of marriage for both boys and girls without exceptions.

Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Madagascar, and Namibia are among the African countries to have also set the minimum age as 18. However, they allow exceptions in cases of customary and religious marriages, as well as marriages with consent from judicial or other government officials.

The Tanzanian government also announced that men who impregnate or marry school girls will face 30 years in prison as part of the government's commitment to fight and prevent child marriage, a provision that was passed by parliament in June 2016 .

Transitioning from Tanzania’s resolute action to Malawi's recent commitment, it becomes evident that the fight against child marriage has gained momentum across Africa.

Speaking during his national address on November 15, he explained that this is part of cost-cutting measures following the devaluation of the Malawi Kwacha.

All cabinet ministers who are on taxpayer-funded trips should return to Malawi immediately, he declared.

In October this year, the Kenyan government made a similar announcement suspending all non-essential travel for government officials to streamline expenses and ensure that taxpayer funds are used judiciously.

The government also announced restrictions on delegations accompanying high-ranking officials and suspended ‘non-essential’ travel such as conferences, showcase events, exhibitions, caucus, and association meetings. For official travel, the government imposed a maximum limit of seven days.

In August, Gambian President Adama Barrow suspended all foreign travel with an executive order suspending all overseas travels by himself, the vice president, cabinet ministers, senior government officials, civil servants, and employees across all government institutions and agencies for the rest of the fiscal year to reduce public spending.

These recent announcements mirror a recurring pattern in African history. President Hage Geingob of Namibia in January 2018 suspended the foreign travels of all ministers, deputy ministers, and political office bearers.

The suspension which was in effect till February, was aimed at controlling travel expenses of government officials. President Geingob taking critical visits only with a small delegation, urged government officials to follow his example.

Dating back to December 2015, Tanzania's President John Magufuli gained popularity after instituting the ban following his election. He considered it ‘shameful’ to spend huge sums of money while the country was facing a serious cholera outbreak at the time.

As a show of effort to cut wasteful spending in the presence of implementing an IMF aid deal, Ghana’s President John Mahama emulated Magufuli but instead, banned public officials from first-class air trave l.

With dwindling tax revenues, rising budget deficits, and debt levels, these African leaders have identified avoidable expenditures that strain government funds. These measures, aimed at increasing efficiency and prioritizing national needs, allowed for the reallocation of funds to critical areas. They in turn demonstrated the government's commitment to responsible financial management and ensuring that taxpayer money is used efficiently for the benefit of the country.

Susso told Fatu Network , the local news outlet that reported his story, that his path to success was a rather unusual one, stemming from a family tragedy.

“I usually consider myself as an accidental teacher. Never in my wildest dreams, I would have ever imagined I would become an educator. Yet, I went into education as a result of the family tragedy,” he explained.

According to him, his family decided to pursue medical treatment in the United States for his younger sister who fell ill during his college days after all means to cure her locally had failed. After a failed visa attempt, they continued their search for alternative medical treatment.

His sister died later and the shock of the issue led to the death of his grandmother only 8 hours after his sister’s death.

Traumatised and saddened, Susso didn’t give up. He fought his way out and migrated to the United States at age 16 with a degenerative eye disease, retinitis pigmentosa.

Once in the U.S., Susso faced tough times during his days as a teen in the country, having been the only African student in his school and beginning his education there in the eleventh grade.

However, overcoming each obstacle pushed him closer to his dream of transforming the lives of young immigrants like himself.

He graduated with honours in Political Science and History from the University of Vermont and received his Master of Arts in Teaching from Bard College in New York.

Today, Susso is an educator at an International Community High School, a school built for immigrants like himself, where he teaches Government, Economics and Personal Development. He is also the Founder and Director of the Inspiring Teens’ Future programme at the school, a programme that has transformed the lives of over 1000 youths.

His students who are immigrants, live in the poorest congressional district in the United States.

He is the author of ‘Light of Darkness: the Story of the Griot's Son’, a book which aims to give young immigrants inspiration and a roadmap to being successful in the U.S.

In 2017, Susso was recognized as one of the 50 Top Outstanding Educators in the World, a global teacher prize award bestowed upon him by the Varkey Foundation. He also emerged as the 2019 New York State Teacher of the Year and the 2020 Horace Mann Educator of the Year.

He is the recipient of the prestigious Daylight Africa Award and the United Federation of Teachers Audrey Chasen Award. He was awarded the 2019 Cultural Innovator Award by Long Island University, the 2019 Facing History Upstander Award, and is a two-time recipient of the Social-Emotional Learning Innovation Award for Teachers by Education First through the Rockefeller Foundation.

The U.S.-based Gambian teacher is still working hard to improve lives in his home country, Gambia. He owns a foundation which he uses to provide high-quality professional learning opportunities for Gambian children.

Through him, an initiative to highlight the importance of teaching, a national teacher prize has been established in Gambia.

The prize is aimed at identifying exceptional Gambian educators and exposing them to the country so they can become role models in the community to inspire young people to join and stay in teaching.

“I am definitely a passionate educator because I am apparent in my reasons for going into education. I did get all these wonderful awards, yet nothing gives me more fulfilment than in June when I sat at our graduation, seeing those wonderful young emigrants crossing the stage, knowing what we had been through together, the challenges we encountered over the course of the years, to see them cross those stage, no award will ever merge the feeling for me. As a result, the success of my students gives me more fulfilment,” he told Fatu Network .

What they said

Spain’s Interior Ministry in its latest official data has seen a steady increase in the numbers, particularly from October 1, with over 8,000 arrivals in Spain in the first two weeks of October, with a large number of these migrations resulting in death. A migration activist based in Germany told the Fatu Network that “The Gambia Government is making very little or no effort about it. As usual, they will wait till a tragedy happens before they react. [The] Gambia is a very small country, and we all know that boat trips are organised in our communities. Where are the SIS, immigration department, and navy? Why can’t they track the smugglers and organisers of these boat trips?”

The initiative is projected to cover the entire population and is an important step towards the country’s pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The Gambian citizens are excited about the new move, with thousands of citizens visiting provided registration centers within the country to register. Other citizens however still remain skeptical about the feasibility of the initiative and are yet to register.

What this means

The Gambia’s NHIS system, according to GRTS news , will not only enhance services by reducing waiting times and bureaucracy, it will also reduce healthcare cost which is a big concern for most citizens.

A Registrar at the Birth & Deaths department of the Ministry of Health, Lamin Fatty said, “The systems all along had been manual process and then we have challenges along the line, this includes data coalition, archiving the data, retrieving the data from the database is also a problem, so if the people misplaced their certificates, we find it difficult to retrieve the certificates.”

How it works

The NHIS will capture and record the biometric details of citizens to facilitate access to healthcare services. Registered members on the scheme will also be able to make medical appointments and have access to their medical records remotely.

Government has ensured that cybersecurity measures are put in place to guarantee maximum security and confidentiality of the data and privacy of its registered members.

When it starts

Set up, and all other necessary mechanisms required for the optimum functionality and progress of the scheme which is yet to be launched, according to the Ministry of Health, have been put in place. The ministry is also tapping various means to support funding from the World Bank in order to fund the project.

How it began

According to GRTS news , steps towards the establishment of this scheme began in 2021 after the National Assembly passed the National Health Insurance Bill into law. President Adama Barrow endorsed this by confirming the NHIS as a crucial element in The Gambia’s healthcare landscape.

Genomic Medicine, according to the National Library of Medicine , is an interdisciplinary medical speciality involving the use of genomic information [the study of genes (DNA) and their interaction with health].

After completing this course, the Gambian woman became the first Gambian graduate to have studied as a Mastercard Foundation AfOx scholar.

Sainabou gained full admission to pursue a Master's Degree in Genomic Medicine at the Reuben College, University of Oxford after graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics at Eastern Mediterranean University, emerging as the best graduating student in her course.

Her admission makes her one of the first 21 persons globally to be accepted into the University for this course.

She subsequently moved on to work as a scientific officer in the Genomics Platform at the Medical Research Council, London School of Hygiene and Tropical medicine.

She was part of the team that performed SARS-COV-2 sequencing and analysis which helped identify the viral variants and hotspots of transmission in the Gambia.

She is a Molecular Biologist and also the Founder and Chairperson of the Human Genetics Awareness Association (HuGAA).

Sainabou hopes to change lives through the development of solutions for genetic diseases, particularly in her country.

“I believe if I apply the knowledge acquired at Oxford back home, a handful of lives can be changed for the better. I hope to be part of a team that will one day develop a cure and or, better methods of handling genetic disease,” she was quoted by the Africa Oxford Initiative .