The recent announcement by a Muslim religious leader, Imam Musa Jallow, of his intent to contest the presidency in the upcoming 2026 election has ignited widespread public debate across The Gambia. Central to the controversy is a delicate question: Can a religious cleric legitimately and effectively seek the nation’s highest political office without compromising the secular foundations of the state? More in the report.

Witchcraft accusations remain a pervasive issue across Africa, often resulting in serious human rights violations, including violence, social exclusion, and, in extreme cases, death. These accusations disproportionately affect vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. In the Gambia, a particularly disturbing incident occurred in 2009 when nearly 1,000 individuals were detained and forced to confess to witchcraft under duress. More in this factsheet.

The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has recently executed 102 male inmates convicted of armed robbery at Angenga prison in northwest Congo. The men, aged between 18 and 35, were identified as “urban bandits” or "Kulunas" who were involved in armed robberies. More in this report.

The Gambia’s National Human Rights Commission’s (NHRC) latest progress report highlights that only 16 recommendations issued by the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) have been implemented by the Gambia Government over a two-year period (2021 to 2023). More in the FactSheet.

The Gambia Government signed a memorandum of understanding on circular migration with the Kingdom of Spain on 28th August 2024. Barely a week after Parliamentarians ratified the MoU, a leaked letter from the Spanish Government instructed The Gambia to notify citizens not to pay for their application to work in Spain. Download a copy of the agreement from this article.

The Gambia’s National Assembly ratified an agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 24th September 2024 on Domestic Workers Recruitment signed by the Minister of Trade, Hon Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof. Download a copy of the agreement from this article.

The author of this story shares their experience of visiting the country’s only mental health care facility, Tanka Tanka, which needs significant attention and support from the government to provide adequate care to patients suffering from mental health disorders in the country. Read this article to go inside Tanka Tanka.

Since the TRRC recommended prosecution of those bearing the most responsibility, President Barrow’s government continues to tout it’s commitment to prosecution. However, back in 2021, President Barrow’s NPP attempted to go into an alliance with former President Jammeh, which failed, leaving the President in alliance with the APRC, led by Speaker Jatta. These mixed messages have necessitated this review of the government’s efforts to complete it’s implementation plan on prosecution on time.

This feature publication highlights the experiences of plaintiffs who filed cases at the ECOWAS Court of Justice and what the ECOWAS Court is doing to enhance access to justice. The story highlights cases of enforced disappearances and violations of journalists including torture and unlawful imprisonment using laws that are still in place in The Gambia.

The Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) legal suit where some 27 bereaved parents have filed for damages against the Government and two Pharmaceutical Companies was adjourned to the 12th of November 2024 after High Court Judge, Justice Ebrima Jaiteh failed to appear at 2:15 pm today 29th October 2024.