Haunted by a Massacre: Families of West African Migrants Demand Exhumation and $1M Compensation

Haunted by memories of the brutal 2005 massacre of over 50 West African migrants in The Gambia, relatives of the victims returned to Banjul 20 years later to demand justice, the exhumation and return of their loved ones’ remains, and an increase in compensation to $1 million per victim.

Marking two decades since the killings, the delegation submitted a petition to Gambian authorities, calling for concrete action to prosecute former President Yahya Jammeh and to fully implement the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission’s recommendations.

More in the report.

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Youth at the Centre of Food Systems Transformation in West Africa

With climate change and food insecurity threatening livelihoods across the continent, youth from six West African countries came together in The Gambia to craft bold, innovative solutions for transforming the region’s food systems. More in the press release.

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Children, Students, Competition, Education, Africa Askanwi Gambia Children, Students, Competition, Education, Africa Askanwi Gambia

Ridwanuallah Olaniyi Crowned Champion at WorldLand Africa Inter-Schools Contest

In a thrilling celebration of literacy and youth empowerment, Ridwanuallah Olaniyi of Almadina School emerged victorious at the 2025 WorldLand Africa Inter-Schools Contest, held on 14th June at the Babucarr O. Joof Conference Centre in Brikama. Organised in honour of the Day of the African Child, the event brought together students from across The Gambia to compete in spelling, word construction, and vocabulary mastery under the theme “Fostering Reading Culture Towards Human Capital and Global Development.” More in the report.

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Gambia, Education, Children, Students, Africa Askanwi Gambia Gambia, Education, Children, Students, Africa Askanwi Gambia

Where Words Build Leaders: The Wordland Africa Movement Begins

Seventeen bright young students from across The Gambia have secured their spots in the final round of the inaugural Wordland Africa Competition, a national literacy initiative that challenges children to demonstrate mastery of vocabulary, grammar, and public speaking. The highly anticipated finals will take place on June 14, aligning with celebrations for the Day of the African Child—an occasion that honors the resilience and potential of Africa’s youth while spotlighting the transformative power of education. More in the report.

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ACHPR, Human Rights, Africa, Victims Reparations Askanwi Gambia ACHPR, Human Rights, Africa, Victims Reparations Askanwi Gambia

“Justice for Africans”: ACHPR Session Calls for Collective Action on Reparations

Kololi, The Gambia — The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) concluded its 83rd Ordinary Session on 22nd May 2025 with a powerful call for justice and reparations for Africans and people of African descent. Held under the theme Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparation”, the session brought together government officials, civil society leaders, and international partners to confront historical and ongoing injustices, urging unified efforts to advance human rights across the continent. More in the report.

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ACHPR, Human Rights, Data, Africa Askanwi Gambia ACHPR, Human Rights, Data, Africa Askanwi Gambia

"Data Saves Lives": ACHPR Urged to Strengthen Early Warning Systems for Human Rights

Bijilo, The Gambia – 8th May 2025 – At a key side event during the 83rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR), human rights leaders and civil society actors issued a strong call for bolstering early warning systems, emphasising that timely, credible data is essential to preventing rights violations across Africa. More in the report.

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ACHPR, Health, Children, Women, Human Rights, Africa Askanwi Gambia ACHPR, Health, Children, Women, Human Rights, Africa Askanwi Gambia

ACHPR Event Calls for Urgent Reforms to End Obstetric Violence in Africa

Childbirth is meant to be a life-giving process, but for many African women, it has become a source of trauma. A recent side event during the 83rd ACHPR session spotlighted obstetric violence, urging states to adopt comprehensive legal and policy reforms. More in the report.

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Human Rights, ACHPR, Africa, Transitional Justice Askanwi Gambia Human Rights, ACHPR, Africa, Transitional Justice Askanwi Gambia

ACHPR Panel Urges Stronger Action Against Torture Across Africa

At the 83rd ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in The Gambia, panellists underscored the urgent need to prevent torture and ill-treatment across Africa, emphasizing strategic frameworks, country-level initiatives, and the vital role of civil society in combating such abuses. More in the publication.

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NGO Forum Tackles Reparative Justice for Africans and the Diaspora

In a strong call for accountability and redress, human rights advocates, civil society organizations, and policymakers gathered in The Gambia for the NGO Forum on Reparative Justice, spotlighting the urgent need to address the enduring legacy of slavery, colonialism, and systemic racism across Africa and its diaspora. More in the report.

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ACHPR Kicks Off 83rd Session: Justice and Reparations in Focus

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) officially opened its 83rd Ordinary Session on May 2, 2025, at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo, The Gambia. Centred on the theme of justice and reparations, the session brings together human rights defenders, government officials, and stakeholders from across Africa to tackle pressing issues such as accountability, human rights violations, and pathways toward reparative justice. The three-week event will shape critical decisions aimed at protecting and advancing human and peoples’ rights across the continent. More in the report.

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African Movements Demand an End to Kidnappings and the Reopening of Civic Space in Burkina Faso

Ahead of World Press Freedom Day, African movements have issued an urgent call to action as civic space crumbles under the popular leadership of President Captain Ibrahim Traoré in Burkina Faso. A joint statement signed by 18 movements and activists has condemned “kidnappings” under the regime and urged the international community to intervene, as journalists and dissenting voices are being rounded up. More is detailed in this revealing press release, which highlights how opposing voices are being forced to face jihadists in the Sahel.

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Women, Leadership, Africa, Politics Askanwi Gambia Women, Leadership, Africa, Politics Askanwi Gambia

Breaking Barriers: The Rise of Women in African Leadership

African politics has long been male-dominated, but a transformation is underway. Women are rising to the highest office, challenging norms, and reshaping governance. The election of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as Namibia’s first female president in 2025 marks a turning point in the push for gender-inclusive leadership. More in this publication.

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Gambia Bar Association Welcomes ECOWAS Approval of Special Tribunal in The Gambia

The Gambia Bar Association welcomes the ECOWAS approval of the establishment of a Special Tribunal in The Gambia to prosecute alleged perpetrators who bear the most responsibility for human rights violations that occurred during the era of former President Jammeh.

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The Gambia’s Victim Center Welcomes ECOWAS Approval of Special Tribunal in the Country

The Gambia’s Victim Center welcomes the ECOWAS Authority’s decision to establish a Special Tribunal in The Gambia that will prosecute persons deemed to have committed gross human rights violations in the country. More in the statement.

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