Inconsistencies in the widely followed trial of an alleged shooting outside a Fajara nightclub after a disagreement over the sale of laughing gas were the main bone of contention on 4th March 2026, as the defence’s objection to the witness statement was overruled.

More in the court report.

The trial of the shooting outside a popular nightclub in Fajara continued with a gripping witness testimony detailing how a dispute over laughing gas led to the discharge of a gun and one person injured.

More in this story.

On Wednesday, 4th February 2025, Askanwi’s court reporter travelled to the Banjul High Court to cover the continuation of a court proceeding that was adjourned together with three other court cases adjourned due to an interpreter refusing to take the oath.

Migrant smuggling is not currently criminalised under Gambian law, a gap that severely limits the ability of authorities to prosecute those involved in facilitating irregular migration, according to Inspector Alkali Jammeh, a Lead Investigator at the Migration Unit of the Gambia Immigration Department (GID). However, our investigation reveals that since 2023, a Bill has been validated, which could criminalise smuggling but is currently languishing between cabinet ministers. More in the news report.

KMC Mayor Talib Bensouda has condemned the Gambian government’s takeover of McCarthy Square, calling it an attack on decentralisation and local governance. Expressing solidarity with BCC, he labelled the move “misguided” and contrary to national policy. More in the report.

Presiding Judge, Justice Sonia Akinbiyi of the Banjul High Court Annex, has ordered the referral of the ongoing case between Environment Minister Rohey John Manjang and Senior Investigative Journalist Kebba Ansu Manneh of The Alkamba Times to the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for mediation, following the failure of negotiations between the two parties to reach a resolution. More in the report.

A press statement from the GEA highlights that they “remain resolute in protecting The Gambia’s natural resources. We urge the government and relevant stakeholders to uphold their legal and ethical obligations to the environment and the people of The Gambia. The exploitation of Salagi Forest Park is not only a breach of the law but a grave disservice to future generations.”
More in the press release.

The Judiciary of The Gambia, in partnership with the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABAROLI), revises High Court Rules to enhance Judicial efficiency. More in the press release.