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.

In a major step forward for youth representation in The Gambia, the National Youth Parliament (NYP) has elected 53 young parliamentarians through its first-ever fully youth-led, constituency-based election. Announced on 16 July 2025, the results mark a new chapter in democratic participation, with thousands of young voters casting their ballots despite funding and logistical hurdles. More in the news report.

The Gambia’s 2024 Draft Constitution suffered a decisive blow in the National Assembly after the Minority Caucus voted against it during the crucial Second Reading on 7th June 2025, denying the bill the three-quarters majority required for passage. Despite support from the Majority Caucus, the constitution failed to clear the legal threshold, marking the second time Parliament has blocked efforts to replace the 1997 Constitution. More in this report.

Just hours after President Adama Barrow assured the National Assembly of his government’s efforts to ease the cost of living in his 2025 State of the Nation Address, the Ministry of Trade announced a bread price hike—from D10 to D12—effective July. The decision follows consultations with bakers and consumer protection authorities, as the country continues to grapple with inflationary pressures on basic goods. More in the publication.

The National Youth Parliament (NYP) is set to hold its upcoming elections with at least eleven candidates running unopposed, according to the nomination list. At a recent press conference in Serrekunda, the NYP Election Committee provided updates on the nomination process and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, youth empowerment, and inclusive participation. More in this publication.

The Gambian National Assembly launched a formal investigation into the controversial sale of assets seized from former President Yahya Jammeh, following public protests and a damning investigative report. More in the publication.

“We need this bill, for God’s sake.” With those impassioned words, Hon. Momodou Lamin B. Bah reignited calls to scrap The Gambia’s century-old Lunatic Detention Act—an outdated law that continues to undermine the rights and dignity of people with mental illness. More in this report.

Despite assurances from the newly appointed Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, Hon. Lamin Jabbie, that Gamcel staff salaries have been restored to normal, concerns persist over unresolved grievances outlined in a staff petition. More in this parliamentary report.

Despite multiple attempts by NAMs to reintroduce Clause 14, which mandates the registration of diaspora voters, the effort has been blocked by Deputy Speaker Hon. Seedy S. Njie and the Majority Caucus. This impasse has stalled parliamentary proceedings, preventing progress beyond seven clauses by 13:00 hrs. More in the report.

Gambian CSO leaders urged Parliamentarians to restore the deleted Clause 14 in the Elections Bill to register Gambians living abroad to vote in the 2026 Presidential Elections. More in the report.

The return of the Kanilai Ferry has been delayed again, now expected in April due to shipping issues. Transport Minister Ebrima Sillah’s announcement disappointed many, including NAM Omar Darboe, who had hoped for its commissioning before Koriteh. More in the report.

Parliamentarians failed to complete the consideration stage of 26 clauses in the National Security Council (NSC) Bill on 18th March 2025, as lengthy deliberations and disagreements over key provisions prolonged the debate. More in the Parliamentary report.

Parliamentarians were scheduled to address three separate actions, including a report from the Finance Minister on the implementation and monitoring of the annual budget; however, only the National Security Council Bill 2023 is being considered today. More in the report.

President Adama Barrow will give an early State of the Nation Address for 2025, just a week before the Second Reading of the 2024 Draft Constitution in Parliament. The address highlights the government’s focus on governance and constitutional reform. More in the report.

African Clerks from the Society of Commonwealth Clerks held a meeting in The Gambia to exchange insights on strategizing the future of legislative administration in Africa. More in this news report.

The Ministry of Trade’s Permanent Secretary revealed that domestic workers in Saudi Arabia will be paid $200 USD monthly while the government attempts to negotiate more wages. More in this publication highlighting some revelations from a Parliamentary oversight meeting.

Parliament’s Media Team issued this statement, highlighting that a no-show by Janjanbureh Council has resulted in a scheduled oversight meeting being cancelled. As a result, a Parliamentary Select Committee’s planned oversight trip to visit sites in the regions has also been cancelled. This is not the first time such disruption is occurring from Janjanbureh Council. More in the presser.

Almost a year after the First National Dialogue held in February 2024, a report published on the engagement highlights how the Executive was cautioned to build consensus prior to tabling a new Draft Constitution in Parliament. More in this report.

The Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) conducted a one-day training for Members of the National Assembly on Post-Legislature Scrutiny on Saturday, 18th January 2024. More in the report.

As Gambians await a new Constitution, with strong opposition from opposition party leaders and several civil society organisations, Justice Minister Hon. Dawda A. Jallow has pledged to defend the 2024 Draft Constitution in Parliament. More in the report from the first Mansakunda Townhall of 2025.