Human Rights, Transitional Justice Askanwi Gambia Human Rights, Transitional Justice Askanwi Gambia

Former GBA President Warns of Democratic Backsliding Amid Arrest of Peaceful Protesters

The former Gambia Bar Association (GBA) president, lawyer Salieu Taal, raised concerns to Police PRO Sisawo during a panel discussion that the country is showing signs of backsliding in security sector reforms, particularly in the handling of peaceful assemblies that do not engage in processions or usage of loudspeakers. More in the news report.

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Human Rights, Transitional Justice Askanwi Gambia Human Rights, Transitional Justice Askanwi Gambia

Victims Calls for Respect for the Rule of Law and an End to Human Rights Violations

As part of the nationwide outreach on the implementation of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) recommendations, the Victim Center musical caravan visited Upper River Region (URR) North under the theme “Sensitisation of Victims on the Contents of the Government White Paper on the TRRC Recommendations to Enhance Justice and Accountability.” More in the report.

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Transitional Justice, Human Rights Askanwi Gambia Transitional Justice, Human Rights Askanwi Gambia

Victims Demand Reparations and Prosecution as MoJ Reveals Over D20 Million Disbursed

The Victim Centre is well into its musical caravan in its quest to raise awareness of the government’s White Paper responding to the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC).

During the tour, victims continued to demand reparations and prosecution of perpetrators identified in the report. Meanwhile, the Minister of Justice has responded to a parliamentary inquiry on the government’s disbursement of funds to the newly established Reparations Commission. More in the report.

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Human Rights, Transitional Justice, Religion Askanwi Gambia Human Rights, Transitional Justice, Religion Askanwi Gambia

WAVE Hosts Post-TRRC Religious Tolerance Roundtable Discussion with Religious Leaders

The Women’s Association for Women and Victims’ Empowerment (WAVE) hosted a pivotal roundtable discussion with religious leaders on Friday, 29th August 2025, under the theme: “The role of faith organisations in promoting healing and reconciliation in the Gambia.” More in the news report.

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Human Rights Askanwi Gambia Human Rights Askanwi Gambia

Gambian and International CSOs Condemn Arrest of Protester, Demand “Immediate and Unconditional Release”

The arrest of peaceful protesters opposing PURA’s controversial mobile data tariff hike has sparked a wave of condemnation from Gambian and international civil society organizations, who are demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees.

From the Solo Sandeng Foundation to regional and pan-African movements like Activista Africa and Africans Rising, rights groups warn that the crackdown mirrors a troubling pattern of repression, undermining the very freedoms Gambians fought to reclaim after Jammeh’s rule.

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Human Rights Askanwi Gambia Human Rights Askanwi Gambia

Are We Still in the Jammeh Era of “Orders from Above”?

The arrests and detention of youth protesters challenging PURA’s D50-per-1GB mobile data price floor have once again exposed deep cracks in The Gambia’s security sector, raising fears of a return to Jammeh-era tactics where “orders from above” justified unlawful detentions, brutality, and disregard for due process.

Despite promises of reform after the TRRC, what happened at PURA’s office and the subsequent crackdown have reignited public concern over police discipline, accountability, and the right to peaceful assembly.

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Human Rights Askanwi Gambia Human Rights Askanwi Gambia

Gambian Government Issues Statement Warning Citizens to Abide by Anti-FGM/C Law

The Gambian Government issued a statement condemning the death of a one-month-old baby girl after allegedly undergoing the practice of female genital mutilation/ circumcision (FGM/C). The statement welcomes the conviction of the three suspects involved in her death and warns citizens to abide by the law against FGM/C. More in the statement.

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Africa, Human Rights, Environment Askanwi Gambia Africa, Human Rights, Environment Askanwi Gambia

CPA Africa Hosts 54th Conference in The Gambia to Strengthen Governance, Democracy and Resilience in Africa

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region held its 54th Annual Regional Conference in The Gambia for the first time, under the leadership of their current president, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, the Speaker of the National Assembly. Attended by Gambian President Adama Barrow, the opening ceremony featured statements from both leaders focusing on the theme “Strengthening Democracy, Governance and Resilience in Africa: Tackling Conflicts, Economic Shocks, and Climate Risks.” More in the report.

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Human Rights Askanwi Gambia Human Rights Askanwi Gambia

Police Charge Three Women in High-Profile FGM/C Infant Death Case

Three women have been charged in connection with the death of a one-month-old baby girl following female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in The Gambia. Police Commissioner Abdoulie Sanneh confirmed the charges during a National Human Rights Commission training on the Women’s (Amendment) Act 2015, revealing that one accused faces life imprisonment while two others have been granted bail. More in the report.

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Education, Transitional Justice, Human Rights Askanwi Gambia Education, Transitional Justice, Human Rights Askanwi Gambia

“School Uniforms Should Remain a Symbol of Learning, Not for Welcoming President or Joining Protest,” says April 2000 Survivor

Mr Sainey Senghore, a survivor of the April 10/11, 2000, student protests, has called for school uniforms to be preserved as a symbol of learning rather than politics. Speaking in the wake of an exchange of press releases between the government and a civil society organisation over students in uniform participating in an anti-corruption protest, the human rights advocate cautioned against their use in welcoming presidents or joining demonstrations, warning that such practices risk politicising education and undermining the neutrality of schools. More in the report.

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Human Rights, Politics, Africa Askanwi Gambia Human Rights, Politics, Africa Askanwi Gambia

Death of Activist and Cybercrime Trials Highlight Shrinking Civic Space in Sahel

The recent death of prominent activist Alain Christophe Traoré in custody and a series of cybercrime trials against journalists underscore the rapid erosion of civic space in the Sahel. Transitional military governments are increasingly using anti-cybercrime laws to silence critics, raising alarm over freedom of expression and human rights in the region. More in the report.

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Human Rights Friendly School Awards Celebrate a New Chapter in Rights-Based Education

In a country rebuilding from decades of rights violations, a new generation is leading the charge for change—starting in the classroom. The Human Rights Friendly School initiative honored three schools on July 30th for embedding human rights into school life, echoing the TRRC’s call for civic education and non-recurrence. More in the news report.

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Human Rights, Africa Askanwi Gambia Human Rights, Africa Askanwi Gambia

Mali and Burkina Faso Continue Crackdown on Civic Rights with Impunity

In Mali and Burkina Faso, authorities are intensifying their suppression of civil liberties, targeting journalists, artists, and public figures with arrests, travel bans, and intimidation. Despite widespread condemnation from human rights groups and calls for transparency, these actions persist unchecked, reflecting a growing pattern of impunity that threatens freedom of expression and democratic participation across the Sahel region. More in the report.

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Streams Turn into Sewers Overnight: Dippa Kunda Residents Expose Hidden Waste Dumping

What appears to be a clean waterway by day transforms into a dumping ground by night. In communities along the Kotu and Manjai streams, residents say their lives are being upended by clandestine waste disposal and blocked channels that turn seasonal rains into destructive floods. More in the news report.

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