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.

The Chairperson of the Alliance of Victim-Led Organisations issued a press release in disagreement with statements by the leader of the Gambia Moral Congress, Mai Fatty, labelling the prosecution of former President Jammeh as “unwise.” More in the statement.

The Personnel Management Office has announced that over 2,000 individuals across the civil service and security forces were flagged in the 2024 staff audit as could not be seen. Recovery of wrongful salary to 1,424 civil servants is underway, and payments to 679 security personnel are being halted for April 2025. More details in the official press release.

The United States Department of Justice issued a statement on the conviction of alleged former Jungler Michael Sang Correa for torturing five of his victims on 15th April 2025. More in the presser.

An IMF team visited Banjul, The Gambia from April 2 to April 16, 2025, to review how The Gambia is doing under a financial support program. The program is a 36-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) totalling US$100.9 million that started in January 2024. More in the press release.

Michael Sang Correa, an alleged member of a Gambian death squad, is scheduled to stand trial for torture starting on April 7, 2025. This marks the first time a non-U.S. citizen will stand trial in a U.S. federal court for torture committed abroad. More in the press release.

Africa is owed US$36 trillion in climate debt by rich polluting countries, a new report by ActionAid shows. More in the press release, which contains a link to download the report.

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.

ECOWAS issues statement on withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the ECOWAS. More in this press release.

The European Union allocates 718 million Dalasi to strengthen the State’s ability to provide services to the population. More in the press release.

Children disability awareness and support organisation Remembering Reuel Foundation issued this heartwarming end-of-year statement honouring their beloved Reuel, who inspired them to form this organisation and advocate for the rights of children with disabilities and also provide support to them. More in this press release.

Team Gom Sa Bopa organised it’s first Cypher Street Rap Battles on 4th January 2025, which featured a panel discussion on the state of the art and entertainment sector in The Gambia and featured various artist performances and an Open Mic session where artists will compete for D100,000 and various additional incentives to be crown Cypher Champion 2025. More in this press release.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) issued a statement announcing by-elections for Massembeh Ward in Mansakonko Administrative Area in February 2025. Here is a link to the statement from the IEC.

The Ministry of Health issued a statement highlighting that they have prioritised a grant from the AfDB to develop and renovate health centers in Chamen Nianija after granting approval for the Diaspora Club to develop a Maternity Ward in Chamen.

More in their press release.

This is the 2025 New Years message by the Most Rev'd Bannie E F Manga, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church The Gambia and the Chairman of The Gambia Christian Council.

More in the statement.

This is the 2024 Christmas message by the Most Rev'd Bannie E F Manga, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church The Gambia and the Chairman of The Gambia Christian Council.

More in his statement.

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.

On Thursday, December 12th, 2024, the Management of the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (MRCG) received notice of a sit-down strike notice from the MRCG Workers’ Union Executive, effective Monday, December 16th, 2024.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a US$10.8 million disbursement to The Gambia on 20th December 2024 following the successful completion of the second review under the country’s Extended Credit Facility arrangement. More in the press release.

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.