Prosecutor and Defense Put Up Vivid Opening Statements on Landmark Correa Torture Trial
DENVER, 8th April 2025 — In a historic trial drawing international attention, federal prosecutors and defense attorneys delivered powerful and contrasting opening statements in the case against Michael Sang Correa, a former member of The Gambia’s notorious Junglers unit, accused of torturing six men in the aftermath of a failed 2006 coup. As courtroom drama unfolded on the second day, both sides laid out vivid narratives of guilt and survival, setting the stage for a trial that will revisit one of West Africa’s darkest political chapters through the lens of American justice. More in the report.
U.S. Court Opens First-Ever Universal Jurisdiction Trial Against Non-Citizen for Torture
DENVER, 7th April 2025 - In a historic human rights case, the United States has begun the trial of Michael Sang Correa, a former Gambian paramilitary officer, marking the first time a non-U.S. citizen is being prosecuted on American soil for acts of torture under the principle of universal jurisdiction. More in the report.
Exiled Gambians Meet Vice President and Justice Minister for Safe Return
Representatives from Kerr Mott Ali, currently exiled in Senegal, recently met with Vice President Muhammed BS Jallow and the Minister for Justice, Hon. Dawda Jallow, to advocate for their return home, as dictated by a High Court ruling in their favour. More in the report.
Alleged Gambian Death Squad Member to Stand Trial for Torture in Denver, Colorado
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.
ActionAid Urges Media to Amplify Youth Voices for Greater Civic Engagement
ActionAid The Gambia urged journalists and bloggers to take a leading role in amplifying youth voices and fostering greater civic engagement during a three-day training in Jarra Soma. More in the report.
Caritas Gambia Strengthens Development Efforts Through Strategic Planning
Caritas Gambia is taking a significant step toward strengthening its role in national development by collaborating with key stakeholders to draft a comprehensive strategic plan. The initiative, launched on 25th March 2025, aims to identify priority areas and enhance partnerships to drive meaningful and lasting change across the country. More in the publication.
Gamcel Employees: Salary Restored, But Bigger Issues Remain
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.
NHRC Advisory Highlights Government’s Lackadaisical Approach on Diaspora Vote
A summary of the National Human Rights Commission’s advisory notes on the Elections Bill and the Draft Constitution reveals how the government has taken a lackadasical approach to progressing the rights of Gambians in the Diaspora to vote. More in this notice.
Majority Leader’s Motion Sparks Controversy in Diaspora Vote Debate
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.
Advocates Urge NAMs to Restore Law to Register Diaspora Ahead of 2026 Presidential Election
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.
Hon. Darboe Disappointed Kanilai Ferry Commissioning Pushed to April
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.
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.
President Barrow Reaffirms Commitment to Transparency in ATI Meeting
The Access to Information (ATI) Commission met with President Adama Barrow at State House on 18th March 2025, to discuss efforts to improve public access to information. While progress has been made, challenges remain in fully enforcing the Access to Information Act. More in the publication.
NAMs Spend All Day Considering 18 Clauses on National Security Council Bill
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.
KMC Mayor Condemns Government’s Takeover of McCarthy Square
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.
CPC Urges Sustainable Consumer Behavior to Tackle Environmental Challenges
On World Consumer Rights Day, The Gambia joined the global call for sustainable consumer practices, emphasising the need for responsible consumption to address urgent environmental challenges. Organised by the Consumer Protection Consortium (CPC), the event focused on promoting eco-friendly lifestyles and protecting both consumers and the environment. More in the report.
KMC Reports Two Market Fires in a Single Day, Suspected Electrical Faults to Blame
Two devastating market fires in The Gambia have left traders reeling, with authorities warning that electrical hazards and illegal connections are contributing to the growing crisis. As markets continue to burn, the economic toll and safety concerns are becoming impossible to ignore. More in the report.
NAMs Consider National Security Council Bill After Finance Minister's Latest No Show
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.
Death of Ex-Jungler Brigadier General Bora Colley Sparks Calls for Transparency
The death of Brigadier General Bora Colley, a former officer in The Gambia Armed Forces and a notorious member of the Jungler death squad under former dictator Yahya Jammeh, has sparked renewed calls for transparency from the Edward Francis Small Center for Rights and Justice Study (EFSCRJ). More in the report.
From Harmony to Hostility: The Gambia’s Struggle with Illegal Firearms
The Gambia has long been known for its peaceful nature and tightly knit communities, where villages and cities have felt like safe havens. However, beneath this calm exterior lies a growing public concern over the spread of illegal firearms. More in this report.
Donate to Askanwi
Why Support Askanwi?
Donate to Askanwi's GoFundMe: Support Askanwi - Reliable News for The Gambia
Askanwi is dedicated to bridging the gap for reliable, balanced, and citizen-centered news that directly impacts the lives of its readers.
By closely monitoring the progress of the country's transitional process, Askanwi continues to lead with powerful human interest stories, including the ongoing coverage of the Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) crisis, the drafting of the new Constitution, and the rollout of the Transitional Justice Program—just to name a few.
Your generous support will enable Askanwi to continue its important work: following the AKI saga, breaking stories of corruption, investigating public malfeasance, producing quarterly newsletters, and ensuring the continued operation of Askanwi Media.
Donate to Askanwi’s GoFundMe: Support Askanwi - Reliable News for The Gambia