The University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET) is set to open its doors in June 2025, marking a major milestone in The Gambia’s commitment to skills-based higher education. Designed to equip young Gambians with practical, job-ready skills, USET is expected to play a pivotal role in national development, youth empowerment, and technical self-sufficiency. More in the article.

In a strong call for accountability and redress, human rights advocates, civil society organizations, and policymakers gathered in The Gambia for the NGO Forum on Reparative Justice, spotlighting the urgent need to address the enduring legacy of slavery, colonialism, and systemic racism across Africa and its diaspora. More in the report.

The long-awaited return of the Kanilai Ferry has revived activity on the vital Banjul–Barra crossing, but questions remain over whether the Gambia Ferry Services (GFS) will fulfil its pledge to introduce 24-hour operations this month. More in the publication.

In 2023, The Gambia ranked 5th in Africa and 46th globally, positioned between the United States and South Korea. However, this year, the country has fallen to 11th place, marking a setback for the ambitious goal set by the new Information Minister to make The Gambia the top-ranked country in Africa for press freedom. Achieving this target will require strong political will and critical legal reforms to surpass Sierra Leone, Liberia, and other African nations. More on this in the full report.

Press freedom is experiencing a worrying decline in many African nations. The region records the highest number of countries with declining economic indicators as 80 per cent have seen their economic scores drop. In many cases, media ownership is concentrated in the hands of a few private groups close to those in power and individuals with political interests, which compromises newsrooms’ editorial independence. More in the press release.

The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) officially opened its 83rd Ordinary Session on May 2, 2025, at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo, The Gambia. Centred on the theme of justice and reparations, the session brings together human rights defenders, government officials, and stakeholders from across Africa to tackle pressing issues such as accountability, human rights violations, and pathways toward reparative justice. The three-week event will shape critical decisions aimed at protecting and advancing human and peoples’ rights across the continent. More in the report.

As the 2026 presidential elections approach, the Citizens' Alliance (CA) has reaffirmed its unwavering support for President Adama Barrow. During their congress in Soma on April 26, 2025, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, the party’s leader, pledged that the CA would vote for Barrow’s re-election. More in the press release.

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 Gambia is set to establish a dedicated court for gender-based violence (GBV) cases, a move announced by the Minister for Gender, Women, and Children’s Welfare, Hon. Fatou Kinteh, during a workshop organized by the All-Africa Church Conference in April 2025. More in the report.

At a pivotal seminar held in Bijilo from 14th to 15th April 2025, WAVE Gambia and ACEPA rallied Gambians to unite for the protection of religious minorities. This two-day event called for government action to turn the promises of the TRRC into a reality, aiming for a future where religious freedom is a cornerstone of The Gambia's peace and stability. More in the report.

The National Audit Office (NAO) has officially launched its Strategic Development Plan 2025–2029, outlining a bold vision to strengthen governance, enhance public financial management, and promote greater transparency across the public sector. More in the report.

The Gambia has taken a major leap toward the future of education. On 24th April 2025, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) unveiled the TITA mobile application—a cutting-edge digital platform designed to streamline academic management and bring smart learning solutions to the fingertips of students and lecturers across the country. More in the article.

Representatives from religious communities persecuted under former President Yahya Jammeh have called for greater societal tolerance and reform, speaking on the sidelines of a national seminar focused on religious freedom and minority rights in The Gambia. More in the report.

Less than 24 hours after marking Easter Sunday, the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, 21st April 2025, at the age of 88. His death, confirmed by the Vatican at 7:35 a.m., marks the end of a papacy defined by humility, compassion, and a tireless commitment to the poorest and most marginalised. More in the report.

In a historic move to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in The Gambia, the All-Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) has launched the Male Champions for Gender Justice platform, bringing together influential Muslim and Christian leaders to advocate for gender equality and challenge harmful cultural norms. More in the news report.

In a landmark effort to preserve the memory of victims of human rights violations committed during the regime of former President Yahya Jammeh, the Solo Sandeng Foundation on 14th April 2025 inaugurated the Solo Sandeng Memorial Centre, located in Kerr Sering. More in the publication.

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.