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.

For the first time in its history, the Diocese of Banjul has ordained five Gambian men to the priesthood in a single ceremony—an event of historic significance that underscores four decades of steady growth in local vocations since the first Gambian ordination in 1985. More in the report.

Thirteen-year-old Aida Jarju of Longman Memorial Methodist School lit up the stage at the 2025 National Spelling Bee, claiming the coveted title after a fiercely competitive final held in Brikama. Organised by the Take M Transformative Organisation, the event brought together 41 top young spellers from across The Gambia—but it was Aida’s poise, precision, and perseverance that ultimately set her apart and crowned her this year’s champion. More in the report.

In a decisive effort to advance disability rights and strengthen national accountability mechanisms, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in collaboration with UNICEF, concluded a two-day capacity-building workshop for the National Disability Advisory Council (NDAC) at the Senegambia Beach Hotel on 15th May 2025.

More in the report.

Bijilo, The Gambia – 8th May 2025 – At a key side event during the 83rd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR), human rights leaders and civil society actors issued a strong call for bolstering early warning systems, emphasising that timely, credible data is essential to preventing rights violations across Africa. More in the report.

“Workplaces must be safe for all.” With this powerful message, the NHRC convened a workshop with the government, partners and the private sector to adopt its Generic Sexual Harassment Policy for the Workplace. The landmark event took place on 7th May 2025 at the Senegambia Beach Hotel. More in the report.

In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, Illinois, has been elected as the 267th pontiff, following the death of Pope Francis on 21st April 2025. Prevost’s election marks the first time an American has ascended to the papacy. He has taken the name Pope Leo XIV, signalling a new era in the Church’s global leadership. More in the report.

Childbirth is meant to be a life-giving process, but for many African women, it has become a source of trauma. A recent side event during the 83rd ACHPR session spotlighted obstetric violence, urging states to adopt comprehensive legal and policy reforms. More in the report.

The Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA) has launched a three-day enterprise development training program for 50 young members of the Methodist Church in The Gambia. The initiative aims to enhance their entrepreneurial skills and promote self-reliance. More in the publication.

Despite constitutional guarantees of peaceful assembly, The Gambia’s Public Order Act continues to be wielded against activists, with the recent arrest of members of Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) highlighting ongoing tensions between civil liberties and state control. More in the report.

At the 83rd ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) in The Gambia, panellists underscored the urgent need to prevent torture and ill-treatment across Africa, emphasizing strategic frameworks, country-level initiatives, and the vital role of civil society in combating such abuses. More in the publication.

Gambian authorities clashed with activists on 8th May 2025, as police arrested several demonstrators who were protesting the government's handling of former President Yahya Jammeh’s seized assets. The protesters, who gathered near the Arch in Banjul, demanded greater transparency in the sale of Jammeh’s assets, which many citizens believe undermines the country’s transition to justice and accountability. More in this publication.

From uncovering ghost worker fraud to covering high-profile international trials, Askanwi Media’s debut newsletter captures the most critical stories from the first four months of 2025. Dive into exclusive reports, data-driven insights, and courageous journalism that holds power to account. Download our first edition in this article.

In a bold reaffirmation of political alignment, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay has declared Citizens Alliance’s unwavering support for President Barrow’s government—marking a dramatic evolution for a party once seen as a fierce opposition force. More in this publication.

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.