Since 2020, the Sahel region has witnessed a surge of military coups that have toppled civilian governments in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, ushering in junta regimes with little to no constitutional oversight. This upheaval has led to systematic restrictions on fundamental freedoms—particularly freedom of expression, access to information, and the right to assemble—dramatically shrinking civic space and threatening the very foundations of democracy across the region. More in the publication.

The Gambia’s 2024 Draft Constitution suffered a decisive blow in the National Assembly after the Minority Caucus voted against it during the crucial Second Reading on 7th June 2025, denying the bill the three-quarters majority required for passage. Despite support from the Majority Caucus, the constitution failed to clear the legal threshold, marking the second time Parliament has blocked efforts to replace the 1997 Constitution. More in this report.

As The Gambia’s new bread pricing policy takes effect, consumers are raising alarm bells over whether the promised weight increase is being honoured. Although the Ministry of Trade mandated that loaves must increase in weight to justify the jump from D10 to D12, early observations suggest a lack of monitoring—and loaves that look suspiciously unchanged. More in this news report.

The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) announced that a total of D205,820,780 has been earmarked for reparations. This was revealed at a press briefing held on 16th July 2021. More in this publication.

The Women’s Association for Women and Victims’ Empowerment (WAVE), in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Association for the Prevention of Torture (APT), commemorated the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on Thursday, 26th June 2025, with a Stakeholders’ Dialogue held at Bakadaji Hotel. More in the report.

President Adama Barrow on Saturday 21st June 2025, presided over the historic graduation of the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology’s (USET) first cohort of homegrown engineers, marking a significant milestone in The Gambia’s quest for self-reliance and technological advancement. More in the report.

"Torture is a no-go area," declared a senior police officer during a landmark human rights training organized by the Women’s Association for Victims and Women Empowerment (WAVE), signaling a shift in law enforcement culture as The Gambia deepens its commitment to accountability and the rule of law. More in the report.

The Central Bank of The Gambia has issued a firm warning against the use of foreign currency in local transactions, declaring it illegal and punishable by law. Governor Buah Saidy made the announcement during the Bank’s quarterly Monetary Policy Committee briefing, amid rising concerns that businesses across the country are increasingly demanding payments in foreign currencies. More in the report.

Just hours after President Adama Barrow assured the National Assembly of his government’s efforts to ease the cost of living in his 2025 State of the Nation Address, the Ministry of Trade announced a bread price hike—from D10 to D12—effective July. The decision follows consultations with bakers and consumer protection authorities, as the country continues to grapple with inflationary pressures on basic goods. More in the publication.

In a thrilling celebration of literacy and youth empowerment, Ridwanuallah Olaniyi of Almadina School emerged victorious at the 2025 WorldLand Africa Inter-Schools Contest, held on 14th June at the Babucarr O. Joof Conference Centre in Brikama. Organised in honour of the Day of the African Child, the event brought together students from across The Gambia to compete in spelling, word construction, and vocabulary mastery under the theme “Fostering Reading Culture Towards Human Capital and Global Development.” More in the report.

The Central Bank of The Gambia’s hopes of bringing inflation under control in 2025 are facing renewed setbacks, despite current signs of progress. While headline inflation eased to 8.1% in April from 10.2% in early 2025, the lowest rate since early 2023, it remains significantly above the Bank’s medium-term target of 5%, underscoring persistent price pressures and structural vulnerabilities in the economy. More in the report.

The Gambia’s economy grew by 5.3 percent in 2024, fuelled by gains in the services and industrial sectors, according to the Central Bank’s latest monetary policy update. However, Governor Buah Saidy warned that persistent core inflation and global trade uncertainties continue to pose significant risks to the country’s economic stability. More in the report.

President Adama Barrow has officially launched The Gambia Madrassah Integration Strategy (GMIS), a landmark initiative aimed at bridging the gap between Islamic and conventional education systems. Unveiled at a high-level ceremony in Bijilo, the strategy promises to provide equal learning opportunities for students in Madrassahs, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in today’s evolving economy. More in the report.

WASHINGTON, May 29, 2025 — The World Bank has approved $52.6 million in financing for The Gambia to improve transport and energy infrastructure access in select areas and strengthen institutional capacity for service delivery. The project will directly benefit over 100,000 people through enhanced road connectivity and expanded electricity access. More in the press release.

Beakanyang Kafo, a leading civil society organization in The Gambia, held a powerful two-day cultural and reconciliation festival titled the "Badingbung Reconciliation and Unity Festival" from 31st May to 1st June 2025, at Kabafita Upper Basic and Senior Secondary School in Brikama. More in the report.

The National Youth Parliament (NYP) is set to hold its upcoming elections with at least eleven candidates running unopposed, according to the nomination list. At a recent press conference in Serrekunda, the NYP Election Committee provided updates on the nomination process and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, youth empowerment, and inclusive participation. More in this publication.

Seventeen bright young students from across The Gambia have secured their spots in the final round of the inaugural Wordland Africa Competition, a national literacy initiative that challenges children to demonstrate mastery of vocabulary, grammar, and public speaking. The highly anticipated finals will take place on June 14, aligning with celebrations for the Day of the African Child—an occasion that honors the resilience and potential of Africa’s youth while spotlighting the transformative power of education. More in the report.

Magistrate Peter Che of Basse has raised the alarm over the ongoing practice of witchcraft accusations in the Basse, describing it as a dangerous legacy of the past now magnified by social media. The Magistrate emphasized that although the former president is no longer in power, the issue of witchcraft accusations persists. More in this report.

Kololi, The Gambia — The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) concluded its 83rd Ordinary Session on 22nd May 2025 with a powerful call for justice and reparations for Africans and people of African descent. Held under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparation”, the session brought together government officials, civil society leaders, and international partners to confront historical and ongoing injustices, urging unified efforts to advance human rights across the continent. More in the report.

Basse, Upper River Region — “We are dying without justice,” echoed one voice among many as victims of Yahya Jammeh’s brutal regime gathered under a mango tree in Manneh Kunda. Years after the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) concluded its work, survivors are still waiting—some in pain, others already gone—while the government drags its feet on promised reparations. More in the report.