The arrests and detention of youth protesters challenging PURA’s D50-per-1GB mobile data price floor have once again exposed deep cracks in The Gambia’s security sector, raising fears of a return to Jammeh-era tactics where “orders from above” justified unlawful detentions, brutality, and disregard for due process.

Despite promises of reform after the TRRC, what happened at PURA’s office and the subsequent crackdown have reignited public concern over police discipline, accountability, and the right to peaceful assembly.

Nineteen individuals, including activist Yusef Taylor and rapper Ali “Killa Ace” Cham, were arrested on Friday, 22nd August 2025, following a peaceful protest outside the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) headquarters.

The demonstration was held in response to a controversial directive that triggered a 243% increase in mobile data promotional prices. Although the protest was static and conducted without loudspeakers or a procession, the Gambia Police Force deemed it unlawful, citing the lack of a permit under the Public Order Act.

The Gambian Government issued a statement condemning the death of a one-month-old baby girl after allegedly undergoing the practice of female genital mutilation/ circumcision (FGM/C). The statement welcomes the conviction of the three suspects involved in her death and warns citizens to abide by the law against FGM/C. More in the statement.

The Red Dolphin Gambia Lifeguard Association has appealed to the Gambian government to provide urgent support and lifesaving equipment as drowning incidents continue to rise along the country’s coastline during the summer break. More in the news report.

Tensions surrounding Almadina School appear to be easing after a crucial stakeholders’ meeting brought together parents, ministry officials, and representatives of the proprietors to chart a way forward. The gathering ended with all sides pledging to prioritise students’ welfare and continue dialogue to resolve outstanding issues amicably. More in the news report.

Amdalai, North Bank Region – 18th August 2025. The Governments of The Gambia and Senegal officially launched a week-long Cross-Border Engagement Meeting at the Amdalai Border Crossing Point. The initiative brings together national institutions, border agencies, and international partners to strengthen cooperation, promote integrated border management, and improve the safety and well-being of border communities. More in the news report.

A day after the shocking death of a one-month-old baby, Sarjo Conteh, on 9th August 2025, the “heartbroken” Children National Assembly of the Gambia (CNAG) issued a statement condemning the practice and called on the government to ensure justice is done. More in the article.

The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region held its 54th Annual Regional Conference in The Gambia for the first time, under the leadership of their current president, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, the Speaker of the National Assembly. Attended by Gambian President Adama Barrow, the opening ceremony featured statements from both leaders focusing on the theme “Strengthening Democracy, Governance and Resilience in Africa: Tackling Conflicts, Economic Shocks, and Climate Risks.” More in the report.

Three women have been charged in connection with the death of a one-month-old baby girl following female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) in The Gambia. Police Commissioner Abdoulie Sanneh confirmed the charges during a National Human Rights Commission training on the Women’s (Amendment) Act 2015, revealing that one accused faces life imprisonment while two others have been granted bail. More in the report.

The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has surpassed its tax revenue target for the first seven months of 2025 by more than D2.1 billion, collecting over D15.6 billion. This announcement was made by GRA Commissioner General, Mr. Yankuba Darboe, during his appearance on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez on Monday, 11th August 2025. More in the news report.

Newly elected Youth MP for Latrikunda Sabijie, Ousainou J. Sawaneh, has committed to championing youth voices and driving inclusive policies at the National Youth Parliament. Building on his work as a community leader and founder of a football academy, he plans to raise awareness about the Parliament’s role while empowering under-represented groups. More in the news report.

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape institutions worldwide, including journalism, The Gambia Press Union (GPU) is taking proactive steps to guide its responsible use in the media. With support from International IDEA, the union has embarked on a review of its Cherno Jallow Code of Conduct for Journalists, aiming at setting ethical standards for AI usage, among emerging issues. More in the news report.

Mr Sainey Senghore, a survivor of the April 10/11, 2000, student protests, has called for school uniforms to be preserved as a symbol of learning rather than politics. Speaking in the wake of an exchange of press releases between the government and a civil society organisation over students in uniform participating in an anti-corruption protest, the human rights advocate cautioned against their use in welcoming presidents or joining demonstrations, warning that such practices risk politicising education and undermining the neutrality of schools. More in the report.

The recent death of prominent activist Alain Christophe Traoré in custody and a series of cybercrime trials against journalists underscore the rapid erosion of civic space in the Sahel. Transitional military governments are increasingly using anti-cybercrime laws to silence critics, raising alarm over freedom of expression and human rights in the region. More in the report.

The Gambia has welcomed 20 Nigerian professors and lecturers who will serve in key universities and higher education bodies for the next two years in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s academic and institutional capacity. More in the news report.

The Ministry of Information has issued a statement announcing redeployments in the Foreign Affairs Ministry and in The Gambia Maritime Administration. More in the press release.

Two international whistleblower protection organisations and partners have issued a statement in support of Gambian whistleblower Alhaji Mamdi Kurang, who raised the alarm on the alleged corruption surrounding the Janneh Commission and the sale of assets fraudulently acquired by former President Jammeh. More in the press release.

The Ministry of Trade has issued a statement announcing that three Gambian migrants have absconded after arriving in Spain to participate in the recently established Gambia-Spain Migration Programme, which has seen scores of Gambians travel to Spain to work in the agricultural sector. More in the press release.

In a bid to enhance transparency and deepen public understanding of its work, The Gambia’s National Audit Office (NAO) held a two-day engagement with journalists from across the country, aiming to strengthen collaboration and improve media coverage of public sector audits. The workshop, held from 30th to 31st July 2025 in Bakadaji, brought together reporters from television, radio, print, and online platforms to explore the NAO’s mandate, governance structure, and audit processes.

In a country rebuilding from decades of rights violations, a new generation is leading the charge for change—starting in the classroom. The Human Rights Friendly School initiative honored three schools on July 30th for embedding human rights into school life, echoing the TRRC’s call for civic education and non-recurrence. More in the news report.