AGP Executive Report

WorldPride & Indigenous Arts: “Crushing Colonialism’s” Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer WorldPride programming was highlighted in Outright International’s global LGBTQIA+ human rights report, spotlighting art, storytelling, disability justice, language justice, and community safety during WorldPride 2025 in Washington, D.C. GFF Leadership Change: Newly elected Gambia Football Federation president Kemo Ceesay is set to assume office on 2 September, with calls for openness, unity, and better engagement with supporters and stakeholders. U-20 Football Prep: The Young Scorpions begin preparations for the WAFU-A U-20 Qualifiers in Mali (6–26 October), starting with a first screening of 30 players. Sports Media & Streaming: DAZN secured LaLiga EA SPORTS rights across Sub-Saharan Africa (including The Gambia) for 2026/27–2028/29, bringing live and on-demand matches. Migration Update: IOM reports 535 voluntary returns from Libya this week, including 79 to The Gambia.

GFF Leadership Shake-Up: Newly elected Gambia Football Federation (GFF) President Kemo Ceesay is set to formally assume office on 2 September, with hopes for a more open, united football administration and wider access for stakeholders to the federation’s platforms. Youth Football Pipeline: The Young Scorpions (Gambia U-20) begin preparations for the WAFU-A U-20 Qualifiers in Mali, starting with a first screening of 30 players on 31 August. Election Integrity & Hate Speech: NDI warns that rising hate speech and ethnic tensions could threaten peace ahead of The Gambia’s 5 December presidential election, urging parties and supporters to reject demeaning online posts. National Digital ID Rollout: The government begins nationwide enrollment for the GAM ID biometric card, with Greater Banjul registration dates set for early/mid September. Border Rumour Check: A viral Facebook claim about Senegalese forces taking Gambian land is being challenged and fact-checked amid ongoing border tensions. Arts & Media: AfroPix expands its pan-African and Caribbean cinema push, aiming to improve distribution and creator pay for independent filmmakers.

GFF Leadership & Unity: Kemo Ceesay has won the Gambia Football Federation election, calling for rivals Musa Jammeh and Sadibou Kamaso to join his administration—“there is no loser”—as stakeholders push for reconciliation and better football governance. Young Scorpions Prep: The Young Scorpions (Gambia U-20) begin early screening for the WAFU-A U-20 Qualifiers in Mali, with a first group of 30 players selected and further phases to follow. Border & Misinformation Check: A viral Facebook claim says Senegalese forces seized Gambian territory; verification efforts highlight how easily old footage can be repackaged as “breaking news,” feeding tension. Migration Update: Mauritania reports rescuing 161 migrants (including Gambians) after a week at sea from Banjul toward the Atlantic route. Sports Streaming for the Region: DAZN secured LaLiga rights across Sub-Saharan Africa, including The Gambia, bringing live and on-demand matches from 2026/27 to 2028/29. Cultural Diplomacy: A Voice Achievers Awards delegation made a courtesy visit to The Gambia High Commission in the UK, spotlighting cultural exchange and fashion ambassadors.

GFF Leadership Reset: Kemo Ceesay won the Gambia Football Federation election and immediately urged rivals Musa Jammeh and Sadibou Kamaso to join his administration, stressing “there is no loser” and calling for unity beyond the vote. Election Integrity & Hate Speech: A National Democratic Institute pre-election mission warned that rising hate speech and ethnic tensions could threaten peace ahead of The Gambia’s 5 Dec 2026 presidential election, citing online hate incidents and misinformation risks. Young Scorpions Path to Mali: The Young Scorpions (U-20) begin WAFU-A U-20 Qualifiers preparations in October, starting with a first screening of 30 players on 31 Aug, focusing on Second Division League talent. GAM ID Rollout: The Gambia has started enrollment for the new biometric national ID (GAM ID) around Greater Banjul, with further registration dates set for early September. Football Calendar Boost: Mohammed Kudus’ return to action for Tottenham is a timely boost for Ghana as AFCON qualifiers approach, with The Gambia listed among their opponents. Culture & Media: AfroPix expands its pan-African and Caribbean cinema push, aiming for creator-first compensation and broader access to independent films.

Fashion & Leadership: Off-White and creative director Ib Kamara have mutually parted ways after his 2022 appointment, with the brand’s new owner Bluestar Alliance praising his work and leaving the door open for future collaborations. Regional Security & Books: ECOWAS unveiled four publications on peacekeeping and peacemaking, including Fighting Bushfires: ECOWAS and Peacemaking in West Africa, documenting ECOMOG-era interventions in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau. Gambia Election Prep: The NDI-led pre-election assessment mission met UDP leaders ahead of the Dec. 5, 2026 presidential vote, focusing on voter registration, dispute resolution, judiciary, coalition building, hate speech, and media representation. Digital ID Rollout: The Gambia began enrollment for the new biometric national ID (GAM ID) around Greater Banjul, with registration dates set for early September. Sports Streaming: DAZN secured LaLiga EA Sports rights across Sub-Saharan Africa through 2029, bringing all 380 matches per season to fans in The Gambia and beyond. Football (Ghana): Mohammed Kudus returned for Tottenham after a long injury lay-off, boosting Ghana’s 2027 AFCON qualifier campaign. Migration Update: Mauritania says it rescued 161 migrants, including 15 minors, after a boat departed Banjul and spent about eight days at sea.

ECOWAS Peacekeeping Books: ECOWAS unveiled four new publications on its peacekeeping and peacemaking work in West Africa, including a detailed look at interventions in Mali and the Gambia, plus lessons from Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau. GFF Leadership Update: Kurt Okraku represented CAF President Patrice Motsepe at the Gambia Football Federation elective general assembly in Banjul, where Kemo Ceesay won the presidency and pledged reforms, transparency and grassroots infrastructure. Black Stars Coach Promise: Ghana’s GFA says a new head coach for the Black Stars will be in place before the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with Kurt Okraku confirming the final paperwork is “99% in place.” Gambian Talent Abroad: Liverpool reportedly took two young Gambian players, Musa Jatta Bajaha and Sheriff Bah, on a fortnight trial; meanwhile, Gillingham signed Gambian striker Lamin Sillah on loan from Nottingham Forest. Sports Streaming for West Africa: DAZN secured LaLiga EA Sports rights across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons, bringing all 380 matches per season to fans in markets including The Gambia. Migration Rescue: Mauritania’s coast guard rescued 161 migrants after a boat left Banjul, including 17 minors, highlighting ongoing Atlantic crossings from The Gambia.

GFA & Black Stars Build-Up: Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus returned to action for Tottenham after a seven-month injury lay-off, giving a timely boost ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers; Ghana face Ivory Coast (Sept 24) and host The Gambia (Sept 27). Gambia Digital ID Rollout: The Gambia begins a nationwide rollout of the new biometric national ID (GAM ID), starting with Greater Banjul enrollment and scheduled registration dates in September. Election Transparency Push: EFSCRJ urged political coalitions contesting the Dec 2026 presidential election to publish their coalition agreements, citing gaps in public access to the full MOUs. Migration Tragedy Update: Mauritania says it rescued 161 migrants (including 17 minors) after a boat left Banjul and spent about eight days at sea. Football Talent Spotlight: Liverpool reportedly took two Gambian youngsters, Musa Jatta Bajaha and Sheriff Bah, on a fortnight-long trial. Music & Media Tech: Audiomack launched Night Plan to help African music fans download more affordably overnight. Cinema Platform Growth: AfroPix expands its pan-African and Caribbean cinema initiative with creator-first compensation.

Ghana AFCON boost: Mohammed Kudus returned to action for Tottenham after a seven-month injury lay-off, coming on in the 68th minute in a 2-0 loss to Newcastle—timely ahead of Ghana’s 2027 AFCON qualifiers, including a trip to Ivory Coast (Sept 24) and hosting The Gambia (Sept 27). Gambia football links abroad: Liverpool’s transfer talk keeps circling Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh, with reports of Brighton holding out around £80m, while Liverpool also push toward other wing options. Streaming for fans: DAZN secured LaLiga EA SPORTS rights across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons (2026/27–2028/29), bringing all 380 matches per season to subscribers in markets including The Gambia. Gambia election readiness: A pre-election assessment delegation led by Linda Thomas-Greenfield and Prof. Attahiru Jega met President Adama Barrow as The Gambia heads toward the Dec 5, 2026 presidential vote. Digital ID rollout: The Gambia began nationwide enrollment for the new biometric GAM ID, starting around Greater Banjul with scheduled registration dates in September. Culture & education ties: The Chinese Embassy hosted a Bantaba for Gambian scholarship recipients and returning scholars, announcing more students heading to China and plans for new education cooperation.

Sports Media: DAZN secured rights to broadcast LaLiga EA SPORTS across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons (2026/27–2028/29), bringing all 380 matches per season live and on-demand in 48 markets, with English and Spanish commentary. Migration & Human Stories: Mauritania says it rescued 161 migrants (including 17 minors) after a boat left Banjul and spent about eight days at sea toward the Canary Islands route. Gambia Football Pathways: Liverpool reportedly took two Gambian youngsters—Musa Jatta Bajaha and Sheriff Bah—on a fortnight-long trial, with club officials praising the opportunity. Local Talent on the Move: Gillingham signed Gambian striker Lamin Sillah on loan from Nottingham Forest for senior experience. Arts & Culture Tech: AfroPix expands its creator-first Pan-African and Caribbean cinema push, building distribution pipelines with film boards and paying creators per view. Music Access: Audiomack launched Night Plan, letting African users download music overnight on cheaper data windows via major carriers.

National Digital ID Rollout: The Gambia has begun enrollment for the new biometric national ID (GAM ID) around Greater Banjul, with registration centers scheduled for Sept 7, 11 and 21 and fees set for first-time applicants. Election Transparency Watch: The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) urges 2026 presidential election coalitions to publish their coalition agreements, warning that hidden contents could shape voters’ choices. Pre-Election Assessment: President Adama Barrow met an NDI pre-election mission led by Linda Thomas-Greenfield and Prof. Attahiru Jega, with talks covering voter registration, dispute resolution, judiciary, hate speech, media and diaspora voting. Arts & Culture Diplomacy: The Voice Achievers Awards team held post-event courtesy visits in London, including to the Gambia High Commission, highlighting cultural diplomacy and fashion/cultural ambassadors. Music Access: Audiomack launched Night Plan to help African music fans download overnight on cheaper data, partnering with carriers including Africell Gambia. Football Talent Pipeline: Liverpool reportedly took two Gambian youngsters—Musa Jatta Bajaha and Sheriff Bah—on a fortnight-long trial from BST Galaxy. Humanitarian Update: Mauritania says it rescued 161 migrants, including 17 minors, after a boat left Banjul and was at sea for about eight days.

Liverpool Transfer Buzz: Liverpool are closing in on a blockbuster Bradley Barcola deal from PSG, with talks progressing fast and a package potentially rising to £120m, while the club also keeps tabs on Gambia winger Yankuba Minteh (Brighton still demanding around £80m) and Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr as backup. Gambia Youth Football Pathway: Liverpool reportedly took two Gambian youngsters, Musa Jatta Bajaha and Sheriff Bah, on a fortnight-long trial after a scouting trip in The Gambia, with club officials praising the opportunity. Voice Achievers Awards Diplomacy: After the 15th Voice Achievers Awards in London, organisers led by Mazi Godson Azu visited the Gambia High Commission, hosted by H.E. Dr. Fatou Bensouda, highlighting cultural diplomacy and fashion links. Media & Journalism: CJID opened submissions for the 2026 Excellence in Journalism Awards, including categories for factchecking and newsroom leadership across West Africa, with The Gambia eligible. Education Ties: The Chinese Embassy hosted a Bantaba for Gambian scholarship recipients and returning scholars, announcing more students heading to China and plans for lab and technical training cooperation.

Sports & Culture Spotlight: Liverpool’s transfer chase for Gambia winger Yankuba Minteh is still stuck on Brighton’s steep £80m asking price, with coach Fabian Hurzeler hinting Minteh wants a move while Liverpool weigh alternatives like Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr. Local Arts & Community: The Puppet Company co-founder Sue Lockey says her Women in Leadership nomination reflects pride in a business that began as a kitchen-table hobby and grew into a global brand. Media & Journalism: CJID has opened submissions for the 2026 Excellence in Journalism Awards, including categories for newsroom leadership, factchecking, innovation and community reporting across West Africa. Education & Diplomacy: The Chinese Embassy hosted a Bantaba for Gambian scholarship recipients and returning scholars, marking 10 years since relations resumed and announcing more students heading to China. Music Access: Audiomack launched Night Plan, letting African fans download music overnight on cheaper data hours via major carriers. Democracy Watch: A pre-election assessment mission led by Linda Thomas-Greenfield and Attahiru Jega met President Barrow to review readiness for The Gambia’s Dec. 5, 2026 presidential election.

Liverpool transfer scramble (Gambia link): With the September 1 deadline looming, Liverpool are reportedly preparing a third improved bid for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh, after earlier offers of £50m and £60m were rejected; Minteh is said to be waiting to finalise personal terms once a fee is agreed, while Liverpool also check on Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr but Palace are reluctant to sell without a replacement. Gambia arts & culture abroad: The Voice Achievers Awards 2026 wrapped in London with a diplomatic courtesy visit to the Ghana High Commission, featuring Gambian fashion and cultural representatives. Media call-out: The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) opens submissions for its Excellence in Journalism Awards 2026 (deadline Sept 12, 2026). Music streaming for Africans: Audiomack launches Night Plan to help subscribers download music overnight on cheaper data, partnering with carriers including Africell Gambia. Sports viewing (Gambia audience): Global TV listings are published for Newcastle vs West Brom, plus broadcasters for the 2026 Mountain Bike World Championships in Italy.

Journalism & Media: CJID has opened submissions for its 2026 Excellence in Journalism Awards, covering West Africa and including The Gambia, with categories spanning reporting, newsroom leadership, factchecking, media innovation and community-centred work; entries run from Sept 1, 2025 to Aug 31, 2026, and the deadline is Sept 12, 2026. Women’s Football (Gambia link): The CAF Women’s Champions League qualification race is heating up, while in West Africa the WAFU A tournament is underway in Banjul, The Gambia, with a Sept 6 final. Music & Streaming: Audiomack launched Night Plan, letting African music fans download overnight on supported carriers to cut data costs, with a moon-icon queue and automatic retry rules. Local Arts/Community: A library programming calendar in the US includes creative writing, teen craft and Lego League events (Sept 1–5). Sports (Gambia player spotlight): Transfer talk keeps circling around Gambia winger Yankuba Minteh as Liverpool weigh a third bid before the Sept 1 deadline.

Music Access: Audiomack rolls out its “Night Plan” for African listeners, letting Audiomack Plus subscribers queue overnight downloads on cheaper data hours via carriers like MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9mobile—aimed at cutting costs while boosting offline listening. Community Arts & Youth: Monticello-Union Township Library schedules Lego League, Creative Writing Club, teen craft locker magnets and Mario Kart races through Sept. 18, keeping kids and teens busy with hands-on creativity. Fashion Spotlight: Brooklyn’s “The People’s Runway” returns Sept. 12, spotlighting five emerging designers chosen from an open call—another big platform for local fashion talent. Sports (Gambia Connection): Liverpool’s transfer chase for Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh heats up again, with reports of a third improved bid as Brighton holds a £70m+ valuation; the club also continues talks around PSG’s Bradley Barcola. Local Politics (Gambia): A new opinion poll by Gambia Participates puts President Adama Barrow at 51% electability ahead of December 2026, with Ousainu Darboe at 23%.

Fashion & Culture: “The People’s Runway” is back in Brooklyn, with Brooklyn Borough Hall Plaza set to host five emerging designers on Sept. 12 as part of NYFW Spring 2027—an open-call project led by Antonio Reynoso and Colm Dillane. Music & Tech: Audiomack rolls out “Night Plan,” letting African users download music overnight on supported carriers to cut data costs. Sports (Gambia link): Liverpool’s transfer chase for Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh heats up again, with reports of a third improved bid as Brighton holds firm on its valuation. Sports Viewing: UCI details global broadcasters for the 2026 Mountain Bike World Championships in Italy, including Pan Africa coverage via SuperSport Extra for Gambia. Community & Faith: Muslims in The Gambia mark the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) with gamo gatherings, while Wednesday is declared a public holiday. Regional Health Policy: ECOWAS tax officials meet in Conakry to push tobacco excise harmonisation aimed at protecting public health and boosting revenue. Advocacy & Rights: A major Kenya convening on Sept. 2 uses fashion and policy events to accelerate efforts to end FGM/C and child marriage.