AGP Executive Report

Gambian Sports: Sanu Jallow (University of Arkansas) set an NCAA women’s 800m record, running 1:57.74 and cementing her place among the event’s all-time greats. Gambian Politics & Media: The NPP-led alliance hit back at opposition-aligned media over alleged “disinformation” and corruption smears ahead of the December 2026 presidential election. Power & Public Trust: NAWEC MD Saidy said the electricity crisis is driven by technical issues across the OMVG regional power network, while Dr. Ousman Gajigo accused NAWEC of misleading the public and said outages are affecting far more than Greater Banjul and the West Coast. Arts & Music: Ezra Collective announced “Only Love,” featuring Pa Salieu, with a Lagos-shot video and an 18 September album release. International Spotlight (Gambia-linked): MSC confirmed an attack on its MSC Sariska V near Iraq, amid claims tied to a US disabling of a Gambia-flagged ship in the Gulf. Governance: The National Assembly submitted its report on assets linked to former President Yahya Jammeh to the government.

Electricity Crisis in Focus: NAWEC MD Saidy says The Gambia’s power outages are a technical, regional OMVG load-sharing issue—not politics—pointing to local generation and solar as buffers, while Government Response to Misinformation: officials condemn online distortions about power cuts and urge national unity. Opposition Pushback: UDP’s media secretary Saikou Camara attacks the Barrow government over alleged corruption and mismanagement across sectors, including energy and health. Local Governance & Accountability: The National Assembly’s Clerk says a report on investigations into former President Yahya Jammeh’s assets has been formally published and sent to key state bodies. Sports & Talent Spotlight: Gambia gaffer Yahya Manneh’s Europe scouting tour continues, and the GFF highlights young Gambian prospects scoring and earning attention abroad. Arts/Entertainment Buzz: Viral interest grows around Ram Charan’s bodyguard Kevin Kunta, described as an MMA fighter from The Gambia.

Gambia Football & Talent Watch: GFF Media reports coach Yahya Manneh’s Europe scouting tour is ongoing, with a new stop in Sweden to watch defender Saul Touray (IFK Stocksund) after earlier trips to Dortmund and Bremen. National Assembly & Accountability: The National Assembly says it has formally submitted and published a report on the inquiry into former President Yahya AJJ Jammeh’s assets, sending copies to key state offices. Electricity Crisis Politics: Dr. Ousman Gajigo (GFA) hits NAWEC over what he calls misleading communication about nationwide power cuts, arguing outages extend beyond Greater Banjul and the West Coast. Opposition Governance Critique: UDP’s Saikou Camara says the Barrow government’s nearly decade record shows corruption and mismanagement across sectors including energy, health, education, and local government. Local Voting Dispute: Dou Sanno denies claims that NPP registered thousands of foreign voters in Kombos, responding to allegations raised by Mamma Kandeh. World Stage (Sports): Iran named a 26-man World Cup squad with 17 home-based players and no Azmoun, while the USMNT beat Senegal 3-2 in a pre-World Cup friendly.

Power & Public Trust: The Gambia government condemned misinformation about power cuts, urging national unity and warning that corruption claims shouldn’t be turned into social-media propaganda. US-Iran Tensions, Gambia Link: CENTCOM says a Gambia-flagged cargo ship, M/V Lian Star, was disabled by a Hellfire missile after ignoring 20+ warnings while trying to sail toward an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman; the ship was left adrift and not boarded. Diplomacy Under Pressure: US and Iran traded messages over a draft ceasefire extension and Strait of Hormuz reopening, but Trump reportedly sent tougher changes, while Iran’s top negotiator said no deal will be approved without securing Iranian rights. Arts & Sport Spotlight: USMNT warmed up for the World Cup with a 3-2 friendly win over Senegal, featuring Christian Pulisic ending a goal drought—an African football moment that will resonate with Gambia’s fans.

Gambia-Flagged Ship Disabled: U.S. Central Command says it disabled the M/V Lian Star in the Gulf of Oman with a Hellfire missile after the crew ignored 20+ warnings while trying to reach an Iranian port, leaving the vessel adrift and “no longer transiting to Iran.” Iran-US Deal Tensions: Iran’s top negotiator says no agreement will be approved unless Iranian people’s rights are secured, while reports say Trump sent back tougher Iran deal language, including concerns over financial relief. Strait of Hormuz Control: Iran says it requires vessels to follow IRGC Navy rules and obtain authorization, warning of strict responses to interference. Lebanon Front: Israel says it has seized the Beaufort fortress in southern Lebanon, its deepest incursion in 26 years, as fighting with Hezbollah continues. Sports (Gambia Connection): The U.S. hosts Senegal in a World Cup warm-up friendly in Charlotte, with Senegal arriving off wins over Peru and Gambia.

Gambia in the spotlight (sports): The Gambia’s Ebou Adams, now back in full fitness for Pompey, featured for 90 minutes as The Gambia faced World Cup-bound Iran in Portugal—an encouraging boost ahead of the country’s 2027 AFCON qualification push. Gambia in the spotlight (football): Iran’s federation has asked FIFA to clarify World Cup visa delays after relocating its training base from Arizona to Tijuana, a move that has affected preparations and travel plans. Gambia in the spotlight (media & music): London jazz group Ezra Collective announced their fourth album, Here Because Of Hope (Sept 18), with a new single “Only Love” featuring British-Gambian rapper Pa Salieu. Gambia travel & lifestyle: TUI is launching direct Birmingham–Banjul flights for winter sun, selling The Gambia’s beaches, wildlife spots and Kunta Kinteh Island to UK travellers. Gambia economy (policy): IMF staff reached staff-level agreement with The Gambia on reviews under the ECF and RSF, despite missed fiscal targets tied to higher 2025 spending. Arts & culture (drums): A feature explores the jembe’s Mandé roots across West Africa, including Gambia, and how the drum lives inside dance and community performance.

Gambia in the spotlight (sports & culture): A World Cup-prep friendly schedule includes Iraq vs Gambia, plus other regional matches, keeping football fans tuned. Music & identity: London jazz collective Ezra Collective announced their fourth album, Here Because Of Hope, for Sept 18, sharing “Only Love” with British-Gambian rapper Pa Salieu—an Afrobeat/jazz/grime blend built around pain-to-joy hope. Traditional arts: A feature breaks down the jembe drum’s Mandé roots across Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Senegal—and Gambia—plus how it sits inside dance-and-drumming ensembles. Media recognition: The Witness Newspaper MD Enyeh Julius Akpovire is set to receive an African Media Personality Award at The Voice Achievers Awards in London on Aug 21. Travel for arts lovers: TUI launches direct Birmingham–Banjul flights for winter sun, pitching The Gambia’s beaches, wildlife spots and Kunta Kinteh Island. Gambia economy (policy): IMF talks in Banjul ended with staff-level agreement on reviews under the ECF and RSF, despite missed fiscal targets.

Gambia in the spotlight: Italian police arrested two Gambians and three other African migrants over the alleged abduction and gang rape of a 32-year-old Colombian tourist in Rome, with suspects charged and more arrests expected. Arts & culture: A tribute piece marks the one-year passing of Kenyan writer Ngugi, reflecting on his legacy and the long fight against colonial silence. Music: London jazz group Ezra Collective announced their fourth album, Here Because Of Hope, for September 18, sharing the Pa Salieu collab “Only Love.” Regional travel & media: Ghana launched an e-visa system and waived visa fees for African passport holders, while The Voice Achievers Award in London will honour The Witness MD Enyeh Julius Akpovire. Gambia-linked community sports: The Gambia Football Federation mourned the late former referee James Mali Joiner, praising his role in zonal football and youth development. Business: IMF staff ended 2026 consultations with staff-level agreement on extended support for The Gambia.

Caribbean Music Buzz: Dancehall star Masicka’s “Sicka Summa” wave keeps rolling, with “Slip and Slide” from the Hill and Gully riddim spreading from the Caribbean to the US, UK, Seychelles—and reaching The Gambia. Gambian Arts & Culture Abroad: Gambian-British-Gambian rapper Pa Salieu features on Ezra Collective’s new album preview “Only Love,” linking Black diaspora sounds like calypso, afrobeat and grime. Mandinka Music Spotlight: Suntou Susso’s Mandinka-traditions concert is set for the UK, blending kora, balafon, drums and sax with a griot-storytelling theme. Sports & Community (Youth Through Play): Giants of Africa hits its Built Within milestone with the 50th community basketball court opening in Lagos, pushing sport-led youth development across Africa. Gambia in the News (Local Sports Legacy): The GFF mourns the passing of former Gambian referee James Mali Joiner, praising his football and youth-development impact in Banjul Central. Gambia Diplomacy: The Foreign Affairs Ministry says it has launched inquiries into social media allegations involving The Gambia’s embassy in Moscow.

Gambia in the spotlight: A Gambian-native MMA star, Kevin Kunta, is drawing attention as Ram Charan’s bodyguard during the promotions for the film Peddi, with fans praising his crowd control and sharp fashion. Culture & arts: In Charlotte, a Mint Museum Africa Day event brought traditional dance, spoken word, and West African fashion to celebrate the African diaspora. Music & dance festival: Nigeria and Ghana hosted the inaugural Purple African Dance Festival, spotlighting Afro House, Amapiano and Afrotech across Lagos, Accra and Abuja. Community sport: Giants of Africa hit a major milestone, unveiling its 50th community basketball court in Lagos as it pushes toward 100 courts across Africa. Gambia-related sports talent: A data-led scouting piece flags 21-year-old Gambian midfielder Mahmudu Bajo as a potential target for Norwich City. Regional travel policy: Ghana launched an e-visa portal and introduced visa-free access for African passport holders, aiming to boost tourism and mobility.

Gambia in the spotlight (UK music): Susso is set for a major UK concert, bringing Mandinka musical traditions to London with a Gambian ensemble plus UK saxophonist Tomoya Forster, and the show will also support her album Jaliya Silokang: The Path of a Griot. Gambia sports & talent: Abubakr Barry, a Gambia international, is drawing fresh transfer interest as Stoke City weigh a reported €3m move for Austria Wien midfielder Abu Barry ahead of the summer window. Gambia tourism & travel: TUI is launching its first direct Birmingham–Banjul flights from November 2026, positioning The Gambia as a new winter sun option for UK travellers. Community sport (Africa-wide): Giants of Africa hit a milestone with its 50th community basketball court opening in Lagos, pushing toward 100 courts across Africa. Arts & culture diplomacy: Türkiye and the Yunus Emre Institute hosted an International Poetry Evening for Peace in Kololi, featuring diplomats and artists. Human rights through art: Youth for Human Rights DC and Miss Africa USA held events in Washington, DC including art exhibitions and embassy visits focused on human rights and leadership. Film buzz (Gambian connection): Kevin Kunta—an MMA fighter from The Gambia—has been praised as Ram Charan’s bodyguard during Peddi promotions. Gambia-related governance note: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it has launched an investigation into social media allegations of abuse of domestic staff involving The Gambia’s embassy in Moscow.

Gambian Music & Culture: Susso (Mandinka griot traditions) is set for a UK debut in London, with a contemporary ensemble featuring Gambian musicians and UK saxophonist Tomoya Forster, followed by a wider summer/autumn UK tour. Gambian Sports Spotlight: Stoke City are linked with a €3m move for Austria Wien midfielder Abu Barry, a Gambia international, as he’s tipped to help strengthen their midfield ahead of the Championship window. Gambian Football Legacy: The Gambia Football Federation mourns the death of former referee James Mali Joiner, praising his pioneering role in zonal football and youth development in Banjul Central. Local Governance & Community: UDP urges political civility, warning that insults and toxic rhetoric are damaging unity and democratic culture. International Arts & Diplomacy: Türkiye’s Embassy and the Yunus Emre Institute hosted an International Poetry Evening for Peace in Kololi, bringing diplomats and artists together for cultural exchange. Travel & Tourism (Gambia-linked): TUI launches its first direct Birmingham–Banjul flights for winter sun from Nov 2026, adding another UK route to The Gambia. Human Rights & Safety: The Foreign Affairs Ministry says it has launched inquiries into social media allegations of abuse of domestic staff involving The Gambia’s embassy in Moscow. Global Entertainment Note: ESPN ranks African Premier League players for 2025/26, with several low-scoring debuts highlighted.

Human Rights Through Art: Youth for Human Rights DC and Miss Africa USA brought art, embassy visits, and petition drives to Washington, DC, using cultural events to spotlight the UN Universal Declaration and back young women’s leadership. Citizenship Crackdown: A new report says the Trump administration is accelerating denaturalization efforts by moving immigration lawyers from USCIS to the Justice Department, raising fresh fears of political targeting. Gambia in the Spotlight Abroad: The Gambia’s embassy in Moscow is under investigation after social media allegations of abuse of domestic staff. Music & Culture: Nigeria and Ghana launched the Purple African Dance Festival across Lagos, Accra, and Abuja, while Gambian superstar Suntou Susso is set for a UK debut. Travel & Mobility: Ghana rolled out a new e-visa and visa-free access for African passport holders, echoing wider regional easing. Sports Links: Gambian striker Adama Sidibeh is again linked with Swansea after Stockport’s Wembley play-off heartbreak. Finance Watch: Fidelity Bank shares slid after Q1 profit fell to N74.47bn.

Football Transfers: Swansea are reportedly tracking Stockport County striker Adama Sidibeh again after his Wembley spotlight—QPR and Bristol City are also linked, with a summer raid on Edgeley Park now on the table. Gambia Football & Community: The Gambia Football Federation mourned former referee James Mali Joiner, praising his pioneering role in zonal football and youth mentorship in Banjul Central. Diplomacy & Culture: Türkiye and the Yunus Emre Institute hosted an International Poetry Evening for Peace in Kololi, using poetry and music to push friendship and dialogue. Politics & Tone: The UDP urged restraint and civility in Gambian political speech, warning that insults and personal attacks are corroding unity. International Mobility: Ghana rolled out a new e-visa portal and announced visa-free access for African passport holders—while still requiring supporting documents. Arts & Music: Gambian superstar Suntou Susso is set for a UK debut, bringing Mandinka traditions to London with a contemporary edge. Travel to The Gambia: TUI announced its first direct Birmingham–Banjul flights starting November 2026.

Gambia in the spotlight: TUI has announced its first-ever direct Birmingham-to-Banjul flights for winter sun, starting 2 November 2026 (weekly Mondays), adding to existing routes from London Gatwick and Manchester. Sports diplomacy: The Gambia and the Canary Islands wrestling federations signed an MoU at TOLAC 2026, aiming to boost traditional wrestling, youth development, and technical exchange. Scorpions update: The Gambia senior national team has called up Bubacarr Tambedou and Karamba Gassama after injuries ruled out Abdoulie Ceesay and Jesper Ceesay. Community & culture: Royal Messenger unveiled his “Lya Gaye de Domi Gewel” cultural rebirth project, blending Wolof tradition with contemporary sound. Regional arts & health: AfriCAN launched Africa Day 2026 with a water, sanitation and nutrition campaign, while media and civil society training targets fake news ahead of 2026 elections.

Hospitality & Tourism Diplomacy: IHTEF Africa 9.0 in Abuja brought ministers, investors and sustainability leaders together, with The Gambia’s tourism chief Abdoulie Jobe among the delegation. Education & Soft Power: Prof Anthony Kila urged Nigerian universities to aggressively recruit international students across Commonwealth countries, framing it as revenue and influence, not just admissions. Immigration Tech Shift: Ghana launched an e-visa portal and scrapped African visa fees on Africa Day, moving applications fully online. Gambia Under Investigation: Over 20 Sierra Leoneans are reportedly trapped in an alleged human-trafficking scheme in The Gambia, with victims saying passports and phones were taken after paying fees. Football Transfer Buzz: Abu Barry is linked with a €3m Stoke City move after standout form for Austria Wien. World Cup Logistics: Iran says FIFA approved a switch of its World Cup base from Tucson to Tijuana, as visa and conflict pressures continue. Arts & Culture: Royal Messenger unveiled a new “Lya Gaye de Domi Gewel” direction blending Senegambian roots with contemporary sound. Sports Update: The Gambia named replacements after injuries to Abdoulie Ceesay and Jesper Ceesay, calling up Bubacarr Tambedou and Karamba Gassama.