AGP Executive Report

Cultural Spotlight: Royal Messenger has unveiled a new artistic direction under the “Lya Gaye de Domi Gewel” project, blending traditional Senegambian sounds with contemporary music and framing the shift as a return to roots—especially through Wolof lyrics and the modern role of griots. Football & Prep: Iran’s World Cup plans are in full swing: the squad is in Türkiye’s Antalya for training and is now heading to Ankara for visa appointments, with friendlies pencilled in against The Gambia (May 29) and Mali (June 4). Gambia Team Update: Injuries have forced Abdoulie Ceesay and Jesper Ceesay out of the Gambia squad, with Bubacarr Tambedou and Karamba Gassama called up. Sports Diplomacy: TOLAC 2026 has ended with a MoU between The Gambia and the Canary Islands wrestling federations to boost youth, cultural exchange, and athlete development. Media & Civic Trust: Ahead of elections, media and civil society training is pushing back against fake news and AI-driven manipulation.

Injuries Shake Up Scorpions Call-Ups: Abdoulie Ceesay and Jesper Ceesay have been left out of the Gambia senior squad after medical updates from their clubs, with Bubacarr Tambedou and Karamba Gassama stepping in. Para Sports Momentum: Gambia will take part in the African Open Para-Powerlifting Championship in Algeria, with Ali Kah and Babacar Jobe representing the country—an important return after the loss of Modou Gamo. Press Freedom Under Pressure: Tambadou’s demand letter challenges The Gambia’s promise of press freedom, reigniting a legal fight over public-interest reporting and defamation claims. Election-Ready Media Training: Media and civil society groups trained on how to spot and counter fake news and hate speech ahead of the 2026 elections, including AI-driven manipulation. Sports Diplomacy: TOLAC 2026 ended with a MoU between wrestling federations in The Gambia and Spain’s Canary Islands. Arts & Culture: RFI Hausa marks 19 years on air, while Gambian visual artist Moulaye Sarr prepares to join ART27’s residency push. World Stage Distraction: Iran’s World Cup plans are complicated by US/Canada visa hurdles as they train in Turkey.

Sports Diplomacy: TOLAC 2026 wrapped up with a fresh MoU linking The Gambia and Spain’s Canary Islands wrestling federations, aiming to boost youth development, training, and cultural exchange. Arts & Media Memory: RFI Hausa marks 19 years on the air, keeping Hausa-language broadcasting alive across West Africa. Culture & Community: A new donation from the Hagie Gai Drammeh Foundation brings table tennis and learning items to Gunjur SSS, betting on sport and education to build confidence. Infrastructure & Faith: President Barrow toured URR and CRR, inaugurating a mosque in Demba Kunda and pushing road works under the “Connect Gambia Initiative.” Democracy Debate: A fresh commentary warns that The Gambia’s politics is sliding from manifesto debate into personal attacks and online abuse. Football Focus: The 2027 AFCON qualifying draw sets Ghana and Ivory Coast in the same group as Gambia and Somalia, while sports journalists get capacity training to strengthen coverage. International Sports Logistics: Iran’s World Cup preparations continue in Turkey as visa appointments loom.

Arts & Culture: Elliot Burg’s “Heart & Eye” retrospective is now showing at the Vermont Supreme Court Gallery, with 49 photos spanning flood recovery, sports, and remembrance that even reaches The Gambia. Sports Development: The Hagie Gai Drammeh Foundation donated table tennis and learning items to Gunjur SSS, betting on sport to build discipline and confidence. Justice & Accountability: A new piece argues The Gambia’s transitional justice process enriched the system more than victims, pointing to spending imbalances. Football Buzz: AFCON 2027 qualifiers are set with Ghana drawn alongside Ivory Coast, plus Gambia and Somalia in Group C—while local football politics heats up as Sadibou Kamaso launches his “Starting XI” reform plan. Human Rights Watch: A report flags weak enforcement and corruption as key hurdles, even as democratic freedoms improve. Sports Journalism: A course is underway to strengthen Gambian sports journalists’ skills in administration and governance.

Faith & Youth Growth: Elder Gilbert of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Africa praised “the majesty of this moment” as he met the Africa West Area presidency, discussing church growth, BYU–Pathway Worldwide, and seminary support for young people. Gambia Football Politics: Sadibou Kamaso has launched his “Starting XI” 2026–2030 manifesto, promising reforms to restore confidence in the Gambia Football Federation—covering infrastructure, league professionalisation, and more support for youth and women. Sports Media Training: A sports administrators course for sports journalists is underway, with organisers stressing that Gambian sports can’t grow without stronger reporting and governance skills. Jobs & the Economy: The Gambia’s job crisis is worsening in the formal sector, while a new labour snapshot shows informality dominates employment—especially for women and rural workers. World Football Build-Up: Iran’s World Cup squad is in Turkey and heading to visa appointments in Ankara, while AFCON 2027 qualifiers are already shaping up with Ghana drawn alongside Ivory Coast, and Gambia in the same group.

Sports Journalism Boost: A sports administrators course for Gambian sports journalists is underway, with SJAG and GNOC leaders saying better reporting is essential for fair, transparent sports governance and stronger narratives. Job Crisis Watch: The Gambia Bureau of Statistics warns the job crisis is worsening in the formal sector, with informality still dominating employment nationwide. AFCON Qualifiers Set-Up: The 2027 AFCON qualifying draw puts Ghana and Ivory Coast in Group C with Gambia and Somalia, and former Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong calls it a “tough” but exciting group. World Cup Visa Pressure: Iran’s squad is in Türkiye preparing for the 2026 World Cup, but players face visa hurdles—first in Ankara at the Canadian embassy, with some also applying for US visas. Local Arts Momentum: Gambian visual artist Moulaye Sarr is set to join the ART27 artist group, aiming for more exposure and a stronger contemporary art platform at home. Health Support: Salifu Jaiteh donates essential medicines to Fatoto District Hospital after a viral shortage alarm.

World Cup build-up: Iran’s coach Amir Ghalenoei says readiness is behind after players were sidelined for seven weeks, but a Turkey camp could fix part of the gap; Iran will face The Gambia on May 29 and then finalize the World Cup squad by June 1, with visa appointments in Ankara adding pressure. AFCON qualifiers: The 2027 draw in Cairo sets up a big Group C: Ghana vs Ivory Coast, with Gambia and Somalia also in the mix—plus Nigeria’s Group L rivals Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Local arts & culture: Gambian visual artist Moulaye Sarr has joined ART27, aiming for a residency and a longer-term push toward a permanent contemporary art gallery in The Gambia. Community health: Salifu Jaiteh donated medicines to Fatoto District Hospital after a viral shortage clip. Sports spotlight: Gambia’s women’s wrestling drive continues, while football politics heats up with manifesto promises to professionalize the domestic game.

World Cup build-up: Iran’s “Team Melli” has started training in Turkey’s Antalya, but readiness is a worry after weeks out of action; the squad is also pushing ahead with US visa applications ahead of a May 29 friendly vs The Gambia. AFCON qualifying spotlight: Ghana and Ivory Coast landed in the same 2027 AFCON qualifying group, with Gambia and Somalia completing Group C, while Zambia waits for its own draw in Cairo. Gambia politics under the microscope: A fresh IEC warning to unregistered political movements is putting The Gambia’s electoral rules and enforcement into sharper public focus, as human-rights reporting flags weak law enforcement and corruption. Women in sport: The Gambia Wrestling Association is intensifying women’s wrestling, and the country is hosting an ECOWAS wrestling tournament in Serekunda. Health and capacity: Merck Foundation marks World Hypertension Day by expanding scholarships across 52 countries, and a new global study backs food-based prenatal nutrition support for better birth outcomes.

Security Update: A fresh joint US–Nigerian strike campaign in Borno’s Metele area killed more than 20 ISWAP militants, with AFRICOM saying no personnel were harmed and the goal is to disrupt planning and deny safe havens. Gambia Football & Politics: In local football politics, opposition movement UNITE holds its maiden congress and elects a new leadership team, while Gambian football reform talk stays hot—Sadibou Kamaso’s manifesto pushes professional contracts, a league management company, and higher prize money. Sports on the Move: Iran’s “Team Melli” arrives in Turkey for training and visa steps ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with a friendly vs The Gambia set for May 29. Arts & Culture: The EU and Alliance Française keep cinema buzzing with the 5th European Film Festival in Banjul. Community & Youth: Gambian wrestling and youth football development remain in focus, as ECOWAS wrestling opens in Serekunda and football elders back youth-focused reforms.

Iran–Gambia Football Link: Iran’s “Team Melli” has arrived in Turkey for a World Cup prep camp, with visas still a live issue, and a friendly against The Gambia set for 29 May in Antalya—Iran says it will use Turkey to complete visa steps and fine-tune plans for the tournament in the US. Gambia Sports Momentum: Locally, the ECOWAS Wrestling Championship is underway in Banjul, while Sulayman Camara’s Racing Santander win keeps him on track for promotion in Spain’s La Liga Two. Media & Culture: The 5th European Film Festival returns to Banjul, bringing films from France, Germany, Spain and Poland to Alliance gardens. Tabaski Fun in Banjul: ChopWin’s Tabaski Shopping Spree puts 20 winners through a 60-second supermarket dash, plus a Golden Tombola with a sheep prize. Politics & Claims: A new open letter demands a public apology from Mustapha K. Darboe over alleged defamation tied to Jammeh assets. Health Spotlight: Merck Foundation marks World Hypertension Day with scholarships for healthcare professionals across Africa and Asia.

Human Rights Shock: Amnesty says global executions hit the highest level in 44 years in 2025, with 2,707 deaths across 17 countries—driven heavily by Iran (at least 2,159) and also rising counts in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Singapore and the US. World Cup Logistics: FIFA and Iran’s federation called their Istanbul talks “excellent” and “constructive,” as Team Melli prepares to leave for a Turkey camp and then the US/Canada/Mexico—while visa uncertainty still hangs over the squad. Gambia Arts & Culture: The EU Delegation and Alliance Française return with the 5th European Film Festival in Banjul, and a local Arts and Culture Gala honoured Sona Jobarteh, Fatou Ndey Jabang and others. Music Scene: Jizzle drops “Heavy Weight,” and SKELTA keeps building momentum as a new drill voice. Local Spotlight: The GPU warns press freedom is still under pressure, citing arrests, assaults and legal threats against journalists.

World Cup Visa Drama: FIFA says it held “excellent” talks with Iran in Istanbul to secure Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, with Iran’s squad still set to play all group matches in the US—despite earlier claims that visas hadn’t been issued. Team Melli Prep: Iran’s coach confirms a 30-player camp in Türkiye starting Monday, with friendlies including Gambia on May 29, and the squad later heading to Tucson, Arizona. AfCON Build-Up: The D-Day draw for AfCON PAMOJA 2027 group qualifiers is set for Tuesday in Cairo, splitting 48 teams into 12 groups. Gambia Arts & Culture: Jizzle drops Heavy Weight and SKELTA keeps momentum with drill storytelling, while an Arts and Culture Gala honours Sona Jobarteh and Fatou Ndey Jabang. Local Spotlight: A D30m civil case in Banjul continues as Rongo closes his case against Banjulinding’s Alkalo and others. Human Rights: CONASADH urges the African Commission to investigate alleged Moroccan war crimes in Western Sahara.

World Cup Prep: Iran’s men’s squad is set to fly to Turkey for a training camp and friendlies, with one confirmed match against The Gambia on May 29, while visa worries linger as players try to complete US entry procedures. Human Rights Spotlight: In Banjul, CONASADH used the African Commission session to call for an investigation into alleged Moroccan war crimes and the release of Sahrawi political prisoners. Gambia Arts & Culture: Jizzle drops Heavy Weight and fans are already dissecting possible coded lyrical jabs; SKELTA keeps momentum as one of The Gambia’s new drill voices; and the Arts and Culture Gala honored Sona Jobarteh and Fatou Ndey Jabang. Sports Pulse: Mamelodi Sundowns are banking on Colombian striker Brayan Leon as the CAF Champions League final first leg approaches. Media Freedom: The GPU warns journalists still face intimidation, arrests, and restrictive pressure, including cases involving outlets and reporters.

Music Spotlight: Jizzle keeps the momentum rolling with Heavy Weight, a new song-and-video release that’s already sparking online replay and fan talk about possible coded diss lines. Nightlife & Culture: A fresh write-up from Fajara’s Cotton Club Lounge & Restaurant turns a normal night out into a full-on experience—air-conditioned comfort, a proper stage, and DJ energy that gets even non-dancers moving. New Drill Voice: SKELTA is rising as one of The Gambia’s drill names to watch, with a second album expected in 2026 and fans leaning in for more collaborations. Sports (Regional Buzz): Mamelodi Sundowns are pinning Champions League hopes on Colombian striker Brayan Leon ahead of the final first leg. Gambia Legal/Justice: Rongo’s D30m civil case moves through its next phase as the Alkalo of Banjulinding takes the witness stand, with the dispute still centered on unlawful arrest, malicious prosecution, and lost earnings. Media Freedom: The GPU flags continued pressure on journalists—arrests, assaults, exclusions from events, and a defamation fight that could financially crush a newsroom.

Cultural Freedom Clash: Knox County Schools in Tennessee has removed Alex Haley’s landmark novel Roots from school libraries, citing a 2022 state law that bans or restricts books deemed to include “excessive violence” or sexual content—despite Roots being a major public conversation starter on the transatlantic slave trade and African American identity. Gambia Legal Spotlight: In Banjul’s High Court, Rongo (Momodou Lamin Jarju) has closed his D30m civil case, while the Alkalo of Banjulinding, Momodou Lungs Jarju, has already begun testimony in the long-running dispute over alleged unlawful arrest, malicious prosecution, and loss of earnings. Arts & Recognition: The Arts and Culture Gala honoured Sona Jobarteh, Fatou Ndey Jabang and others, linking music and culture to wellbeing and tourism. Media Rights Watch: The Gambia Press Union warns that journalists still face intimidation and restrictive pressure, raising fresh concerns ahead of regional human-rights sessions. Sports on the Move: Iran’s World Cup preparations keep rolling—training in Türkiye and a friendly vs Gambia on May 29—while visa worries hover in the background.

Africa–China Intellectual Exchange: A new seminar at the University of The Gambia (Kanifing) pushed beyond trade, focusing on peace, climate, food security, governance and cultural links—aiming to close a “knowledge gap” through research and publishing. Press Freedom Under Pressure: At the ACHPR session in Banjul, the Gambia Press Union warned of intimidation, arrests, assaults and costly defamation suits, citing cases involving journalists and exclusions from official briefings. Students Get Competitive: TAKE-M and partners powered a spelling bee at Brikama, crowning Kebba Momodou Darboe champion after five rounds of tight competition. Women’s Football Forward: The Gambia Football Federation announced a Women’s Football Strategic Plan 2026–2030 launch (14–16 May) to grow leagues, coaching, refereeing and national teams. Sports & Youth: Guinea-Bissau’s wrestling team arrived for TOLAC (15–17 May), while Gambia’s U18 girls qualified for Dakar’s African Beach Volleyball Youth Development Cup (8–14 Aug). Global Spotlight: Iran held a massive World Cup send-off in Tehran while logistics and US entry concerns linger.