Latest news in Gambia? September 12th, 2026

The major news stories and developments in The Gambia include:

• Ongoing Power Crisis and Fallout: Nationwide unrest sparked by severe electricity and water blackoutsstretching from 16 to over 48 hoursremains the country’s central domestic crisis. National utility provider NAWEC temporarily closed its Latrikunda, Serrekunda, and London Corner service centers following vandalism and attacks during demonstrations. Information Minister Dr. Ismaila Ceesay issued an official apology, acknowledging government shortcomings, while President Adama Barrow announced that an additional 24-megawatt generator will be commissioned at the Brikama Power Station by late October to alleviate the shortages.
• Energy Diplomacy: Outgoing Turkish Ambassador Fahir Turker Oba confirmed that discussions could resume regarding the return of Turkish energy provider Karpowership to help stabilize the electrical grid, following the end of its earlier operational contract.
• Political Coalition Talks for 2026 Elections: The opposition alliance initiative known as “Team Gambia,” coordinated by veteran politicians Halifa Sallah and Sidia Jatta, concluded five months of nationwide consultations and scheduled formal coalition-building proceedings to begin targeting a unified platform for the upcoming December presidential election.
• TRRC Accountability and Special Prosecutor Funding: Justice Minister Dawda Jallow reported to the National Assembly that the government disbursed an initial 5 million Dalasis to operationalize the Office of the Special Prosecutor, though he noted funding remains insufficient to complete the full staffing required to prosecute human rights violations from the Yahya Jammeh era.
• Food Insecurity Warning: Vice President Muhammed B.S. Jallow notified the National Assembly that over 262,000 Gambians are currently facing acute food and nutrition insecurity based on the latest Cadre Harmonisé assessments, prompting calls for expanded aid distribution.
• Diaspora and Migrant Welfare: The Gambian community in Turkey, under newly elected president Saidou Baldeh, appealed to the Gambian government to intervene diplomatically on behalf of an estimated 200 Gambian migrants held in Turkish detention facilities.