Latest news in Gambia? October 3rd, 2026

The latest major news and developments in The Gambia include:

Politics & Upcoming Elections

• Alliances Ahead of the December 2026 Election: With the presidential election scheduled for December 5, 2026, political realignment has intensified. Former presidential candidate Essa Mbye Faal (APP-Sobeya) and the Gambia Movement for Progress (GMP) entered formal political alliances with President Adama Barrow’s ruling National People’s Party (NPP), triggering widespread debate and criticism across the political spectrum.

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• Campaign Pledges: President Barrow and opposition leaders, including UDP’s Ousainou Darboe, have stepped up rallies across the regions, with the administration announcing planned wage increases for local chiefs (Alkalolu) and advancing infrastructure programs.

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Governance & Public Finance

• Banjul Mayor Legal Appeal: The Mayor of Banjul, Roheyatou Malick Lowe, lodged an appeal with the Court of Appeal challenging adverse findings from the Local Government Commission of Inquiry, following a National Assembly committee directive requesting the refund of project-related expenditures from an EU-supported municipal fund.

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• Tax Enforcement on Major Projects: The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) temporarily halted the operations of Shapoorji-Pallonji Mideast, the firm handling the construction of the $53 million University of The Gambia (UTG) Faraba Banta campus, over unpaid tax liabilities.

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Security & Law Enforcement

• Internal Security Developments: Reports surfaced regarding the detention of an army captain following alleged remarks concerning regional forces and the ECOMIG security framework.

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• Banjul Airport Drug Bust: The Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) intercepted two foreign travelers at Banjul International Airport found in possession of over 11,000 suspected ecstasy tablets and quantities of crystal methamphetamine.

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Sports

• AFCON Qualifiers Comeback: The Gambian national football team (the Scorpions) secured a notable 4–2 comeback victory against Ghana’s Black Stars away in Accra during the AFCON qualifying fixtures.

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