Gambia: Latest news in Gambia, October 7th, 2026

Energy Crisis and Power Supply The government has received two major power generators at the Port of Banjul delivering a combined capacity of 21 megawatts. The deployment, inspected by Vice President Muhammed B.S. Jallow and the Presidential Task Force, is part of an emergency response to curb severe blackouts that have affected businesses and households in recent months. In parallel, contracts have been signed to extend power grid access to communities across the Upper River and Central River regions.

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2026 Presidential Election Campaigns and Alliances Political activity is intensifying ahead of the December 2026 presidential election:

• Incumbent President Adama Barrow and the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) continue campaign tours in the North Bank and regional areas, emphasizing infrastructure achievements such as road expansion and rural electrification.

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• Talib Ahmed Bensouda, leading Coalition 2026, has escalated criticism against the administration, focusing his platform on anti-corruption measures, economic management, and national unity while cautioning against identity politics in the campaign.

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• The United Democratic Party (UDP) leadership under Ousainu Darboe reaffirmed its independent stance, rejecting overtures to enter broader ruling alliances, while political actors across the spectrum continue discussions on electoral transparency with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

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Diplomacy and Global Governance The Gambia has formally assumed the chairmanship of the Global Coordination Bureau for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), representing 44 member nations on international developmental and economic policy platforms. Additionally, the country was named a non-permanent co-chair of the Global Alliance for the Missing.

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Public Health and Social Sector

• The Ministry of Health and national partners validated the country’s first dedicated National Dementia Plan (2027–2031) in collaboration with the World Health Organization.

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• Health authorities released updated findings on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), highlighting that they now account for roughly 37 percent of national mortality, spurring calls for wider preventative screening and resource allocation.

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Sports The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) addressed the cancellation of its scheduled international friendly against Bolivia, clarifying logistical factors following the national team’s recent AFCON qualifying fixtures.