Author: fatimah

Several communities and Islamic learning centres across the Gambia have received humanitarian assistance, with donations aimed at improving welfare and supporting education in underserved areas. The support included food supplies, bedding, water infrastructure, and learning materials distributed to households, Quranic recitation centres, and individuals in multiple regions of the country, according to organisers of the outreach. The initiative, coordinated by the Welfare Trust Foundation and led by President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Lamin Gibba, focused on communities in the West Coast, Lower River, Central River, and Upper River regions. Beneficiaries included orphans, people with disabilities, and families facing economic…

The Gambia government’s total expenditure reached D22.93 billion by the end of September 2025, highlighting the country’s fiscal performance during the period. The Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (MoFEA) disclosed this in its Budget Performance Report for January – September 2025. The report focuses on key fiscal indicators, including revenue collection, expenditure patterns, and ongoing efforts toward fiscal consolidation. Key highlights of the report include: Revenue Performance:Total revenue reached GMD 21.70 billion by end-September 2025. Tax revenue stood at GMD 18.15 billion, representing 86 percent of the annual target and a 37 percent increase compared to the same period…

Libya has opened the 2026 Libya Energy and Economy Summit with the signing of a series of strategic agreements and memoranda of understanding expected to generate projected revenues exceeding $376 billion (€318 billion). The three-day summit, which began with high-level signings, has drawn significant international participation. According to Hakomitna, the official platform of Libya’s Government of National Unity, delegations include companies from France (19), the United States (17), the United Kingdom (16), Italy (6) and Turkey (4). Among the most significant agreements signed at the opening was a 25-year long-term development deal involving Libya’s Waha Oil Company, in partnership with…

The Togolese authorities on Saturday paid tribute to soldiers who lost their lives during Operation Koundjoaré, a strategic security initiative launched to protect the Savanes region from the growing threat of terrorism. During a solemn ceremony, President of the Togolese Transitional Council, Faure Gnassingbé, posthumously elevated the fallen soldiers to the rank of Knight of the Order of Mono, while wounded personnel were decorated with the Medal of Valour, in recognition of their bravery and ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation. The Head of State also extended his condolences to the bereaved families, describing the fallen soldiers’ sacrifice as…

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) has enhanced the visibility of the Gambian Parliament with visibility equipment worth over D700,000 (approximately $ 9,500). Handed over to Parliament by Mr Raphael Brigandi, the donation followed a request by the National Assembly for support with visibility and communication tools. Mr Raphael Brigandi, Deputy Head of the EU Mission to The Gambia, said representation is key, but so too are perception, visibility and public acknowledgement to ensure that democratic work is known to a wider audience. He expressed optimism that the support would strengthen the Assembly’s ongoing efforts to…

Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday commemorated the seventh edition of the World Day of African and Afro-descendant Culture (JMCA), underscoring a shared commitment to placing culture at the heart of public policy and national development. Celebrated under the theme “African culture, engine of peace, unity and sustainable development,” the event brought together government officials, diplomats and community representatives to honour Africa’s shared heritage and cultural diversity. Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Culture and Francophonie, Françoise Remarck, Ivorian Minister Henri N’Koumo highlighted the significance of the commemoration, describing culture as a vital force for global enlightenment through creativity and resilience.…

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has issued a warning to public universities following reports of widespread staff abandonment, urging institutions to strictly enforce existing legal provisions. In a circular addressed to heads of university institutions nationwide, the ministry said it had identified “numerous cases of job abandonment” among teaching and research staff. According to the statement, such practices constitute a breach of the statutory obligations governing university lecturers and researchers, as outlined in the ordinance of 27 September 2017. The ministry reiterated that all academic staff, regardless of rank, are required to personally fulfil the duties attached…

Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested Aminu Ali Baba and Abdulrasheed Abubakar in connection with the seizure of two bags containing 140 packets of explosives destined for Kano and Kaduna States. The explosives were intercepted in a commercial bus along the Kaduna – Zaria highway, following intelligence-led surveillance. Swift follow-up operations led to the arrest of Ali Baba at Karota Park in Kano and Abubakar at Mando Park in Kaduna. In a separate but related operation, NDLEA operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, arrested a 30-year-old Brazilian national, Ingrid Rosa Benevides, for attempting to smuggle…

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) has engaged the Gender Committee of the Gambian Parliament on a bill that seeks to increase the representation of women and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the National Assembly. The bill, developed and introduced by the committee was jointly reviewed by stakeholders during a three-day consultative meeting held from 21 to 23 January 2026. Speaking during the engagement, the Head of the IDEA office in The Gambia, Madam Jainaba Fye, described the consultation as a significant step towards strengthening inclusive governance. She explained that the bill proposes the creation of…

President Alassane Ouattara on Friday unveiled a new government for Côte d’Ivoire, several months after the country’s presidential election held in October 2025. The cabinet, led by Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé, consists of 34 members, including four deputy ministers. This represents a slight reduction from the previous administration, which comprised 36 ministers. One of the notable changes in the new executive is the introduction of a deputy prime minister position. The role has been assigned to Téné Birahima Ouattara, the president’s younger brother, who will support the prime minister in coordinating government action. The reshuffle also brings changes to…