“We are tired of being treated like we don’t matter,” said one protester, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation. “We work hard every day, yet we go home empty-handed. It’s not just about money, it’s about dignity. “We are tired of being treated like we don’t matter,” said one protester, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation. “We work hard every day, yet we go home empty-handed. It’s not just about money, it’s about dignity.”While the company’s management has remained largely silent, a senior staff member, speaking anonymously, confirmed the delays in salary payments but denied allegations of maltreatment and discrimination, adding: “In fact, I can confirm that the issue of delayed staff payments has already been addressed. We held a meeting with several employees, and it was agreed that, starting this month, salaries will be paid on time.”“There have been challenges with payroll, yes,” the source admitted. “But claims of abuse and discrimination are unfounded.”The individual declined to elaborate further and referred our reporter to Borry Darboe, a senior executive member of the company for comments. When contacted for comment, Borry Darboe, declined to speak, stating: “I am not aware of the protest, and I am not going to comment on something I know nothing about. Furthermore, I do not wish to be quoted in your story or have my name featured in it,” he said.At the gathering, angry protesters were overheard making serious allegations against the company. These ranged from claims of discrimination between Gambian employees and their Indian counterparts, to concerns about staff working without employment letters, job descriptions, or overtime pay.Protesters also highlighted excessively long working hours, with some employees reportedly working from 7am to 7pm daily, including Sundays.“The way the company operates is just terrible. We are ready and willing to work, but even when you speak to them, they respond with nonsense,” one frustrated staff member told our reporter. “There’s so much happening at the company that we want the authorities to be aware of,” the staff member added.Protesters revealed that they had written to the company’s management in Bonto two weeks prior to express their grievances, but claimed no action had been taken. A follow-up letter was also sent, yet they alleged it was ignored.“No one knows their job description at the company. We are all simply referred to as ‘helpers’,” one employee said. According to the protesters, staff working in the CSD Department, which handles soft drink production, are paid 5,500 dalasis monthly, with 1,000 dalasis deducted each month.“Every month, our actual take-home pay is 4,500 dalasis. What pains us most is that we are not given pay slips, and we have no way of knowing whether the 1,000 dalasis deducted for social security is actually being paid. We have no evidence, no cards, nothing,” one worker explained.Staff also complained about the limited time allocated for breakfast and lunch breaks. “Even if you are unwell and need to visit the restroom frequently, the Indian nationals instruct the company’s security to monitor you, and that could lead to salary deductions,” a staff member claimed.Another employee, speaking anonymously for fear of dismissal, reported that four staff members’ appointment were recently terminated simply for not working on a Sunday. “These staff worked Monday to Saturday, but because they didn’t show up on Sunday, they were all fired,” the source said.Protesters further alleged that even the company’s cleaners are burdened with tasks beyond their scope. Despite earning just 3,000 dalasis, they are reportedly required to do laundry, mopping, and other duties.“I can tell you that the cleaners are the ones laundering the Indian nationals’ clothes. They’re even asked to cut grass at the company’s new site nearby. Two cleaners have recently resigned,” one protester stated.Following a closed-door meeting with senior company staff at the Bonto site, staff representatives of the protesters stated that management had agreed to address some of their concerns.“Management has agreed to provide us with job descriptions that will clearly define each employee’s role and responsibilities. They’ve given us a timeline extending until March next year, by which the matter will be resolved,” one representative said.“They have also committed to issuing employment letters effective from March 2026, which will specify each staff member’s employment status and position within the company. Additionally, regarding the issue of delayed salary payments, management has agreed that salaries will now be paid at the end of each month effective the end of November,” the representative added.The protesters claimed that apart from the operators, other staff members are not permitted to take their phones inside the premises. One protester recounted a distressing incident: “There was a situation at the company where one of our colleagues lost her stepfather. She was called several times, but couldn’t be reached because her phone had been left with the security guard, as per company policy. She only found out about his passing several hours later. It was incredibly sad and unfortunate.”

According to the audit findings, the IEC’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Sambujang Njie, claimed that no cash grant had been received from any donor. However, the auditors discovered otherwise; a D534,000 cash grant from the ECOWAS Mission had indeed been received, but no... According to the audit findings, the IEC’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Sambujang Njie, claimed that no cash grant had been received from any donor. However, the auditors discovered otherwise; a D534,000 cash grant from the ECOWAS Mission had indeed been received, but no supporting documents or expenditure breakdowns were provided.“The audit discovered that a grant amounting to five hundred and thirty-four thousand dalasis was received from ECOWAS Mission, but details of this grant and how it was utilized were not provided,” the audit report stated.The auditors recommended that the IEC management should explain the purpose of the grant and how it was used, a request that remains unanswered.Hon. Kebba Lang Fofana, a member of the FPAC, accused the IEC of deliberately avoiding accountability.“If you look at the management response, it doesn’t address the issue before the committee. The auditors only wanted to know the motive behind the ECOWAS grant and how it was used. That’s all,” Hon. Fofana charged.In response, CEO Sambujang Njie insisted that his office had already explained the grant’s purpose and provided relevant documents.“We believe this was provided to the auditors but they were not satisfied with the explanation given. The funds were meant for training, and we even spent more than that amount. The vouchers were provided,” Njie said.“There’s nowhere in your management response that addresses this issue. Your response was general in nature it didn’t speak to the specific audit findings,” Hon. Fofana said.Njie argued that the Commission’s response was meant to be holistic, covering all donor assistance rather than one specific grant.Fofana, however, fired back: “The findings were specific. They clearly asked for details of the ECOWAS grant, its purpose and how it was spent. If your goal was to clear the findings, you should have directly addressed that.”The National Audit Office (NAO) representative backed the auditors’ position, confirming that the IEC had not provided the requested details before the audit was finalised.“As far as we are concerned, we were not provided with these details up to the time of finalizing the management letter,” the NAO official asserted.Njie finally pledged to provide the missing documentation.“We are committed to providing the details,” he stated.

As the 2025/26 tourist season gets underway, a total of 88 tourists on board TUI flight from the Netherlands on Saturday afternoon made an inaugural landing at the Banjul International Airport.The flight comes as the country continues to receive more and more tourists from other... As the 2025/26 tourist season gets underway, a total of 88 tourists on board TUI flight from the Netherlands on Saturday afternoon made an inaugural landing at the Banjul International Airport.The flight comes as the country continues to receive more and more tourists from other destinations in the 2025/26 tourist season these past days.This flight from Holland was received on arrival by officials from the Gambia Tourism Board and Ministry of Tourism amid cultural display by a local Fula troupe.Speaking to journalists after the usual airport ceremony, Foday Bah, head of marketing at the Gambia Tourism Board, expressed delight to receive the maiden flight from TUI Holland.The flight, he said, is the second TUI Holland-leading flight to the Gambia and that TUI group is a big network that is really partnering with Destination Gambia.“Of course, TUI UK is there, TUI Belgium is there and TUI Holland. Last week we received a maiden flight from Belgium, that's the TUI Belgium. The frequency is one. Today we received TUI Holland, which frequency is two. And you will see that for TUI - UK, they will come in next week. So those two, the frequency is four flights per week.”The GTBoard head of marketing explained that from Holland, they’re receiving Corendon as well from Holland, noting that in terms of combination for charter flights from Holland, they are receiving five flights, excluding non-other scheduled flights that are flying from Holland.“So you can see that as a tourism board mandated to promote and market the Gambia as a tourist destination, we are doing a lot in terms of partnering with TUI group to promote and market the Gambia in their various markets.”Bah outlined plans to aggressively market the Destination Gambia in various markets especially in the UK, Belgium and Holland.He also revealed that they are expecting more arrivals from Holland, as Holland is a traditional market for The Gambia.Commenting on the total number of visitors expected in the Gambia, Bah hinted that they’re expecting more 263,000 visitors by air and this includes a combination of both traditional and non-traditional markets.“So this excludes the land and the sea borders. So of course, for this year, we are expecting 263,000 visitors from all markets. That's the traditional and non-traditional, both chartered and scheduled flights as we try to promote both.”

In his speech, Ambassador Domenico Giani, pointed out that theDiplomatic relations between the Republic of The Gambia and the Sovereign Order of Malta has already marked the beginning of a season of collaboration and friendship, strengthened by the presentation of credentials by... In his speech, Ambassador Domenico Giani, pointed out that theDiplomatic relations between the Republic of The Gambia and the Sovereign Order of Malta has already marked the beginning of a season of collaboration and friendship, strengthened by the presentation of credentials by the Gambian Ambassador to the Order, H.E. Fatou Bom Bensouda.Founded almost a thousand years ago in Jerusalem to serve pilgrims and care for the sick, he said the Order of Malta continues that mission today through more than 13,500 members and 100,000 volunteers active in over 120 countries. “Our motto, Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum, to defend the faith and serve the poor —remains the compass that guides all our actions,” he said.He noted that the Order is not only a Catholic institution, but also a recognised and respected subject of international law that engages in dialogue with all, beyond differences of religion and culture, to alleviate human suffering.In a world marked by conflict, inequality, and climate change, he said humanitarian diplomacy has become an essential instrument for protecting vulnerable populations. He added that through its 131 diplomatic missions worldwide, the Order of Malta promotes constructive dialogue among governments, international organisations, and faith communities to ensure access to humanitarian aid, the protection of civilians, and healthcare cooperation.He stated that this form of diplomacy, is based not on power, but on participation and moral credibility, adding that it is today more necessary than ever to build bridges where others erect walls. In this context, he revealed that the Order is also present in Palestine and Gaza, where it provides medical and humanitarian assistance to the populations affected by the conflict, and in Ukraine, where it offers relief and medical support to refugees and local communities.He advanced that the Order is likewise active across the African continent, with health and nutrition programs in more than twenty countries and serves as a Permanent Observer to the African Union, reaffirming its commitment to peace and development in Africa.The Embassy in Banjul, he said, aims to be a bridge of health and social cooperation, making available the Order’s long-standing experience in public health, emergency medicine, nursing education and maternal and childcare.“Our goal is not merely to transfer knowledge or resources, but to build capacities together, enhancing the talent and dedication of local professionals. The aim is to contribute to a healthcare system that is stronger, fairer, and more responsive to the needs of the communities, especially women, children, and the most vulnerable,” he revealed.Sering Modou Njie, the minister for Foreign Affairs, revealed that Saint Geraldo Majella’s life stands as a shining beacon of humility, devotion and love for others.He noted that though he lived in the 18th century, his example remains timeless as he devoted his short life to helping the poor, confronting the sick and defending the dignity of life in all its forms.He said that the establishment of the Embassy of Sovereign Order of Malta in Banjul marks a significant milestone in the growing friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Public sentiment reflects a dramatic shift in perception of the SIS. Once regarded with fear, the agency is now seen as a credible and community-focused institution, thanks to the sustained integrity and reform agenda championed by DG Sowe. Public sentiment reflects a dramatic shift in perception of the SIS. Once regarded with fear, the agency is now seen as a credible and community-focused institution, thanks to the sustained integrity and reform agenda championed by DG Sowe.Community leaders, youth groups, and local authorities in each region described the engagement as inclusive and reassuring. They noted a measurable increase in calm and trust within communities, attributed to the visible presence of SIS personnel working alongside other security and law enforcement agencies in key locations. Participants highlighted that direct dialogues, local briefings, and outreach sessions have made citizens feel included in the national security conversation, while also deepening their understanding of threats and the SIS’s protective role.“This tour has made me feel included in the security conversation of my community and, most importantly, I have come to understand and respect the contributions of the SIS much more now,” shared one participant.Regional officials commended DG Sowe’s leadership, describing his approach as responsible and people-centred. Feedback from the tour underscored the SIS’s evolving posture: proactive, community-oriented, and committed to early-warning and prevention mechanisms that complement conventional policing and law enforcement efforts.In response to the goodwill messages, DG Sowe expressed gratitude and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bringing security closer to every Gambian community. He emphasised that sustained partnerships with local leaders, civil society, and youth will remain central to the SIS’s strategy as the tour progresses.He also called for stronger interagency coordination and synergy with local authorities to address the dynamic nature of security challenges, particularly those affecting border regions. To security officers, he consistently stressed the importance of absolute professionalism, stating: “We are officers sworn to serve and protect, therefore we must be seen to be nonpartisan.”However, DG Sowe added that while security officers should not be partisan politicians, they must remain engaged in politics to the extent that it intersects with national security. “If at any point we are to engage in politics, it should be ‘security politics’—that is, the negotiation, acquisition of human and material resources, and the pursuit of community acceptance of security services in governance.”

Under cross-examination by L.S. Camara, the witness was asked whether he personally arrested the first accused. He answered in the negative. “Who arrested him?” L.S. Camara asked.“My men and I arrested him,” the witness said.“When was he arrested?” the witness was asked. Under cross-examination by L.S. Camara, the witness was asked whether he personally arrested the first accused. He answered in the negative. “Who arrested him?” L.S. Camara asked.“My men and I arrested him,” the witness said.“When was he arrested?” the witness was asked.“Last month,” he answered.“How many people were arrested on the 22nd August, 2025?”“23 were arrested.”“And how many were arrested on the 23rd August, 2025?”“I don’t know.”“What about the second accused. Who arrested him?”“I don’t know them physically.”“So I am right to say that you don’t know among the accused persons who arrested who?” “Yes, I don’t know.”It could be recalled that Chief Inspector Alassan E. Bah testified earlier.Inspector Baba Jallow was the one leading the witness. In his testimony, the witness told the court that on the 22nd August, 2025, he was on duty and he received some communication from Commander Lamin Sarr that there were some people gathering around PURA area unlawfully, and was ordered to go there to disperse them.“We went there and when we alighted, we found an unlawful assembly. Commander Sarr then engaged them. I also told them that their being there was unlawful. I told them to disperse. They started shouting, holding placards and saying that they would not leave. They were subsequently arrested and taken to Kairaba Police Station,” Officer Bah revealed. He further stated that he made a statement.Earlier, under cross-examination by Lawyer Lamin J. Darboe, the witness was asked whether he knew the meaning of PURA. He answered that it means Public Utility Regulatory Authority.“It means Public Utilities Regulatory Authority,” Lawyer Darboe rectified him.“What do you mean by unlawful assembly?” the witness was asked.“The accused were there without a permit,” Officer Bah answered.“You arrested them when they did not do anything. They went to PURA area only to submit a petition,” the defence counsel put it to him.“I was ordered to disperse them because they were there unlawfully,” answered the witness.“What does PURA do?” Lawyer Darboe asked.“They regulate SMS and other stuff,” said the witness.Lawyer Lamin J. Darboe subsequently applied for the prosecution to provide the defence with their information they rely on to conduct their case. His application was granted and the prosecution was ordered to furnish the defence their information they rely for their case.Assistant Commissioner Manga assured the court that they would provide all the information the defence needed at their expense.

To formalise this renewed collaboration, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UN-Habitat and the Government of The Gambia, represented by the Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs (MoLRG&RA), was finalised. To formalise this renewed collaboration, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UN-Habitat and the Government of The Gambia, represented by the Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs (MoLRG&RA), was finalised. The MoU outlines a joint commitment to advance the development and implementation of policies, strategies, and programmes focusing primarily on urban development, housing and spatial planning.A key milestone— forming the first phase diagnostic in implementing the MoU— was the Matrix of Functions (MoF) and KOBO Toolbox Training Workshop, jointly organised by UN-Habitat and the Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs from June–July 2025. The workshop trained 17 government officials from all six administrative regions in applying analytical tools to assess the spatial distribution of urban functions, basic services, and amenities across The Gambia.This exercise resulted in the first-ever systematic collection and spatial analysis of functional data for the country — a groundbreaking effort that has generated new spatial knowledge critical for national policy formulation. The results revealed the uneven distribution of services and infrastructure, highlighting both areas of concentration and severe service gaps, particularly between urban and rural regions. Moreover, the analysis unveiled the cross-border functional dependencies between Southern Senegal and The Gambia, demonstrating that effective planning in one country cannot be fully achieved without understanding the dynamics of the other.The findings were validated through a Participant Validation Workshop and National Technical Consultation from September-October 2025, engaging regional and national stakeholders to ensure accuracy, institutional ownership, and alignment with national priorities.The knowledge gathered from the functional analysis now forms the foundation for The Gambia’s first-ever Spatial Development Framework (SDF) — a strategic national planning instrument to guide future development decisions and enable policymakers to identify priority investment areas, address spatial inequalities, and advance regional integration with Senegal and other Sahelian countries.This phase of the project will culminate in a High-Level Launch event, scheduled to take place at The Prime Atlantic Hotel, Banjul, on 5 November 2025, jointly facilitated by UN-Habitat and the Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs. The event will be attended by Mr. Mathias Spaliviero, Head of UN-Habitat’s West Africa Sub-Regional Hub, who will join the wider supporting team and collaboration partners to present the project results and discuss future directions for continued cooperation. This occasion will also be graced by the Honourable Hamat N.K. Bah, minister, who will deliver the opening remarks and officially launch this important milestone in The Gambia’s urban development journey.Ultimately, this project has not only introduced new spatial planning tools and data-driven methods to The Gambia, but has also fostered a culture of evidence-based policy making, ensuring that future development is informed, equitable, and sustainable for all Gambians.