The Gambia is set to take a major step in tackling irregular migration as lawmakers prepare to consider a new Immigration Bill that could, for the first time, specifically criminalise migrant smuggling in the country.

The Immigration Bill 2026, which is scheduled to be tabled before the National Assembly on Monday, 8th June 2026, seeks to repeal and replace the main immigration legislation that has been in force for more than six decades.

More in this parliamentary report.

Nearly five years after The Gambia's Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) documented killings, torture, enforced disappearances and other human rights violations committed by state security agents, ANEKED Country Director Ms Sirra Ndow has called for a people-centred approach to security sector reform, stressing that the ultimate goal to ensure that Gambians never again fear the institutions meant to protect them.

More in the news report.

Western Sahara human rights defenders alleged that they are being silenced in The Gambia, highlighting that their side event at the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights 87th Ordinary Session was cancelled by the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre (SDKJ-ICC) yesterday, 12th May 2026.

More in the report from Banjul.

After waiting hours for a magistrate to be assigned to commence the trial, some 14 activists affiliated with the anti-corruption youth movement, Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA), were granted court bail on Monday, 11th May 2026, after being charged with unlawful assembly and common nuisance by police.

More in the court report.

As risks against journalists persist in the country, participants of the recent Gambia Press Union’s (GPU) Hazardous Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) have revealed that the programme has become a critical lifeline, equipping them with skills that could mean the difference between safety and serious harm.‍

More in the news report.

The Gambia has appointed Special Prosecutor, Martin Hackett, who is set to lead investigations and prosecutions involving former President Yahya Jammeh and 68 other individuals identified by the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) for alleged crimes committed during his regime.

More in this news report.

For years, many children living with disabilities in the country have been kept out of classrooms, excluded from opportunities, and judged by their limitations rather than their potential.

However, a renewed sense of hope has emerged through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), under its programme for the provision of assistive devices to children with disabilities. The initiative forms part of a broader regional effort to strengthen inclusion and reduce vulnerability.

More in the news report.

In a landmark development for The Gambia’s justice system, the judiciary has inaugurated the Special Criminal Division of the High Court at Mile 7 in Bakau, a move widely hailed as a pivotal step in advancing the nation’s long running transitional justice process.

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A survivor of the April 2000 student massacre has criticised President Adama Barrow and his government for their continued silence and neglect, warning that many are suffering and dying without support.

More in this report.

The Online Media Association of The Gambia (GOMA) is urging the Gambia Police Force to drop its common nuisance charge against Jollof News journalist Momodou Justice Darboe. Darboe has been charged with common nuisance by the police and is expected in court on Monday, 20th April 2026.

More in the press release.

The coroner's inquest into the death of Omar Badjie, which sparked protests in Lamin Mandinary, has concluded that his death was caused by police officers who assaulted him physically. The press release issued today from the Office of the Chief Justice recommends the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to consider criminal proceedings against the police officers involved. More in the press release.

In March 2026, the Ministry of Information issued an infographic claiming that the government is “strengthening laws to protect press freedom and journalists. It is also implementing reforms recommended by the TRRC. In addition, it works with the Gambia Press Union to promote a safer environment for journalists.”

However, Dr Ceesay’s recent introduction of the Broadcasting and Online Content Regulations 2026 has revealed a deep division with the media, and our feature article underlines that the TRRC success claims are not as they appear.

As five civil society organisations rally public support for the April 2000 Students Massacre, their statement reveals government inaction, noting that only one TRRC recommendation relating to the incident and protest has been completed since May 2022 when the state accepted the recommendations.

More in this press release.

Conflict in southern Senegal has led to the temporary closure of several Gambian schools in the Foni area along the border between the two countries. Hon Gibba for Foni Kansala raised a matter of the day, debating the issue in parliament.

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A high-profile criminal case that has gripped the nation since 2023 reached a dramatic conclusion on 1st April 2026, as Ousainou Bojang and his sister, Amie Bojang, were finally released from state custody following a High Court acquittal, public protests, and mounting pressure on authorities.

More in the news report.

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has sharply criticised UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch following her remarks dismissing the idea that UK should not be financially accountable for the transatlantic slave trade.

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The Edward Francis Small Center for Rights and Justice has issued a statement showing solidarity with a statement from former Gambia Press Union presidents warning that the government plans to control the media through a new policy and a regulation.

In their statement, EFSCRJ argues that the hard-won freedoms and democracy will be weakened by the government’s permission-journalism regime.

More in the statement.

Five former presidents of the Gambia Press Union have issued a warning on the government’s plans to introduce state-controlled registration and accreditation of journalists through the National Press Accreditation Policy and the Broadcasting and Online Content Regulations, 2025.

The former presidents argue that this will empower executive discretion and plunge the country back into the dark days of permission-based journalism.

More in the statement.

The Gambia’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) hosted its annual validation workshop on the 2025 State of Human Rights Report today, 9th March 2026. Attended by various stakeholders from civil society organisations, law enforcement officers, and others, Solicitor General Mr Hussein Thomasi’s statement was not delivered because he failed to attend.

More in the report.

The trial of Sanna Manjang continued on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, at the High Court in Banjul, with dramatic exchanges unfolding as the second prosecution witness took the stand in a case that has drawn national attention over alleged killings linked to Kanilai.

More in the court report.