AskanwiGambia

🇿🇦🇬🇲 Gambian Lawmaker Calls for End to Anti-Migrant Violence in South Africa

By Ajabintou Ceesay

A Gambian representative to the Pan-African Parliament, Hon. Alhagie Mbowe has called for an end to violence against African migrants in South Africa, urging governments across the continent to protect all people regardless of their nationality.

Speaking during a session at the Pan-African Parliament's First Ordinary Session of the Seventh Legislature in Midrand, South Africa, Hon. Mbowe described the attacks on fellow Africans as "a very sad day" for the continent.

"It is a very sad day in the Pan-African Parliament when we, who are representatives of the African people, stand here to discuss violence against our own people," he said.

"I have been here for nine years, and this is only the second time we have had such a conversation, all because Africans are fighting against Africans. Where exactly are we going?"

Based on his personal experience, Hon. Mbowe highlighted the interconnected nature of the world, recalling that one of his university lecturers in the United States was South African and noting that his daughter currently works alongside South African colleagues in the U.S.

"That tells us something very clear ,the world is made up of people from different nationalities living and working across borders," he said.

He also pointed out that South Africans live and work in many African countries, including Mali and Ghana, stressing that no country exists in isolation.

"There is no country in this world where only its own citizens live," the lawmaker said. "We must treat not only Africans but all human beings with dignity."

While acknowledging that every country has the right to enforce its laws, he argued that immigration enforcement is the responsibility of state authorities and not ordinary citizens.

"You can not stand and watch ordinary citizens in the streets demanding identification documents from other people. That responsibility belongs to those who have been entrusted with enforcing the law," he said.

He urged African leaders and citizens to work together to stop the violence, warning that such attacks undermine the continent's unity and progress.

"Africa is made for Africans. Let us stand together, support one another, and stop what is happening in South Africa because it only takes us backwards," Hon. Mbowe concluded.

Photo Credit: The Gambia National Assembly

#Askanwi #SouthAfrica #Xenophobia #Africa

1 week ago | [YT] | 6

AskanwiGambia

🟨 UDP: Is Party-Led Coalition the 'Universally Accepted Model'?

By Edward Dalliah, Jr

The United Democratic Party (UDP) has claimed that a party-led coalition is the "universally accepted model" for forming pre-election alliances ahead of the December 2026 presidential election.

The party's position comes just days after reports emerged that the UDP had walked out of ongoing discussions to form a united front ahead of the December presidential election.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, at the party's bureau in Manjai, UDP leader Hon. Ousainu Darboe said: "Throughout the world, the universally accepted model is that pre-election alliances are built around the party with the largest membership in the country."

He added: "We have shown that since 1996, UDP has been the dominant opposition party in this country. There is no dispute about that."

During the question-and-answer session, our reporter asked Hon. Darboe to respond to those who argue that the UDP supports a party-led coalition because such an arrangement would favour the party.

Responding, he dismissed the suggestion as an "assumption," saying: "If it is agreed that it should be party-led, for example, if the Women's Popular Party accedes to a party-led coalition and comes up with good reasons why the Women's Popular Party should lead that coalition, we will, of course, accede to it."

Hon. Darboe maintained they are not
"saying that it must be UDP, but we say it must be party-led. And, of course, when it comes to selection, we will put in our bid, just as any other political party would put in its bid. So we are not imposing ourselves on anybody, and we will not impose ourselves on anybody. So let that be clear."

Following the press conference, Askanwi Media examined Hon. Darboe's claim that a party-led coalition is the "universally accepted model" for pre-election alliances.

While party-led coalitions are common in many democracies, there is no universally accepted model for forming pre-election coalitions.

Coalition arrangements differ across countries and are shaped by electoral systems, constitutional frameworks, political traditions, bargaining among political actors, and the specific circumstances surrounding each election.

As a result, portraying the party-led model as the universally accepted approach overstates the global evidence and overlooks the diversity of coalition-building practices.

Verdict: Misleading.

#Askanwi #CoalitionBuilding #UnitedDemocraticParty

1 week ago | [YT] | 24

AskanwiGambia

🟨 Darboe Says Coalition Mediation Committee Did Not Meet Him Despite Media Report

By Edward Francis Dalliah Jr.

The leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Hon. Ousainu Darboe has told Askanwi Media that the Coalition Mediation Committee (CMC) did not meet him, contrary to a media report suggesting that such a meeting had been scheduled to take place yesterday.

Hon. Darboe made the remarks on Tuesday, 28th July 2026, during the UDP's press conference at the party's bureau in Manjai, in response to a question from Askanwi Media on whether the reported meeting had taken place and, if so, what its outcome was.

The question followed a report published by The Standard newspaper, which quoted Professor Yero Mballow, Chairperson of the Coalition Taskforce Mediation Committee (CTMC), as confirming that a delegation from the committee would meet the UDP leadership following the party's decision to withdraw from the coalition talks on Saturday.

Responding to the question, Hon. Darboe said: "Yesterday, I also read in the papers that the Coalition Management Committee (CMC) is coming to meet me, but they have not met me".

The UDP was reported to have walked out of the ongoing coalition talks on Saturday, 25th July 2026, and during Tuesday's press conference, formally announced its withdrawal from the talks.

Now, with the party's withdrawal, Hon Darboe has announced that they would pursue a party-led coalition ahead of the December 2026 presidential election and are calling other opposition parties and movements to join their stance to unseat president Barrow.

#Askanwi #UDP #Coalition2026 #December2026Elections

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 12

AskanwiGambia

🟨 Darboe Says Coalition Flag Bearer Criterion Is "Directed" at Him

By Edward Francis Dalliah Jr.

The leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Hon. Ousainu Darboe has alleged that one of the criteria proposed for selecting the flag bearer of an independent-led coalition is specifically targeted at him.

Speaking during a press conference at the UDP's bureau in Manjai on Tuesday, 28th July 2026, Hon. Darboe referred to a criterion put forward by the Coalition Mediation Committee (CMC), which states that a prospective candidate "must have no verifiable history of sabotaging coalition efforts, undermining joint candidates, or defecting for personal gain during critical coalition moments".

According to Hon. Darboe, the criterion reflects allegations that have been levelled against the UDP since the collapse of the Coalition 2016 arrangement. He told journalists: "Since 2017 or 2018, those who oppose the UDP have carried the message throughout the country and throughout the world that Coalition 2016 failed because of the UDP, that the UDP sabotaged Coalition 2016".

The Coalition 2016 agreement was built around a three-year transition arrangement under which the coalition's presidential candidate was expected to serve for three years before stepping down to pave the way for a fresh election. However, after President Adama Barrow assumed office, disagreements emerged over whether the coalition agreement or the 1997 Constitution, which provides for a five-year presidential term, should prevail.

Hon. Darboe, who initially served as Minister of Foreign Affairs before being appointed Vice President in 2018, publicly supported the constitutional five-year presidential term. The disagreement contributed to divisions within the coalition and later gave rise to the "Three Years Jotna" movement, which called on President Barrow to honour the coalition's three-year transition agreement.

The "Three Years Jotna" movement, meaning "three years is up," organised two major protests on 16th December 2019 and 26th January 2020. The second protest turned violent, resulting in injuries and arrests. Many members and supporters of the movement were perceived to be aligned with the UDP following the fallout between President Barrow and the party.

The coalition later fractured, and in 2019, President Barrow dismissed Hon. Darboe from his position as Vice President. President Barrow subsequently formed the National People's Party (NPP), under which he successfully contested and won the 2021 presidential election.

Hon. Darboe argued that the wording of the proposed criterion makes it clear who it is intended to exclude. "You can see clearly that this criteria is directed at Ousainu Darboe and no other person," he said.

Questioning the fairness of the proposed requirement, the UDP flag bearer added: "How can we accept such a criteria for the selection of a flag bearer, even assuming we agree to a candidate-led coalition?" The UDP has since announced its withdrawal from the coalition talks and says it will instead pursue a party-led coalition ahead of the December 2026 presidential election.

#Askanwi #UDP #Coalition2026 #December2026Elections

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 9

AskanwiGambia

⚖️ NHRC Reports 175% Rise in Torture Complaints as Most Cases Implicate Police

The National Human Rights Commission, The Gambia (NHRC) has reported a 175% increase in complaints of alleged torture, cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment in 2025 compared to the previous year, with 75% of the complaints involving personnel of the Gambia Police Force.

Speaking to journalists on 14th July 2026, the NHRC launched its 2025 State of Human Rights Report at the Senegambia Beach Hotel, revealing that torture complaints rose from 4 cases in 2024 to 11 cases in 2025.

According to the report, 8 complaints were filed against the Gambia Police Force, while 1 case each involved the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF), the Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG), and the Gambia Immigration Department.

The Commission said 2 cases have been resolved, 2 were referred to the Police for further action, 2 received legal opinions, while 5 remain under investigation.

During the press conference, Askanwi questioned the NHRC over the lack of prosecutions despite the Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act, 2023 being in force for three years. The Act carries penalties of up to D1 million in fines and/or 15 years' imprisonment, yet no torture case has resulted in a court prosecution or conviction.

In response, NHRC Chairperson Emmanuel D. Joof said the Commission does not prosecute cases itself but investigates complaints and refers criminal matters to the appropriate prosecuting authorities.

One resolved case involved a man who alleged that officers of the Police Intervention Unit stationed at the Governor's residence in the Lower River Region assaulted him and subjected him to inhumane treatment. The NHRC said the officers admitted to the misconduct, the complainant received compensation and reimbursement of his medical expenses, and the officers were redeployed for disciplinary action. The complainant later informed the Commission that he was satisfied with the outcome.

Another case involving personnel of the Gambia Armed Forces in Farafenni was discontinued after both the complainant and the General Transport Union informed the NHRC that the matter had been amicably resolved.

Askanwi also questioned whether such resolutions undermine accountability when allegations of torture do not lead to criminal proceedings. Responding, Mr. Joof stressed that the Commission "will not negotiate any criminal matter", adding that cases are investigated and referred to prosecuting authorities where criminal liability is established. He also noted that the NHRC continues to engage the Police on several pending cases, including homicide investigations.

The NHRC further urged the Ministry of Interior, The to promptly investigate all allegations of torture and inhumane treatment by security personnel and ensure accountability under the Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act, 2023.

Watch out for Askanwi Media's documentary on torture premiering this month.

Photos of Torture meted on Alieu Bah of Gambians Against Looted Assets courtesy of Gambian Talents and Sengambia-web.

Attorney General's Chambers & Ministry of Justice ,the Gambia The Gambia Police Force
#Askanwi #NHRC #Torture #HumanRights2025

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3 weeks ago | [YT] | 2

AskanwiGambia

🎮 Gambian Player Turns D50 Into D250,000 on Triple Stacked Diamonds at ChopWin Gambia

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By ChopWin Gambia, 17th July 2026

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Stories like this reflect what the platform is built around - giving Gambian players access to quality slots where real outcomes are possible. We are proud to have facilitated this win and congratulate the player on their result. Every player on ChopWin Gambia has access to the same game library, the same odds, and the same opportunity to land a significant payout.

Play Triple Stacked Diamonds at ChopWin Gambia

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Terms and conditions apply. Please gamble responsibly. 18+ only.

#Askanwi #GamingEntertainment #ChopWinGambia

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 1

AskanwiGambia

📹 Exclusive Interview with Hon Abdoulie Njai on CDF Corruption Allegations & Ministry of Health The Gambia Maternal Mortality Misinformation

Askanwi Media conducted an exclusive interview with Hon Abdoulie Njai of Banjul Central on corruption allegations surrounding his constituency development fund and the wrong information on maternal mortality submitted to Parliament by the Ministry of Health.

The marathon interview will be published in segments starting with the MoH's maternal mortality misinformation, followed by the corruption allegations.

Hon. Abdoulie Njai MP - Banjul Central
#Askanwi #ExclusiveInterview #HonAbdoulieNjai #CorruptionAllegations #MaternalMortality #BanjulCentral

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1 month ago | [YT] | 8

AskanwiGambia

📝 Only 2 out of 105 Prisoners Pardoned by President Adama Barrow were women. The rest were all men.

Two of the men pardoned were under the age of 18.

Out of the 105, Gambians top the list with 81, followed by Senegalese with 12, Guinea Conakry and Nigeria with 4 nationals each, 3 Sierra Leonean and one Brazilian.

None of their offences were disclosed in the Gazette.

Askanwi is aware of a Private Members bill by Hon Alhagie Mbow and will conduct an exclusive interview with him on the Bill, which is currently in its consideration stage.

Read more in the Askanwi expose below.
https://www.askanwi.com/feature-publications/askanwi-expos-names-and-nationality-of-105-prisoners-pardoned-by-president-adama-barrow

1 month ago | [YT] | 0

AskanwiGambia

📝Askanwi Exposé: Names and Nationality of 105 Prisoners Pardoned by President Adama Barrow

When President Adama Barrow pardoned 105 prisoners to mark the occasion of Yawm al-Ashura, the public was informed only of the total number released. Their identities, nationalities, ages, and offences remained unknown, prompting questions about transparency and public safety. Until today!

More in the Askanwi expose.

#Askanwi #Expose #PrerogativeOfMercy #SupportAskanwi #SupportInvestigativeJournalism

1 month ago | [YT] | 0

AskanwiGambia

🔒 Askanwi to Publish List of 105 Prisoners Pardoned by President Adama Barrow Tomorrow

Last week, at the The Gambia Police Force Press Conference our reporter questioned Information Minister Dr Ismaila Ceesay about the publication of the list of 105 prisoners pardoned by President Adama Barrow.

In response Dr Ceesay stated that the Government had published the list via the Gazette located at the Gambia Printing Press. After days of pursuing a copy, Askanwi has finally obtained the full list which will be published tomorrow.

Publishing the list via the Gazette only makes the list publicly available at a cost.

In pursuit of National Interest, Askanwi will publish the entire list and encourage all Gambians, legal practitioners and human rights advocates to examine the list of 105 prisoners pardoned by President Adama Barrow.

While we fully acknowledge that the prerogative of mercy falls under the mandate of the President, we are adamant that this power must be exercised responsibly without compounding the public's national security.

#Askanwi #ListOfPardonedPrisoners #ATI #NationalSecurity

1 month ago | [YT] | 4