By Olimatou Coker

The Gambia Police Force (GPF) yesterday announced the promotion of 3,618 police officers across various ranks, ‘in a significant step towards strengthening personnel development and improving service delivery.’

Police spokesman Modou Musa Sisawo said the promotions cover officers from the rank of Constable to Assistant Superintendent of Police ASP.

According to him, some 1,407 Constables were elevated to First Class Constable, while 1,239 First Class Constables have been promoted to the rank of Corporal.

He added that a further 187 Corporals have been promoted to Sergeant, while 373 Sergeants have advanced to Sub-Inspector.

“The promotion exercise also saw 230 Sub-Inspectors elevated to Inspector, with 114 Inspectors promoted to Chief Inspector. At the senior level, 68 Chief Inspectors have been promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Police”.

Congratulating the promoted officers, the Police High Command reminded them that advancement in rank comes with greater responsibility and higher expectations and urged the officers to uphold the principles of professionalism, discipline, integrity and commitment to duty as they assume their new responsibilities.

By Sirrah Touray

Guaranty Trust Bank Gambia Limited on Monday officially relocated its Brikama branch to a new purpose-built facility in Brikama Daruhairu, a move the bank said is aimed at bringing banking services closer to customers and improving service delivery in the West Coast Region.

The relocation ceremony was attended by senior government officials, regulators, traditional leaders, members of the business community and customers.

Declaring the facility open, the Governor of West Coast Region, Ousman Bojang, commended GTBank for the investment. He said the decision to own and develop permanent infrastructure reflects confidence in the peace, stability and economic opportunities in The Gambia.

“This relocation is good news for the people of Brikama and the entire West Coast Region. When a reputable institution like GTBank invests in a befitting structure, it means they believe in our future and in the growth of our communities,” Governor Bojang said.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of GTBank Gambia, Abolaji Yusuff, said the relocation goes beyond a change of address. According to him, the new facility was designed to provide customers with a modern, comfortable and efficient banking environment. “This move demonstrates our belief in The Gambia. By building our own premises, we are showing that we are here for the long term,” Mr Yusuff said.

He announced that GTBank will relocate and open two additional purpose-built branches before the end of 2026, one within the Kombos and another in the provinces. He added that the expansion is part of the bank’s strategy to deepen financial inclusion and make banking more accessible.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr Sola Mahoney, said the relocation comes at a time when GTBank is preparing to mark 25 years of operations in The Gambia in 2027. He noted that while many banks globally are reducing their physical presence, GTBank continues to invest in infrastructure as proof of its commitment to customers and to the country’s economy.

“We remain guided by sound corporate governance and the trust of our customers. Our expansion is tied to the development of the communities we serve,” Mr Mahoney said.

A representative of the Governor of the Central Bank of The Gambia, Mr Susso, praised GTBank for upholding high service standards and for contributing to the stability of the financial sector.

In a customer testimony, Miss Jobiz, who has banked with GTBank for nearly ten years, welcomed the relocation and urged the bank to continue prioritising customer satisfaction.

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Dakar has strongly condemned a US military strike on civilian areas in Hormozgan Province, calling it a “barbaric and criminal act” that killed and injured more than 70 people, most of them women and children.

In a press statement issued September 3, 2026, the Embassy said the attack took place on the evening of Tuesday, September 1, 2026 and targeted, among other sites, a wedding ceremony in Kuhestak, Sirik County.

The Embassy described the strike as a direct assault on Iran’s territorial integrity.

“This attack constitutes a violation of the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the statement said.

“This latest crime committed by the United States is yet another manifestation of its moral depravity.”

It accused Washington of war crimes and linked the incident to what it called a pattern of “US-Zionist crimes” over the past 18 months, citing the missile attack on Minab school that killed 168 students, and deaths at Lamerd stadium.

In retaliation, Tehran said its armed forces hit US military bases used to launch the aggression.

“In response to US military aggression, the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in accordance with their inherent right to self-defense, targeted US military bases that served as the launching point and support for US military aggression against Iran, carrying out decisive, powerful, and deterrent strikes,” the Embassy stated.

The Embassy put the burden on the United Nations and the Security Council to act.

“The international community, and first and foremost the United Nations and the Security Council, are facing a historic challenge,” it said.

“Their inaction and silence in the face of the repeated violation of Article 2, paragraph 4 of the UN Charter by a permanent member of the Security Council would further erode the Organisation’s credibility and constitute a growing threat to international peace and security.”

The Embassy extended condolences to the Iranian people and reaffirmed Tehran’s position.

“The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Dakar condemns in the strongest terms this barbaric and criminal act by the United States, and reaffirms the Islamic Republic of Iran’s unwavering commitment to defending Iran’s independence, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”

Tensions between Iran and the US have escalated sharply since 2025, with both sides accusing the other of strikes on civilian and military targets. The latest incident in Hormozgan marks one of the deadliest reported attacks on Iranian civilians this year.

By Omar Bah

Retired Major Alieu Sowe, a former manager of the former president Yahya  Jammeh’s Kanilai Family Farms (KFF) has officially declared his intention to contest the December 2026 presidential election, vowing to lead with integrity and put “ordinary Gambians first”.

Major Sowe, who managed KFF for at least five years, made the announcement under the banner of the ‘Mbeh Kiling Movement’, presenting himself as a leader with a record in agriculture and a commitment to national sovereignty.

In a letter of intent shared exclusively with The Standard, Sowe said the country is at a crossroads and needs decisive leadership.

“As we approach the December presidential election, I present myself under the ‘Mbeh Kiling Movement’ with a clear commitment to lead with integrity, protect our national interest, and work tirelessly for a more secure and prosperous Gambia,” he said.

Gambians, Sowe pointed out, are buckling under rising costs and he promised direct relief.

“Our people are facing difficult times. The cost of living continues to place immense pressure on families. Many struggle daily with the price of food, transport, rent, electricity, and other essential needs. A government under my leadership will put the welfare of ordinary Gambians first through policies that promote jobs, strengthen local businesses, support vulnerable households, and make life more affordable,” he averred.

Sovereignty
Addressing recent border concerns, Sowe said The Gambia’s territory and dignity must be defended.

“The sovereignty of The Gambia is a matter of serious national concern. Recent border-related issues have raised understandable questions among Gambians about the protection of our territory, the security of our citizens, and the dignity of our nation,” he said.

Major Sowe added that while The Gambia values historic friendship and cooperation with neighbouring countries, “the friendship must be based on mutual respect for our borders, laws, and sovereignty”.

He outlined that under his leadership, The Gambia will “pursue peaceful dialogue, responsible diplomacy, and firm protection of the national interests” and that the country’s sovereignty “cannot be compromised or treated lightly”.

Sowe also outlined urgent reforms for health and agriculture.

He added: “Our healthcare system also demands urgent reform. Too many citizens face inadequate facilities, shortages of medicine, long travel distances, and unaffordable care. We must invest in hospitals, clinics, medical equipment, trained health professionals, and reliable medicine supplies so that quality health care is available to every Gambian.

“Our farmers need affordable inputs, irrigation, access to land, machinery, storage, credit, and fair markets. A stronger agricultural sector will create jobs, improve food security, lower our dependence on imports, and bring opportunity back to rural communities.”

Sowe said his experience running large agricultural operations will inform his economic policy.  He said managing KFF gave him “direct knowledge” of how state resources are wasted and how agriculture can be turned into the country’s biggest revenue earner.

“I did not learn governance in a conference room. I learnt it in the fields, on payrolls, and in harvest losses,” he added.

Kanilai Farms was the flagship agribusiness of the former president and one of the largest integrated farms in the country, covering livestock, poultry, dairy, crop production and processing.

As farm manager between 2012 and 2020, Major Sowe oversaw daily operations, procurement, exports, and a workforce of over 1,500 Gambians.

Election
Sowe framed the election as a choice between service and survival.

“I believe in a Gambia where leadership serves the people; where our sovereignty is respected; where no family is abandoned by hardship; where healthcare is a right in practice; where electricity is stable and affordable; and where farmers are empowered to feed our nation. Together, we can build a Gambia that is secure, self-reliant, united, and prosperous,” he stated.

He said he will begin nationwide consultations in the coming weeks ahead of nominations.

Former president Yahya Jammeh has issued a statement disassociating himself from one “Angel Sillah” who has been making seditious threats online to bring down the government of President Adama Barrow.

In the audio statement released on Friday from his exile home in Equatorial Guinea, Jammeh said he heard “Angel Sillah”’s audio a fortnight ago and clarified he does not know Sillah, does not subscribe to his utterances and that Sillah is not a member of his party.

The former president said as a patriot, he will never enter a complot with anyone to destabilise The Gambia and be the architect of mayhem in the country that could lead to the death of children and Gambians becoming refugees in foreign lands.

He sharply criticised President Barrow and his government, accusing them of “spreading lies” by reporting him to Ecowas that he was recruiting rebels and “terrorists” to invade The Gambia and working with Russians to return him to The Gambia.

Jammeh also alleged that in March 2017, the coalition government falsely reported that he gave US$4m to a warlord to invade The Gambia.

He accused the Barrow government of “looting” his properties, “terrorising” his people,  and turning his Kanilai family home into a military garrison, and even using military drones to shoot people gathering firewood.

He said under Barrow, The Gambia has degenerated from being the smiling coast to a “weeping coast” for most ordinary Gambians.

The Standard could not reach the government spokesman for an immediate reaction to Jammeh’s broadsides against the president and the government.

By Lamin Cham

President Adama Barrow on Saturday told the people of Brufut that he has a special passion and liking for the town and if he continues in power, many of the needs and aspirations highlighted by the residents would become reality.

He said this after inaugurating a ring of roads that runs through the heart of the town linking it to main highways and surrounding villages.

Key among the new roads is the main Brufut Town Road which connects from the Bertil Harding Highway from Bijilo – Mohammed Jah Junction, through the Brufut Heights, cutting across the main Brufut town and going beyond to Madiana, Banyakang and Kunkujang Mariama.

Another road connect the town from the Bertil Harding Highway just after the Brusubi roundabout  and runs through the Brufut town centre to Ghana Town where it joined the Kombo Coastal Road towards Tanji.

For a settlement that has endured a long period of poor road access, these developments are a tremendous transformation, so exciting that the president himself called the place ‘Dubai of The Gambia’.

The president said these roads are the first phase of what he has in store for the town.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg. What is coming next will be bigger,” he assured the residents at a mass rally that evening.

He said his government will build a standard market for the town among other amnesties.

Brufut alkako Malamin Manneh told The Standard that those who knew the problem of access roads in Brufut in the past will rejoice at the transformation the town has gone through. “We must give thanks where it is due. There have been governments before Adama’s own, but none has prioritised our aspirations like he did.  He has demonstrated good faith in his dealings with the residents of  Brufut and we must do our part in supporting him,” the alkalo said.

Alimu Sanu Barrie, the CEO of Pavi Fort – Al Associates Ltd, the contractors for the Brufut roads, said he was delighted to witness the day.

“It was a long journey from the first day we started building this road. It says a lot about Pavi Fort which is present in six countries. It is a great feeling that we have come to The Gambia and completed our first project as we are hoping to stay here for more projects,” CEO Barrie said.

President Barrow’s love affair with Brufut started in December 2016 when during his campaign tour as the flag-bearer of the coalition, people waited until 2am to welcome him in the town. He was never short of gratitude for the town since.

By Arret Jatta

United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Ousainu Darboe has claimed that the level of crime recorded under President Adama Barrow’s government surpasses the Jawara and Jammeh administrations.

Darboe made the remarks while welcoming youths of Sukuta Quarry who recently decamped from the National People’s Party (NPP) to the UDP.

According to Darboe, the country saw an unprecedented rise in serious crimes under the Barrow administration, citing killings and cases involving bodies being dumped in forests.

“Even during Jammeh’s time, crime was not this rampant,” he observed.

Darboe also criticised President Barrow’s leadership, telling the gathering that the president failed to live up to the expectations of Gambians.

 “Adama is not good for The Gambia,” he said.

Welcoming the youths to his yellow army, Darboe said the government has the resources to reduce hardship but accused those in power of failing to use them judiciously.

“I’m praying that the other youths that are still with NPP, may God rescue them,” he concluded.

By Amadou Jadama on tour

Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Ousman Gomez, has warned officers of the Police Intervention Unit to remain neutral, and stay away from politics and tribalism, and focus on serving all Gambians as the country prepares for the December 5 presidential election.

General Gomez issued the warning yesterday while addressing PIU officers in YBK in the Central River region as part of his nationwide tour of military institutions across the country.

“The advice I have for my men is the same advice I have for you,” General Gomez said. 

“We are getting into elections, and most of you will be deployed on election duties. That does not mean you give your support to a particular political party,” he warned.

The CDS acknowledged that security personnel have voting rights. However, he cautioned them against engaging in partisan activities while in uniform.

“You have the right to vote since you have voter’s cards. But let us desist from open partisan show of politics. We are here to serve the country and the interest of all Gambians, and not any political party,” he stated. 

“At the last elections, security was provided for all the political parties in the country. But that does not warrant you to campaign and stand on podiums in your uniforms. The uniform is here to serve the country.”

The army chief also flagged tribalism as another challenge facing the security sector and urged officers to put national unity above ethnic loyalty.

“As service men, your tribe should be your uniforms. That is why we all put on these uniforms. The tribal sentiment should not come from us. We are all one family as long as we all wear these uniforms,” he postulated.

The CDS  further urged PIU officers to work closely with personnel of the Gambia Armed Forces and other sister security services, stressing that “there is no competition in their work”.

He also implored on them to desist from using social media to comment on partisan politics or internal security matters.

Last week, a Gambian shot and killed a photographer and his friend as they were leaving a gay bar in the state of an Arizona gay bar before turning the gun on himself in what cops say was a hate crime.

Ousman Ceesay unleashed the violence in Tucson around 12:30am last Monday — targeting two men he did not know, Tucson Police confirmed.

Cameron Davis Capara, 33, and Vincent Anthony Siqueiros, 42, were in the parking lot of Venture-N when they were confronted and then shot by Ceesay, according to the police.

Ceesay, 44, then shot himself with a 9mm handgun.

The gunman was carrying a note with a list of other gay-friendly businesses in the area, but cops said he never tried to enter the bar near where he committed the heinous crime.

A second note in his home found by detectives “indicated he acted alone and that this shooting was a targeted attack motivated by hate toward the LGBTQIA+ community,” the department said.

Ceesay, originally from The Gambia in West Africa, had no prior contacts with the police department and had only just moved to the area from Oklahoma City in December, the Arizona Daily Star newspaper reported, citing sources.

He and his wife were facing money troubles after racking up more than US$76,000 in debt that forced them to declare Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2018, according to the outlet.

Ceesay previously worked as an Uber driver and was a practicing Muslim who prayed five times a day, his cousin told the Arizona Daily Star.

Capara was a photographer who spent years documenting LGBTQ nightlife, campus demonstrations, rallies over Gaza and protests against ICE, said his father, Jeff Capara.

Siqueiros’ sister, Kate Marquez, said her brother made an eerie statement about his legacy in their last phone call before his death.

“At one point, Vincent wondered aloud, ‘If something happened to me, who would actually be there?’ That was six days ago,” she said at a memorial for her brother and Capara.

By Omar Bah

APP-Sobeyaa Presidential candidate Essa Faal has declined to comment on reports of alliance talks with the National People’s Party (NPP), even as multiple sources claim negotiations are underway ahead of the 5th December presidential election.

According to Kerr Fatou online news portal quoting multiple sources yesterday, senior NPP figures have made overtures to Mr Faal in recent weeks and that he has held meetings with officials of the ruling party.

According to those sources, “negotiations have progressed”, although neither Faal nor the NPP has publicly announced an agreement.

The sources also said Faal previously held talks with the United Democratic Party over a possible opposition alliance. Those talks collapsed. People familiar with the UDP discussions alleged that Faal sought consideration for the vice-presidential slot in a UDP-led coalition. Kerr Fatou reported that it has not independently confirmed those details.

When contacted by The Standard yesterday evening to respond to the claims, Mr Faal tersely said: “I don’t comment on these issues. Thank you.”

Meanwhile earlier yesterday, APP-Sobeyaa announced that it has pulled out of the APeX coalition talks, declaring the negotiations deadlocked over a disputed power-sharing agreement.

APP-Sobeyaa statement explained: “Following bilateral engagements, we regret to inform you that those discussions have not produced the desired outcome, vis-à-vis the power-sharing agreement that was already made by the parties/stakeholders.”

Citing the principle that “prior agreed decisions may only be changed by consensus,” APP-Sobeyaa announced its exit.

“In the absence of consensus on this and other outstanding matters, APP-Sobeyaa has therefore taken the decision to withdraw from the APeX Coalition talk,” the statement read.

APeX was formed in 2024 as an opposition convergence platform to challenge the ruling NPP. It brought together over ten parties and movements under one umbrella with the stated goal of fielding a single presidential candidate through an internal primary and an agreed power-sharing framework.

The talks were billed as the most serious attempt at opposition unity since the 2016 Coalition. 

Central to the negotiations was a draft power-sharing memorandum that allocated cabinet positions, regional nominations, and post-election roles. APP-Sobeyaa officials said that agreement was breached during recent bilateral meetings.