Political scientist Ismaila Ceesay was arrested in the Gambia on charges of 'incitement to violence' following an interview with a local newspaper, where he discussed the long-term security risks despite the presence of ECOMIG forces. He was released the next day without conditions after being detained for his comments on the security situation and the trust between the president and the Gambian army. The arrest sparked outrage and was condemned by various individuals and organizations, including the Gambia Press Union and the University of The Gambia Faculty and Staff Association, highlighting concerns over freedom of expression and academic freedom in the country. The incident reflects the ongoing challenges in the Gambia's transition from a dictatorship to a democracy that respects human rights.

President Yahya Jammeh of The Gambia has reversed his initial acceptance of the December 1 presidential election results, which he lost to Adama Barrow. Jammeh, in a televised address, criticized the electoral commission and called for new elections. This move has sparked outrage among Gambians on social media, with some accusing Jammeh of risking the country's peace and stability and others calling it treasonous. International bodies like the African Union, ECOWAS, and the European Union have condemned Jammeh's rejection of the results. The Senegalese foreign minister has called for a United Nations Security Council meeting to address the situation. Meanwhile, the military has increased its presence in the capital, and Jammeh has threatened to suppress public demonstrations.

The Gambia, a small West African country, has experienced a significant political change with the defeat of its long-time president, Yahya Jammeh, in a presidential election. Jammeh, who ruled for over 22 years, conceded defeat to president-elect Adama Barrow, who was an independent candidate supported by a coalition of political parties. The election results were unexpected and have been celebrated by Gambians and observers worldwide as a major step forward for democracy in the region. Barrow, a newcomer to politics and a real estate developer, won with 45.5% of the vote, while Jammeh received 36.7%, and a third candidate, Mamma Kandeh, got 17.8%. The election has been particularly notable for the peaceful concession by Jammeh, who had previously claimed he could rule indefinitely with divine sanction.

The Gambia is conducting presidential elections with incumbent Yahya Jammeh seeking a fifth term. On the eve of the election, the government shut down the internet and telecommunications, a move criticized by journalists and activists. Independent candidate Adama Barrow and Mamma Kandeh of the Gambia Democratic Congress are challenging Jammeh. The electoral commission reports that there are 886,578 registered voters in the country. The internet shutdown began after a coalition led by Access Now urged Gambian authorities to keep the internet on. Freedom House has ranked The Gambia as the second worst in Sub-Saharan Africa for internet freedom. Jammeh has warned against post-election protests and claims his leadership has benefited the country. Election results are expected to start coming in late on the evening of the vote, with final counts due on December 2, 2016.

The Gambia is holding elections with incumbent president Yahya Jammeh seeking a fifth term. On the eve of the election, the government shut down the internet and telecommunications, a move criticized by journalists and activists. Independent candidate Adama Barrow and Mamma Kandeh of the Gambia Democratic Congress are challenging Jammeh. The electoral commission reports that out of a population of two million, 886,578 are registered to vote. The internet shutdown was condemned by a coalition of NGOs, including Access Now, and individuals such as exiled journalist Kemo Cham and former press secretary Fatu Camara. Freedom House has previously ranked The Gambia poorly in terms of internet freedom. The election results are expected to be announced on Friday, December 2, 2016, but ECOWAS will not observe the elections due to late application for observation.

The article discusses the final days of campaigning for the Gambia's presidential election on 1 December, with incumbent President Yahya Jammeh seeking a fifth term against challengers Mama Kandeh of the Gambia Democratic Congress and Adama Barrow, backed by a coalition. Jammeh's platform focuses on socio-economic development, while the opposition criticizes his economic and human rights record, promising a more inclusive government. The EU was denied election observation, while the African Union and ECOWAS will monitor. ECOWAS later announced they would not observe due to late application. The article also covers anti-government protests, the jailing of opposition leader Ousainou Darboe, and reports by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International on the political repression in Gambia. Social media plays a role in the campaigns, with both sides advocating for support. Jammeh has controversially stated that only God can remove him from power.

The article discusses Gambia's decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), following similar moves by South Africa and Burundi. The Gambian government, represented by Minister of Information Sheriff Bojang, accuses the ICC of targeting African leaders and calls it an 'International Caucasian Court'. Activists and citizens, however, suggest the withdrawal is motivated by President Yahya Jammeh's fear of being held accountable for human rights abuses, especially after his former interior minister sought asylum in Sweden. Independent presidential candidate Dr. Isatou Touray and journalist Mama Linguere Sarr criticize the decision, while others like Benjamin Mpofu view it as a step towards decolonization. Lawyer Malick Jallow and ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, who is Gambian, also weigh in on the issue. The Gambia has not yet formally begun the withdrawal process but has been shifting its diplomatic focus from the West to countries like Russia and China.

In the Gambia, authorities have used live ammunition to disperse peaceful protests, with the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) being accused of beating and arresting demonstrators. The protests were in support of the main opposition leader Ousainou Darboe and the United Democratic Party (UDP) members, following the death of UDP's youth leader Ebrima Solo Sandeng in police custody. The international community has been urged to intervene to protect the rights of peaceful assembly. A high court judge has denied bail to Darboe and others, citing national security concerns.

The article discusses the political unrest in Gambia following a series of protests against President Yahya Jammeh's 20-year rule. The protests were sparked by the arrest and subsequent death of Ebrima Solo Sandeng, the youth wing leader of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), while in police custody. The UDP, led by Ousainou Darboe, has seen more than 30 supporters arrested during a march. The situation has led to widespread demonstrations, with concerns over human rights violations by the state, including torture, deaths in detention, and the use of live ammunition against protesters. Human Rights Watch has documented abuses, and the European Union has cancelled aid to Gambia due to these ongoing issues. The unrest is expected to continue with upcoming court appearances by detained activists.

The article discusses the political unrest in The Gambia following the arrest and subsequent death of Ebrima Solo Sandeng, the youth leader of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP). The peaceful protests demanding electoral reforms turned into larger demonstrations after the death of Sandeng and two other UDP members in police custody. UDP's leader, Ousainou Darboe, and other supporters were arrested during these demonstrations. Despite the heavy security presence and court proceedings, the enthusiasm for change among the opposition and their supporters remains strong. The article also touches on the role of religion in the protests and the concerns over the missing detained activists. International human rights organizations like Amnesty International have called for the release of all detainees.

The article discusses the increasing international concern over the human rights situation in the Gambia under President Yahya Jammeh, particularly following the death in detention of opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) youth president Ebrima Solo Sandeng and two fellow party members. The UDP and other activists have been calling for electoral reforms and Jammeh's resignation ahead of the December 2016 presidential election. The United Nations and other organizations like Amnesty International have condemned the use of excessive force and the detention of peaceful protesters. Information Minister Sheriff Bojang defended the arrests, citing the Public Order Act. The article also mentions the dismissal of the national youth council chairman, Ibrahim Ceesay, and calls from former Gambia Press Union secretary general Gibairu Janneh for government intervention. Despite a return to calm in Banjul, activists continue to demand the release of detainees and fulfillment of their demands.

The article discusses the increasing domestic and international pressure on Gambia's President Yahya Jammeh due to his government's poor human rights record, particularly following the death of three opposition activists in detention. These activists were arrested for organizing a peaceful protest demanding electoral reforms and Jammeh's resignation. The United Nations and the United States have called for the respect of citizens' rights to peaceful protest. The opposition United Democratic Party's leader, Ousainou Darboe, was also detained after leading a protest. The government has defended the arrests, citing violation of the Public Order Act. International organizations like Amnesty International and ECOWAS have called for calm and an independent investigation into the deaths. Meanwhile, Gambians abroad are protesting against Jammeh's regime, and there is a call for electoral law reform to ensure fair elections.

The article discusses the findings of the 2015 'Freedom on the Net' report by Freedom House, which ranks The Gambia as the second worst in Sub-Saharan Africa for internet freedom. The report assesses internet and digital media freedom in 65 countries, focusing on access obstacles, content limits, and user rights violations. The Gambia, with only 16% internet penetration, suffers from state monopoly over internet infrastructure, legal restrictions on content, and severe repercussions for online dissent. The report highlights instances of internet blackouts, content blocking, and persecution of netizens and journalists. It also notes a global trend of increased government surveillance, content removal pressures, and attacks on encryption and anonymity. China, Syria, and Iran are mentioned as some of the worst offenders, with China being the year's worst for internet freedom. The article includes reactions from activists and UN Special Rapporteur David Kaye, emphasizing the report's significance and the ongoing decline in global internet freedom.

Gambian radio journalist Abdoulie Ceesay was charged with sedition after being abducted by security agents. He is accused of sending photos that showed a gun pointed at President Yahya Jammeh. Ceesay, who manages Taranga FM, has faced multiple detentions and the station has been shut down several times. Human rights organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists and PEN International, have condemned his detention. The article discusses the broader issue of political persecution in The Gambia, including the disappearance of other journalists and the oppressive media environment. It also mentions the skepticism surrounding President Jammeh's release of prisoners and his commitment to civil rights, given the ongoing repression.

The article discusses the veto by The Gambia and Togo against the introduction of presidential term limits proposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). President Yahya Jammeh of The Gambia, who has been in power since 1994, has expressed his opposition to term limits, stating that only God can determine the duration of a leader's rule. Jammeh has a history of human rights violations and has made threats against the LGBT community and political opponents. He has also threatened to withdraw The Gambia from ECOWAS and the African Union if he perceives them to be controlled by the West. The article includes opinions from various commentators on the potential negative consequences of The Gambia's withdrawal from international organizations, as well as Jammeh's unpredictable political actions, such as severing ties with Iran and Taiwan and expelling the European Union representative.

West African leaders, in a summit held in Accra, Ghana, have decided against implementing a region-wide two-term limit for presidents, due to opposition from The Gambia and Togo, the only countries in the region without such limits. The decision has sparked online debate among West Africans, with many expressing disappointment and concern over the potential for continued political instability. The Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) had previously refused to send observers to The Gambia's elections, citing them as not free and fair. Despite protests and criticism, the summit's outcome suggests that leaders like The Gambia's President Yahya Jammeh and Togo's President Faure Gnassingbe will continue to hold power without term limits, as the region struggles with the concept of democratic governance.

Erykah Badu has faced criticism for her planned performance in The Gambia for President Yahya Jammeh, shortly after being criticized for performing at King Mswati III's birthday in Swaziland. Activists have accused her of endorsing dictators, but Badu has defended her actions, stating that her performances are for the people and that music heals. Despite the backlash, including an online campaign to inform her about Jammeh's regime, Badu remains unapologetic. President Jammeh is known for human rights abuses, including stifling freedom of expression. The article also mentions a response from the Coalition for Change and personal accounts from individuals like Fatou Camara, who suffered under Jammeh's regime.