President Adama Barrow held the final meeting of his Meet the People Tour in Bijilo, Kombo, West Coast Region, on 16 October 2026, ahead of the presidential election scheduled for 5 December 2026. This tour served as a platform for the President to engage directly with citizens in various districts and communities across the country. Addressing the public, President Adama Barrow stated, "I want to assure Gambians that the election will take place peacefully. I will do everything I can to ensure that the election takes place peacefully. We will also make sure it is transparent, so that the whole world can testify that it was a transparent election."
The presidential election in The Gambia is scheduled to take place on December 5, 2026. This constitutional exercise remains a focal point for the administration as it prepares for the upcoming transition period. Regarding the political climate, President Adama Barrow remarked, "If two people get into a fight, if you are ready to fight but I am not, no matter how much you carry on, you will eventually calm down. There is one piece of advice I give them: go and campaign. Only campaigning will solve your problem."
Infrastructure Development and Health
The Ministry of Health has assessed more than 20 incomplete health facilities situated across The Gambia. These assessments aim to identify the specific requirements needed to finalize construction and operationalize the sites for public use. The Ministry of Health has assessed over 20 incomplete health facilities across The Gambia to determine the current state of infrastructure and the necessary resources required to bring them to a functional standard. By conducting these rigorous site visits, the government intends to address gaps in the national healthcare delivery system.
Government officials have submitted a proposal to the Chinese government to secure funding for the completion of these projects. A proposal for the completion of health facilities, including the Bijilo hospital, has been submitted to the Chinese government under a grant. The request for a grant includes the construction of the Bijilo hospital, which remains among the unfinished sites identified by the Ministry of Health.
This diplomatic effort is designed to bridge the financial gap currently hindering the finalization of these vital medical centers. Authorities anticipate that this external support will allow for the delivery of healthcare services at these locations once the facilities reach completion. By securing this grant, the government aims to ensure that the citizens of The Gambia have access to modern medical equipment and professional care services in their own regions. The completion of the Bijilo hospital is viewed as a high priority within the broader strategy to upgrade public health infrastructure nationwide. Once the funding is secured and construction concludes, these facilities are expected to be fully staffed and operational, providing essential services to the public.
