Shape International

18–19 July 2025 | Mansa Wally Lodge, Pakalinding, Lower River Region, The Gambia The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), with financial support through ChildFund The Gambia, convened a two-day seminar aimed at integrating disability inclusion into disaster risk reduction (DRR) activities. This event, hosted at Mansa Wally Lodge, Pakalinding, emphasized strengthening disability in all disaster risks programs. Opening & Presentations Baboucarr Ceesay NDMA's Director of Operations introduced the agency’s organisational structure, governance mechanisms, and funding frameworks. He outlined how disaster management currently operates in The Gambia and set the context for integrating disability considerations. His assistant presenter covered assessment procedures, highlighting the importance of adapting these processes for inclusivity. It was noted at the outset that disasters do not affect everyone equally: Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are disproportionately impacted...

To avoid retaliation from military authorities, critical voices in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Guinea are increasingly forced into silence. A climate of fear prevails, with prominent figures choosing discretion over outspokenness in the face of repression. Across these four countries, military regimes are tightening their grip on power through systematic crackdowns on press freedom and freedom of expression. This Week in the Sahel puts the spotlight back on the shrinking civic space and the fragility of free expression under military rule. In this edition, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) dissects recent developments that illustrate the region’s growing drift from democratic norms and civic liberties. In Mali, the Haute Autorité de la Communication (HAC) on July 2, 2025, allocated 94 radio and 14 television licenses without consultation with stakeholders such as the Maison de la Presse or professional media organisations. Many of the awarded frequencies reportedly went...

On 17 July 2025, the Network of Tax and Financial Reporters (NTFR), in partnership with the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC), held a one-day media sensitisation training at the NaNA Conference Centre, Bertil Hardin Highway, The Gambia. The event attracted 50 media practitioners and 15 SSHFC staff and aimed at improving understanding of SSHFC's operations, recent digital initiatives, and their role in social protection and financial security. The event featured an opening ceremony and presentations by SSHFC staff, followed by a Q&A and recommendations session. Key dignitaries included Mr. Alieu Ceesay (Gambia Press Union), Mr. Musa Sheriff (Publisher, Voice Newspaper), and Mr. Fabuka Nyaay (SSHFC Director of Corperate Affairs, representing the SSHFC Director). Other presenters and contributers included Ebrima Faye- Documentation Manager, Amadou Badjie- Benefit Manager, Fatou Lobbeh Dibba-SSHFCEstate Manager, and Mr John Zack- Customer Care Supervisor d...