Gambian Diplomat Samsudeen Sarr Defends Use of Deadly Force Against Foreign-Sponsored Uprising (International Business Times – May 11)

A Gambian diplomat accused of inciting violence against protesters in his country has spoken out about a leaked tape in which he suggested he would open fire on demonstrators, referring to protesters rocking Gambia's capital, Banjul. Samsudeen Sarr, Gambia's deputy ambassador to the United Nations, accused the person who secretly recorded him of doctoring the audio releasing just a few seconds of a two-hour-long conversation.

Gambian Diplomat Samsudeen Sarr Allegedly Threatens to Shoot Protesters in Leaked Tape (International Business Times – May 10)

An audio clip containing controversial remarks reportedly made by Gambia's deputy ambassador to the United Nations has emerged. It is believed that Samsudeen Sarr was recorded while saying he would open fire on people, presumably referring to protesters rocking Gambia's capital, Banjul.

Gambian Dictatorship Attacks Protesters Again, Top Officials Threaten to Shoot Civilians (Sahara Reporters – May 9)

State sponsored violence against protesters has escalated once again in Gambia as police in riot gear attacked citizens gathering to demonstrate against unfair treatment of opposition members in state custody. On Monday, protesters gathered outside the High Court in the capital Banjul as opposition leader Ousainou Darboe appeared for a court ruling. Mr. Darboe, leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) is on trial for his involvement in a protest held in April. He was arrested alongside 38 other opposition members, who have all been charged with conspiracy to commit a felony.

The World’s Longest Serving President Just Won Another Term in Office (Vice News – April 29)

The longest-serving president of any country around the world has just been re-elected for the fifth time. Equatorial Guinea's President Teodoro Obiang Nguema will see his nearly 37-year-long tenure in office extended after securing 93.7 percent of the vote.

Gambia: Activists charged with felony in protests to unseat President Yahya Jammeh (International Business Times – April 29)

Gambia's High Court has charged opposition leader Ousaniou Darboe and 19 other activists arrested after taking part in a protest with conspiracy to commit a felony. The defendants, including newly accused Masanneh Lalo Jawla, had previously been charged with assembling unlawfully, rioting, inciting violence and interfering with vehicles. They all pleaded not guilty.

Can a Gambian Spring Survive Jammeh’s Infamous Wrath? (Daily Maverick – April 28)

Stereotypical African dictator Yahya Jammeh doesn’t suffer enemies gladly. But he’s made plenty during his 22 years in charge of the Gambia, and a recent wave of unrest indicates that his opponents are gaining strength. But can these delicate beginnings of a mass movement withstand the president’s penchant for brutal repression? 

Equatorial Guinea’s Dictator to Win Election in Landslide Following Crackdown on Media and Civil Society (Sahara Reporters – April 27)

Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo is expected to extend his 36-year rule after allegedly winning over 90 percent of the national vote during this past Sunday’s elections.

Gambians Push for Change with Unprecedented Protests Ahead of December Elections (Vice News – April 19)

Military checkpoints popped up in the Gambian capital city of Banjul this week to crack down on public protests following several rallies that led to clashes with authorities and the death of opposition party members. The demonstrations kicked off this month in an effort to push for electoral reforms as the small West African country prepares to head to the polls this year, with President Yahya Jammeh up for reelection after more than 21 years in power.