The management of the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre (SDKJ-ICC) has issued a strong clarification denying any involvement in a purported LGBTQ+ event, following the discovery and removal of unauthorized promotional banners at the venue.
In a press release dated October 23, 2025, the Banjul International Convention Centre Ltd (BICC), which oversees the SDKJ-ICC, addressed rumors circulating on social media about an alleged LGBTQ+ gathering held on the sidelines of the ongoing 85th Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). The statement emphasized that no such incident occurred at the center.
“The rollup banners seen at the SDKJ-ICC and widely shared on social media were displayed by a LGBTQ+ group known as Pan Africa ILGA,” the release stated. Upon management’s inquiry, it was confirmed that Pan Africa ILGA was neither accredited by the ACHPR nor registered with the SDKJ-ICC for any meeting or event.
Management acted swiftly upon discovery, removing all unauthorized banners and promotional items from the premises. “The Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre is committed to upholding the laws of The Republic of The Gambia and reiterates that it will not permit any activity that contravenes it,” the statement affirmed.
The incident unfolded on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, amid the high-profile ACHPR session, which draws delegates from across Africa to discuss human rights issues. Photos of colorful banners featuring LGBTQ+ symbols and messaging quickly went viral online, sparking speculation about an official event at the state-owned facility.
Homosexuality remains illegal in The Gambia under laws inherited from colonial times and reinforced during the Yahya Jammeh era, with penalties including imprisonment. While President Adama Barrow’s administration has not aggressively enforced these statutes, public displays of LGBTQ+ advocacy are rare and often met with backlash in the predominantly Muslim nation.
The SDKJ-ICC, named after The Gambia’s first president, serves as a key venue for international conferences and government events. BICC officials emphasized their neutral role in hosting only accredited gatherings, vowing to maintain enhanced vigilance to prevent future unauthorized activities.
No representatives from Pan Africa ILGA have publicly responded to the claims. The ACHPR session continues without interruption, focusing on broader continental human rights agendas.
This episode highlights ongoing tensions between international advocacy groups and national laws in conservative African states. The conference center’s firm stance underscores The Gambia’s adherence to its legal framework, even as global debates on LGBTQ+ rights intensify.
