๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐: The Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, on Monday, 15th June 2026, welcomed the African Union (AU), the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Pre-Election Fact-Finding Mission to The Gambia.
The delegation was led by Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, Head of the AUโECOWAS Pre-Election Fact-Finding Mission, and included Miatta Lily French, ECOWAS Resident Representative in The Gambia, alongside other officials from the African Union and ECOWAS.
In welcoming the delegation, the Minister expressed the Government of The Gambiaโs appreciation for the continued support and partnership of both the AU and ECOWAS in strengthening democratic governance and promoting peace and stability in the country.
He noted that the missionโs visit forms part of an important governance process aimed at assessing the countryโs preparedness for the forthcoming elections. The Minister emphasized that AU and ECOWAS have played a pivotal role in supporting The Gambiaโs democratic transition and institutional reforms since 2017.
โThe Government and people of The Gambia remain deeply grateful for the strategic role played by AU and ECOWAS in facilitating our transition to democracy. It is because of this support and cooperation that our citizens continue to enjoy peace, stability, and tranquility,โ the Minister stated.
He reaffirmed the Governmentโs commitment to democratic principles, the rule of law, constitutional governance, and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms. He assured the delegation that The Gambia will continue to uphold democratic values and strengthen institutions responsible for delivering credible, peaceful, and transparent elections.
The Minister further highlighted ongoing electoral preparations by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), including the recently concluded nationwide supplementary voter registration exercise, and underscored the Governmentโs efforts to promote civic education and maintain a peaceful electoral environment. He reiterated the Governmentโs firm stance against hate speech, tribal politics, and any actions capable of undermining national cohesion and stability ahead of the elections.
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Ambassador Lang Yabou, also welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the Ministryโs commitment to supporting the work of the AUโECOWAS Pre-Election Fact-Finding Mission during its stay in The Gambia. He emphasized the importance of constructive engagement with national stakeholders and reiterated the Governmentโs readiness to facilitate the missionโs activities in accordance with established procedures and national laws.
The Minister also commended the African Union, UNOWAS and ECOWAS for their unwavering commitment to peacebuilding, democracy promotion, and regional integration across the continent, while reaffirming The Gambiaโs readiness to cooperate fully with the mission and future election observation efforts.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, Head of the AUโECOWAS Pre-Election Fact-Finding Mission, thanked the Government of The Gambia for the warm reception and commended the country for the democratic progress achieved over the years.
He observed that democracy is a continuous process that requires the collective commitment of governments, institutions, political actors, civil society, and citizens. He noted that the missionโs objective is to engage key stakeholders, assess the pre-election environment, and provide recommendations aimed at supporting peaceful, inclusive, and credible elections.
Dr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan reiterated the commitment of both the African Union and ECOWAS to supporting The Gambiaโs democratic consolidation and expressed confidence in the countryโs continued progress toward strengthening democratic governance and electoral integrity.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to constructive dialogue, cooperation, and the promotion of peace, stability, and democracy in The Gambia.
