๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐จ๐ ๐ ๐จ๐ซ๐๐ข๐ ๐ง ๐๐๐๐๐ข๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐ก๐ซ๐๐-๐๐๐๐ค ๐๐ข๐ฉ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฌ๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ญ๐๐๐
๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐ญ๐ก ๐๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ซ ๐๐๐๐: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad has successfully concluded a three-week Diplomatic Training Programme for interns and junior staff, held from 13 to 30 October 2025.
The comprehensive training was designed to enhance participantsโ understanding of diplomacy, strengthen their professional skills, and expose them to the fundamental principles and practices of diplomatic service. A total of thirty-four participants completed the course, which combined lectures, group projects, and a final written examination. The curriculum covered a broad range of topics, including:
โชConceptualization and history of diplomacy
โชPractices of diplomacy in daily interactions
โชThe role and structure of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
โชFunctions of diplomatic missions and consular services
โชDiplomatic correspondence, protocol, and etiquette
โชDiplomatic immunities and privileges
Public diplomacy
The course was coordinated and delivered by Dr. Alieu Manjang of the Middle East Directorate, with Ms. Fatoumatta Darboe providing key administrative and logistical support.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Manjang expressed profound appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Hon. Sering Modou Njie, for his unwavering support and visionary leadership. He also extended gratitude to Permanent Secretary I, Ambassador Lang Yabo, and Permanent Secretary II, Ms. Fatou Kinneh Jobe, for their continued guidance and encouragement throughout the programme.
Dr. Manjang commended the participants for their dedication and professionalism, noting, โWithin this group, I see future ambassadors, permanent secretaries, ministers, and even a president. Their dedication, engagement, and critical thinking skills are clear testaments of their potential.โ
The closing ceremony was marked by the presentation of certificates to all participants by Hon. Minister Sering Modou Njie and Permanent Secretary II, Ms. Fatou Kinneh Jobe, who both delivered messages of encouragement and appreciation to Dr. Manjang, Ms. Darboe, and all those who contributed to the success of the programme.
In her remarks, PS Jobe reaffirmed the Ministryโs commitment to institutional development and capacity building, revealing that plans are underway to establish a Diplomatic Academy. She emphasized that the Ministry will continue investing in initiatives that empower its human resources.
PS Jobe congratulated the participants for their achievement and encouraged them to remain disciplined and eager to learn, reminding them that diplomacy is a lifelong journey of service, integrity, and continuous growth.
In his statement, Hon. Minister Njie congratulated the interns and junior staff for their commitment, urging them to uphold the highest standards in their future diplomatic careers.
Minister Njie reiterated that the Ministry remains committed to strengthening its human resource capacity through continuous professional development, mentorship, and skills enhancement programmes aimed at building a dynamic diplomatic service.
This training underscores the Ministryโs dedication to capacity building, youth empowerment, and professional mentorship, in line with Minister Njieโs vision to nurture a new generation of skilled and ethically grounded diplomats who will represent The Gambia with integrity and excellence on theย globalย stage.