August 2025

His Excellency Mr. Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, officially opened the Sahel Governance Forum at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Banjul, a landmark event bringing together leaders, experts, civil society, and international partners to chart a new path for governance, peace, and regional cooperation in the Sahel. In his keynote address, President Barrow called for bold actions: “Let this Forum be a catalyst for change… where governance works for all, where trust is restored, and every citizen feels seen, heard, and valued.” Hon. Sering Modou Njie, Minister of Foreign Affairs, in his intervention welcomed the delegates and pointed out the importance the Gambia attached to peace and development in the Sahel and Africa in general. “The Gambia stands as a symbol of hopeful transition and shared commitment for future generations.” Through this forum, we reaffirm our collective belief that only through inclusive, homegrown, and context-responsive solutions, can the region unlocks its full potential and ensure no one is left behind, asserted Hon Njie. Ms. Fatou Kinneh Jobe, Permanent Secretary II at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed the delegates on behalf of the Government of The Gambia and emphasized the importance of inclusive governance: “The Gambia’s experience shows that peaceful change, grounded in respect and determination, is possible when we work together.” The Forum is co-hosted by the Government of The Gambia in partnership with UNDP, UNOWAS, International IDEA, and the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation. It includes the launch of the Future of Governance in the Sahel report and continues through 31 July 2025. #SahelGovernanceForum #MOFAGambia #PresidentAdamaBarrow #RegionalGovernance #Peace #Inclusion #Trust #Banjul2025

The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Mr. Jean-Noël Barrot, received his Gambian counterpart, Mr. Sering Modou Njie, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, at the Quai d’Orsay on Thursday, July 24, 2025. This first meeting between the two ministers highlighted the excellence of Franco-Gambian relations, which have been experiencing a new momentum since the return to democracy in The Gambia in 2017. The ministers jointly reiterated our shared views on international issues and the shared commitment of France and The Gambia to peace, democracy, the fight against climate change, and the preservation of the oceans. They discussed France’s concrete support for The Gambia since 2018, particularly through projects in the areas of water, agriculture, biodiversity and resource mobilization. The ministers also welcomed the dynamism of the Alliance Française of Banjul, the strengthening of France’s economic presence in the country, and the deepening of our trade relations. Both Ministers welcomed the outcomes of their discussions and reaffirmed their determination to continue working together to deepen the friendship and cooperation between their two nations for the mutual benefit of their peoples.