May 2026

BANJUL, 3rd May 2026: The Government of the Republic of The Gambia, on Wednesday, 29th April 2026, successfully validated and launched its Second National Progress Report on the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), marking a significant milestone in the country’s migration governance journey ahead of the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) 2026 in New York. Convened by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad (MoFA), the validation exercise brought together a diverse group of national stakeholders and partners. Participants included government institutions, members of the National Coordination Mechanism on Migration (NCM), representatives of the United Nations system, development partners, civil society organizations, academia, the private sector, migrant and diaspora groups, youth representatives, and the media. The engagement served as a platform to review national progress, assess implementation efforts, and collectively refine the country’s reporting on migration governance. It also provided an opportunity to align perspectives on priority actions and strengthen coordination as The Gambia prepares to contribute to global discussions at IMRF 2026. In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary and Head of the Diplomatic Service at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Lang Yabou, described the exercise as both reflective and forward-looking. “The validation and launch of The Gambia’s Second National GCM Progress Report reflects a strong whole-of-government and whole-of-society commitment to managing migration in a safe, orderly and dignified manner,” he stated.
“As a GCM Champion Country, The Gambia is using this report as a foundation to engage credibly and constructively at the International Migration Review Forum 2026, demonstrating that well-governed migration is a powerful driver of sustainable development.” Ambassador Yabou further highlighted that the report is the outcome of extensive national consultations coordinated through the NCM, ensuring contributions from a wide range of sectors and actors. He noted that beyond documenting achievements, the report captures ongoing challenges and identifies areas requiring sustained attention, including the need for stronger international collaboration. Also addressing participants, Ms. Ndumbeh Saho, Director of Diaspora and Migration at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscored the importance of inclusivity in shaping migration policy and practice. “This occasion is not a mere procedural formality. It is an act of accountability and a celebration of a journey we have walked together,” she stated.
“This report stands as testimony to our collective dedication and our willingness to learn and improve, while ensuring that migration governance remains humane, rights-based and development-oriented.” Speaking on behalf of civil society, Ms. Yadicon Njie Eribo, Chairperson of The Gambia Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (TANGO), emphasized the importance of broad stakeholder participation in shaping migration policy. “The validation of the Second National GCM Progress Report reflects the country’s sustained commitment to a humane, rights-based, and development-oriented approach to migration governance,” she said.
“From a civil society perspective, the inclusive and consultative process underpinning this report demonstrates the value of whole-of-society engagement in ensuring that migration policies respond to real community and migrant experiences.” The validated report reflects The Gambia’s evolving migration landscape and outlines progress made in key areas such as policy coordination, institutional strengthening, and support systems for migrants. It also illustrates how migration considerations are being integrated into broader national development efforts, reinforcing the link between mobility and sustainable growth. Since aligning with the GCM framework, The Gambia has continued to advance a coordinated national approach to migration management. Through mechanisms such as the NCM, the Government has enhanced inter-agency collaboration and strengthened engagement with non-state actors, contributing to more coherent and responsive policy implementation. Also reaffirming continued international support, Ms. Sibgha Ajaz, Officer-in-Charge of International Organization for Migration The Gambia, commended the country’s leadership in migration governance. “The Gambia continues to demonstrate that principled leadership and inclusive governance can turn global commitments into real progress,” she stated.
“As a Global Compact for Migration Champion Country, The Gambia’s whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach sets an important example of how migration can be governed in a way that is humane, evidence-based and firmly anchored in national development priorities.” The report will serve as an important reference document for The Gambia’s participation in the IMRF 2026, where countries will assess global progress on the GCM and share experiences, lessons learned, and best practices. The validation exercise was supported by the International Organization for Migration, as part of its ongoing partnership with the Government of The Gambia to promote safe, orderly and regular migration. This support includes strengthening national coordination structures, improving data and evidence systems, and fostering inclusive participation in migration governance processes.