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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.

The Gambia hosted the Rabat Process Thematic Meeting on “Bridging the Gaps: Advancing Cooperation on Missing Migrants in the Rabat Process Region.” Co-chaired by The Gambia and Switzerland, the event was supported by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The meeting brought together delegations from 28 partner countries, international organizations, and technical experts. Held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Banjul, the two-day meeting marked a significant milestone as the first in-person gathering of the Network of National Focal Points (NFPs) for Missing Migrants, established under the Rabat Process framework. Speaking on behalf of the Government of The Gambia, Honorable Abdoulie Sanyang, Minister of Interior, addressed the plenary and emphasized the urgency of tackling irregular migration and addressing the challenges associated with missing migrants. He reaffirmed The Gambia’s strong commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable migration governance. Throughout the two days, participants explored the humanitarian impact of migrant disappearances, the importance of family engagement, and the need for strengthened legal frameworks and operational capacity. Key highlights included: Presentations from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on the Missing Migrants Project, underscoring the critical need for data and informed prevention strategies; Interactive sessions on improving search, identification, and cross-border coordination; Peer learning on how to support families and uphold the dignity and rights of missing persons. The meeting also celebrated a key achievement: for the first time, National Focal Points from several Rabat Process partner countries met in person to deepen collaboration and lay the groundwork for a stronger, more operational network. In his closing remarks on day two, Ambassador Lang Yabou, PS 1 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, extended heartfelt thanks to participants, partners, and support staff, and called for sustained action: “We leave here not with despair, but with a clear roadmap for action. Let us honour the memory of the missing by strengthening our systems, supporting families, and working together to prevent further tragedies.” The Gambia also extended its gratitude to Switzerland, Nigeria (as current Chair of the Rabat Process), and institutional partners including ICRC, ICMPD, IOM, ECOWAS, and the EU Delegation. The Government of The Gambia reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to collaborating with regional and international partners to uphold the dignity and rights of migrants throughout their journey. It emphasized that no migrant should be left unaccounted for and that affected families must be treated with dignity and provided with the necessary support.

On Friday, 11th July 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad bid a warm and heartfelt farewell to its outgoing Minister, Honorable Dr. Mamadou Tangara. The occasion marked the end of a remarkable chapter in the Ministry’s history, and the beginning of a legacy that will long be remembered. In a gathering filled with gratitude and emotion, Permanent Secretary I, Ambassador Lang Yabou, spoke on behalf of the entire staff in expressing deep appreciation to Dr. Tangara for his unwavering commitment and exemplary leadership. “The Ministry was truly blessed to have had you at the helm,” he remarked. “We are grateful for your service, and for the vision and integrity with which you led us.” Ambassador Yabou also offered prayers for Dr. Tangara’s continued success, assuring him that the Ministry remains committed to upholding the values and standards he instilled. Permanent Secretary II, Ms. Fatou Kinneh Jobe, echoed these sentiments, describing her time working alongside Dr. Tangara as an honor and a privilege. “You have not only represented The Gambia, you have championed it, elevating our voice on the global stage and reinforcing our country’s diplomatic presence with strength, grace, and wisdom.” In his remarks, Dr. Tangara extended his heartfelt gratitude to the PS’s, Directors and junior staff of the Ministry. He praised their professionalism, dedication, and support throughout his tenure, emphasizing that any success achieved was a collective accomplishment. With humility and warmth, he encouraged them to continue striving for excellence in serving the nation and representing The Gambia with pride and dignity. The farewell concluded on a joyous note, as Dr. Tangara was invited to cut a farewell cake and received thoughtful gifts from staff, as symbols of affection, admiration, and appreciation for his years of distinguished service.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad held a formal ceremony to welcome the newly appointed Honourable Minister, His Excellency Sering Modou Njie, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Banjul. The ceremony was opened by Permanent Secretary I, Ambassador Lang Yabou, who delivered warm welcoming remarks, and congratulated Hon. Minister Njie on his appointment. He assured the Minister of the full support and cooperation of the Ministry’s staff as he undertakes his new role. Ambassador Yabou also acknowledged the continuous support the Honorable Minister has previously extended to the Ministry, emphasizing his commitment to diplomacy and national service. PS Yabou alluded to the commitment and dedication of MoFA staff to their work and wished Hon. Njie a successful tenure in office. Speaking at the event, the outgoing Minister, Hon. Dr. Mamadou Tangara, welcomed his successor and congratulated him on his appointment. He described the new Minister as a dedicated and hardworking public servant and encouraged the staff and Cabinet to fully support him in carrying out the Ministry’s important mandate. The newly appointed Minister, Hon. Sering Modou Njie, expressed sincere appreciation for the warm welcome. He conveyed greetings from His Excellency, the President of the Republic of The Gambia, and expressed gratitude to the leadership and staff of the Ministry for their continued commitment in advancing The Gambia’s foreign policy and promoting the country’s image on the global stage. Hon. Njie reaffirmed his commitment to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to further strengthen The Gambia’s diplomatic relations and international presence. He also extended his congratulations to the outgoing Minister on his recent appointment as the African Union Special Representative in Mali and the Sahel. He thanked him for his exemplary service, support, and dedication during his tenure. Following the ceremony, Hon. Njie held individual meetings with all the Directors and subsequently met with staff under each Directorate. These introductory meetings provided an opportunity for engagement, sharing of ideas, and reaffirming the collaborative spirit required to fulfill the Ministry’s mandate. The Ministry looks forward to continued progress under the leadership of Honorable Njie as it works to uphold The Gambia’s interests both at home and abroad.

The newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Honourable Sering Modou Njie, today 14th July 2025 held a courtesy meeting with the Senegalese High Commissioner to The Gambia H.E. Mariame Sy at the Ministry in Banjul. The visit marks the Minister’s first official engagement since assuming office and underscores the strong ties of friendship and cooperation between The Gambia and Senegal. Discussions focused on deepening bilateral relations, regional security, cross-border collaboration, and ongoing initiatives between the two countries. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peaceful and mutually beneficial relations.

The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, His Excellency Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Wednesday, 11th June 2025, participated in the Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Ministerial Coordinators Meeting on the Implementation of the 2024 FOCAC Summit Outcomes. The meeting aimed to accelerate the implementation of the outcomes of the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit (Beijing Action Plan 2025-2028 including the following Ten Partnership Actions) : mutual learning among civilizations, trade prosperity, industrial change cooperation., connectivity, development cooperation, health, agriculture and livelihoods, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, green development, and common security. The core objectives of the ten partnership actions include enhancing economic collaboration, promoting technological exchange, and supporting Africa’s developmental agenda, particularly in addressing the continent’s unique challenges. In his opening remarks, H.E. Dr. Tangara extended warm and fraternal greetings from H.E. Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia to H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China. He expressed gratitude to H.E. Wang Yi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, and the Government of the People’s Republic of China for the hospitality and for the various bilateral assistance to The Gambia over the years. Hon. Tangara further congratulated China and Africa for reaching the important milestone of the 25th anniversary of FOCAC. Reflecting on the objectives of the meeting, Dr. Tangara recognized and appreciated the support from the Government of the People’s Republic of China in providing 360 billion Yuan of financial support to implement the ten partnership actions put forward by President Xi during the FOCAC Beijing Summit in 2024 as well as all the other financial assistance constituting China’s financial cooperation with Africa. Minister Tangara equally lauded the achievements in implementing the trade prosperity partnership action resulting in the signing of trade agreements between China and African countries including The Gambia, geared towards boosting trade between China and Africa by granting custom tariffs from zero to 100% of product categories. Consequently, Dr. Tangara witnessed the signing of the Protocol on the Exportation of Shelled Groundnut as well as the Protocol for the Exportation of Cashew to China signed by Honourable Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration & Employment on behalf of the Government of The Gambia. This was preceded by the signing of the Framework Agreement for Economic Shared Development between China and the Gambia. The signing of the agreements is a significant achievement in the trade cooperation between The Gambia and China, which allows agricultural products from The Gambia to access Chinese markets. Speaking on the partnership action for agricultural modernization, H.E Minister Tangara highlighted the importance of agricultural modernization for The Gambia adding that the plan to support Africa’s Agricultural Modernisation in line with the AU 2063 agenda, will enhance food security, local production and rural transformation. The Honourable Minister, in evaluating the partnership action for common security, acknowledged that no meaningful development could be achieved in the absence of Peace and Security and therefore, commended FOCAC for its strong focus on peace and security as a priority, showing the growing dimension of cooperation between China and Africa beyond economic cooperation in addressing critical issues such as regional stability, counterterrorism, and capacity building. In conclusion, Dr. Tangara expressed the Republic of The Gambia’s alignment with the Changsha Joint declaration and reassured the Peoples’ Republic of China of the Republic of The Gambia’s commitment to the one-China principle. In a separate engagement, Honourable Tangara also held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Chen Xiaodong, Director of the China International Development Cooperation Agency to discuss the project pool offered to the Gambia and other bilateral cooperation including the acceleration of the implementation of the Greater Banjul Transmission and Distribution Project, Agricultural Mechanization Project amongst other infrastructural development projects. Minister Joof equally held a bilateral meeting with H.E Tang Wenhong, Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Commerce of China and engaged in an in-depth exchange of views on the Joint Implementation of the partnership action on Trade prosperity between The Gambia and China. Hon. Joof expressed delight in the signing of the trade agreements and alluded that its implementation starts in earnest. He further commended China for their success story in industrialization process. He invited China’s expertise to support The Gambia’s journey to industrialization through technology transfer and knowledge sharing. For his part, H.E. Wenhong acknowledged the strong political cooperation between our two countries and recalled the meeting between President XI and President Barrow in Beijing during the 2024 FOCAC Summit in which the bilateral cooperation between Gambia and China were discussed at the highest level. He also thanked Minister Joof for proposing the bilateral meeting and pledged China’s support to The Gambia’s quest for industrialisation. During a reception hosted by H.E. Wang Yi in honour of the delegates, Minister Tangara engaged in a side discussion with his counterpart on strengthening bilateral relations with China. H.E. Massaneh N Kinteh, the Ambassador of the Embassy of the Republic of The Gambia in Beijing, actively participated in all the events.

The Republic of The Gambia is pleased to announce the formal establishment of diplomatic relations with Grenada, marking a significant milestone in the spirit of international cooperation, solidarity and mutual respect between our two nations. As fellow small states navigating a dynamic and evolving global landscape, The Gambia and Grenada are bound by shared values of unity, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth. This accord not only affirms our mutual desire to strengthen bilateral ties but also paves the way for constructive collaboration across various sectors of common interest, including education, climate action, tourism, agriculture, and trade. We envision a partnership rooted in people-to-people engagement, policy dialogue and the exchange of best practices that reflect our unique strengths and aspirations. The Government of The Gambia looks forward to working closely with the Government of Grenada to deepen this relationship in the years ahead, and to advance shared objectives on multilateral platforms in pursuit of peace, prosperity, and the well-being of our peoples. His Excellency, Mr Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of the Gambia and Hon Dickon Mitchell Prime Minister of Grenada are both eager to work closely on areas of mutual interest for the benefit of the two nations.

The Gambia’s transformative peace-building efforts took center stage at the United Nations headquarters as Foreign Minister Dr. Mamadou Tangara delivered a keynote address during the UN Peace-building Commission’s annual session commemorating its 20th anniversary. Invited in recognition of The Gambia’s peaceful transition and sustained progress, Dr. Tangara joined an ambassadorial-level panel titled “Lessons Learned from Peace-building Success Stories”, sharing insights from the country’s nationally-driven efforts following two decades of authoritarian rule. Hosted in the ECOSOC Chamber on 19th June 2025, the high-level session brought together UN member states, senior diplomats, and global peace-building actors to reflect on best practices for countries emerging from conflict. This year’s theme carried added significance amid a broader review of UN peace-building architecture and increasing concerns over fragility and democratic backsliding. In her official invitation, PBC Chair and German UN Ambassador Antje Leendertse lauded The Gambia’s experience as “invaluable,” underscoring the importance of homegrown strategies. “Countries that have navigated the challenging path from conflict to peace are able to offer crucial insights,” she noted. During his address, Minister Tangara highlighted the pivotal role of national ownership, inclusive dialogue, and institutional reform in The Gambia’s transition. He emphasized milestones such as the establishment of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), security sector and judicial reforms, and the creation of the National Human Rights Commission. These efforts, he stressed, were aimed at ensuring justice, strengthening the rule of law, and restoring public trust in governance. “Peace cannot be imported,” Tangara said. “It must be cultivated from within nurtured by the people, for the people.” He commended the UN Peace-building Commission for its timely and decisive support during The Gambia’s critical political transition following the 2017 impasse, acknowledging that coordinated multilateral assistance was instrumental in facilitating inclusive governance, strengthening public institutions, and advancing transitional justice. FM Tangara also announced recent progress in justice and accountability, including the establishment of the Special Accountability Mechanism and the passage of the Victims Reparation Act. He confirmed The Gambia’s intent to establish a hybrid court, with ECOWAS support, to adjudicate crimes committed between 1994 and 2017. These steps, he said, reflect the country’s commitment to the principle of “Never Again” and to building a durable culture of human rights and accountability. As one of the few countries in recent years to achieve a peaceful and democratic transition, The Gambia’s story served as both inspiration and blueprint during the session reinforcing the importance of national resilience, international solidarity, and sustained engagement in the pursuit of peace. Established in 2005, the UN Peace-building Commission supports conflict-affected countries through international cooperation, policy dialogue, and resource mobilization.

The 51st Session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers convened on 21st–22nd June 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye, under the chairmanship of H.E. Dr. Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye. The high-level gathering, hosted in the historic city of Istanbul, was inaugurated with an address by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, underscoring Türkiye’s leadership in the Muslim world. Among the distinguished delegates was H.E. Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, who represented The Gambia and delivered a powerful statement emphasizing the urgent need for unified Islamic action in the face of ongoing global challenges. In his speech, Minister Tangara strongly condemned the recent Israeli attacks on Iran, framing them as deliberate attempts to distract from the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. He highlighted alarming reports of famine affecting nearly 290,000 children in the Gaza Strip, calling the situation “genocidal” due to the ongoing blockade by Israeli forces. “The Gambia reiterates its unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights,” said Dr. Tangara. He emphasized the importance of international law and moral responsibility, urging the global community to compel Israel to respect peace processes and cease violations of Palestinian rights. He also supported the adoption of a declaration by the Council to condemn Israel’s assaults and prevent further regional destabilization. Minister Tangara cautioned against military escalation, urging the OIC and the international community to resist being drawn into conflict through Israeli provocations. He reiterated that diplomacy remains the only sustainable route to peace in the Middle East and that any response must not sabotage the long-standing objective of achieving a Two-State Solution with East Jerusalem (Al-Quds Al-Shareef) as the capital of a sovereign Palestinian state. Reaffirming The Gambia’s commitment to justice, Dr. Tangara updated delegates on the ICJ case against Myanmar concerning the Rohingya genocide. He called for continued support from OIC member states to cover legal expenses and praised Kuwait’s additional pledge of $100,000 to the OIC Special Account for the case. In his capacity as Chair of the Ad Hoc Ministerial Committee on the Rohingyas, Dr. Tangara announced a meeting on the margins of the session to mobilize further support and solidarity for the persecuted minority. Dr. Tangara praised the session’s theme, “The OIC in a Transforming World”, describing it as timely and reflective of the urgent need to reform and revitalize the Organization. He reiterated The Gambia’s full alignment with OIC reform initiatives aimed at enhancing the organization’s operational effectiveness, financial transparency, and global relevance. Linking the current session to the outcomes of the 15th Islamic Summit Conference held in Banjul in May 2024, Dr. Tangara reaffirmed The Gambia’s dedication to the reform agenda, advocating for accelerated consultations and institutional renewal to better serve the Muslim Ummah in a rapidly evolving global landscape. In conclusion, Minister Tangara extended profound appreciation to the government and people of Türkiye for their hospitality and leadership. He congratulated Türkiye on assuming the chairmanship of the Council and expressed The Gambia’s strong support for Iraq’s proposal to host the 52nd Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers. “As we deliberate on pressing global issues, let us remain committed to collective action, solidarity, and diplomacy principles that are the bedrock of our shared Islamic values,” he concluded.