National News

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Hon. Sering Modou Njie, participated in the 2026 Korea–Africa Business Forum held on 2 June 2026 in Seoul, Republic of Korea, on the sidelines of the 2026 Korea–Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Hon. Njie participated as a panelist during Session III on “Critical Minerals and Energy Cooperation for Korea–Africa Co-Prosperity,” where he joined fellow African ministers and senior representatives in discussions on strengthening strategic partnerships between Africa and Korea in the areas of energy, industrial development, technology transfer, and sustainable investment. In his intervention, Minister Njie emphasized that Africa’s vast critical mineral resources and growing energy potential present significant opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation with the Republic of Korea. He noted that Africa seeks partnerships that go beyond the traditional model of extracting and exporting raw materials, and instead promote industrialization, value addition, technology transfer, infrastructure development, and job creation. The Minister highlighted The Gambia’s commitment to advancing renewable energy development, improving energy access, and creating an enabling environment for green investment and sustainable economic growth. He identified renewable energy infrastructure, particularly solar energy, capacity building, technical training, green technology transfer, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and digital connectivity as key areas for enhanced cooperation between The Gambia and the Republic of Korea. Hon. Njie further outlined the significant strides made by The Gambia under the leadership of His Excellency President Adama Barrow in transforming the country’s energy sector through investments in renewable energy, rural electrification, and energy infrastructure. He noted that these efforts have contributed to expanding access to electricity, improving energy security, reducing dependence on fossil fuels, and strengthening climate resilience. The Minister underscored that successful Korea–Africa cooperation in critical minerals and energy should be anchored on the principles of mutual benefit, shared prosperity, local value addition, sustainable and responsible practices, technology and knowledge transfer, and investments in infrastructure and connectivity. He stressed that such cooperation should focus not only on resources, but also on transformation, innovation, sustainability, and human development. The Forum provided an important platform for strengthening dialogue between African countries and the Republic of Korea and for exploring new opportunities to advance sustainable economic cooperation and shared prosperity.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Hon. Sering Modou Njie, led The Gambia’s delegation to the 2026 Korea–Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, held in Seoul, Republic of Korea from 31st May to 2nd June 2026. The Minister was accompanied by Ms. Fatou Kinneh Jobe, Permanent Secretary II at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Masanneh N. Kinteh, Ambassador of the Republic of The Gambia to the Republic of Korea with residence in Beijing, and other senior government officials. The Meeting brought together Foreign Ministers and Heads of Delegation from African countries, representatives of the African Union and key continental institutions, alongside the Government of the Republic of Korea, to review progress made since the 2024 Korea–Africa Summit and to further strengthen cooperation aimed at promoting shared prosperity, sustainable growth and resilience. The Ministerial Meeting was preceded by the Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) held on 31 May 2026, during which The Gambia was represented by Ms. Fatou Kinneh Jobe, Permanent Secretary II at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In her intervention, Permanent Secretary Jobe reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to strengthening the Korea–Africa partnership and emphasized the importance of translating the commitments of the partnership into concrete and measurable outcomes that directly benefit the peoples of Africa and Korea. She further highlighted the importance of strengthening monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the effective implementation of agreed initiatives. Addressing the Ministerial Meeting held on 1 June 2026, on the theme “Strengthening Economic Cooperation – Promoting Shared Prosperity and Sustainable Growth,” Hon. Sering Modou Njie, Minister of Foreign Affairs conveyed the fraternal greetings and best wishes of His Excellency President Adama Barrow to his brother, His Excellency President Lee Jae Myung of the Republic of Korea, reaffirming the strong and cordial relations between The Gambia and the Republic of Korea. Minister Njie underscored the importance of enhanced Korea–Africa cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure development, technology transfer, agricultural modernization, energy, digital transformation, and human capital development. He noted that stronger partnerships in these areas are essential for creating opportunities for young people, strengthening economic resilience, and accelerating sustainable development across Africa. Minister Njie welcomed and reaffirmed The Gambia’s support for the 2026 Korea–Africa Joint Statement, which seeks to deepen practical and mutually beneficial cooperation between Korea and African countries. He commended the Republic of Korea for its continued support to The Gambia’s national development priorities, particularly through initiatives aimed at improving food security, expanding technical and vocational education and training, promoting innovation, and strengthening governance institutions. He also acknowledged Korea’s support for peacebuilding and institutional strengthening initiatives in Africa, including assistance to The Gambia’s transitional justice process. Hon. Minister Njie further welcomed the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between The Gambia and the Korea-Africa Foundation, noting that it represents an important step towards strengthening people-to-people exchanges and expanding practical cooperation between the two countries. The Meeting concluded with the adoption of the 2026 Korea–Africa Foreign Ministers’ Joint Statement, which reaffirmed the commitment of Korea and African countries to deepen cooperation in areas including trade and investment, infrastructure development, digital transformation, education, food security, climate action, health, peace and security, and people-to-people exchanges. The participation of The Gambia in the 2026 Korea–Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting reflects the Government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the Republic of Korea and advancing strategic partnerships that contribute to national development, economic transformation, and the well-being of the Gambian people.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: On Tuesday, 19th May 2026, the Hon. Minister Sering Modou Njie held a series of bilateral engagements with diplomatic envoys, development partners, and private sector stakeholders aimed at strengthening cooperation and advancing The Gambia’s foreign policy and development priorities. 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃 The Minister first received Ms. Julita Baś, Chargée d’Affaires and Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Dakar, accompanied by Ms. Anna Rosenthal, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Dakar, and Mr. Hussein Diab Ghanem, Honorary Consul of Poland to The Gambia. During the meeting, Hon. Minister Njie extended The Gambia Government’s appreciation to the Government of Poland for its continued support and cooperation. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries and exploring avenues to further enhance collaboration in areas including institutional support, capacity building and security sector reforms. The Minister also underscored the need for both countries to deepen cooperation in the education sector, particularly through scholarship opportunities and educational exchange initiatives, while commending the Polish Government for its support in these areas. 𝐋𝐈𝐁𝐘𝐀 The Minister later received H.E. Munsef M.H. Naseeb, Ambassador of Libya to The Gambia, who paid a farewell courtesy call on Hon. Minister Sering Modou Njie following the completion of his diplomatic tenure in The Gambia. During the meeting, Ambassador Naseeb expressed profound appreciation to Hon. Minister Njie, staff at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Government of The Gambia for the support, cooperation and cordial relations extended to him throughout his tenure in the country. He commended the longstanding brotherly relations between Libya and The Gambia and acknowledged the level of cooperation that continues to exist between the two nations in areas of mutual interest. Discussions also focused on bilateral cooperation and ways to further strengthen relations between The Gambia and Libya, particularly in areas relating to migration and other sectors of mutual concern. Hon. Minister Njie thanked Ambassador Naseeb for his service and valuable contribution towards strengthening the cordial relations between The Gambia and Libya during his tenure. The Minister wished him success in his future endeavours and reaffirmed The Gambia Government’s commitment to continued collaboration with Libya in order to further consolidate and enhance the longstanding bilateral ties between the two countries. 𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐘 Hon. Minister Sering Modou Njie also received H.E. Klaus Botzet, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to The Gambia, for discussions aimed at further strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between The Gambia and Germany. The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to discuss issues of mutual interest and ongoing cooperation between the two countries. 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 Hon. Minister Njie also held discussions with Mr. Karl Frederick Paul, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in The Gambia. The meeting provided an opportunity for discussions on various areas of development cooperation and issues of mutual interest between the Government of The Gambia and the United Nations system. The series of engagements also included a meeting between the Minister and Mandisa Mashologu, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The meeting served as an opportunity for the UNDP Resident Representative to brief the Minister on the organisation’s activities and provide updates on project implementation and interventions undertaken during the second quarter of the year in support of The Gambia’s development priorities. 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐑 𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 Hon. Minister Njie also received Mr. Dennis Elverir, Turkish entrepreneur based in The Gambia. Discussions centred on investment opportunities especially on renewable and solar energy development and potential areas of economic cooperation aimed at supporting The Gambia’s development agenda and promoting private sector engagement.

𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐣𝐮𝐥, 𝟏𝟐𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad H.E. Sering Modou Njie on Monday, 11th May 2026 received the outgoing United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Country Representative to The Gambia, H.E. Ndeye Rose Sarr, at his office in Banjul on the occasion of the completion of her diplomatic assignment in the country. During the meeting, H.E. Sering Modou Njie commended H.E. Sarr for her exemplary service and the significant support she rendered to The Gambia during her tenure. He praised her dedication, able leadership, and valuable contributions to the country’s development efforts through UNFPA-supported programmes and initiatives. Minister Njie acknowledged the important role played by H.E. Sarr in strengthening cooperation between UNFPA and the Government of The Gambia, particularly in the areas of population and development, gender equality, reproductive health, and youth empowerment. He expressed gratitude for her unwavering commitment and wished her continued success in her future endeavours. For her part, H.E. Ndeye Rose Sarr expressed sincere appreciation to Foreign Minister Njie for his leadership and for the support extended to UNFPA, which facilitated the effective implementation of its programmes in The Gambia.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Permanent Secretary II at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Ms. Fatou Kinneh Jobe, on Wednesday, 6th May 2026, received members of the Sunu Reewu Medical Mission during a courtesy call at the Ministry in Banjul. The delegation briefed the Permanent Secretary on the activities and achievements of the Sunu Reewu Medical Mission, a non-profit initiative founded in 2021 by Gambian national Victoria Lissong Richards-Ohwotu to help bridge healthcare gaps in The Gambia. During the meeting, discussions focused on the Mission’s continued support to the country’s healthcare sector through medical outreach, training, educational exchange programmes, and donations of medical supplies and equipment to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH). The delegation highlighted the progress of the Medical Mission over the years, including the deployment of volunteer physicians and healthcare professionals from the United States and Canada who continue to work closely with Gambian medical personnel in providing critical surgeries, treatment, and specialized training. In welcoming the delegation on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Gambia, Hon. Sering Modou Njie, Permanent Secretary Jobe commended the initiative for its valuable contribution to strengthening healthcare delivery and capacity building in The Gambia. She noted that health remains one of the Government’s key priority areas, emphasizing the importance of investing in the wellbeing of citizens. “Health is wealth, and no meaningful national development can take place without a healthy population,” Permanent Secretary Jobe stated. “The Government of The Gambia highly values partnerships and initiatives that contribute to improving healthcare services and enhancing the capacity of our medical institutions and professionals.” She further reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for initiatives that promote humanitarian assistance, medical collaboration, and skills transfer for national development. The delegation also expressed appreciation to the Embassy of The Gambia in Washington, D.C. for its continuous support and cooperation in facilitating the Mission’s activities. The team further briefed the Permanent Secretary on ongoing activities during the current mission, including health fairs, specialized autism education workshops, surgical procedures, and medical training sessions involving local and international healthcare professionals. The meeting further underscored the importance of collaboration between the Gambian diaspora, international partners, and national institutions in improving healthcare services and supporting community wellbeing across the country.

On the margins of the 2026 International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) in New York, the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Gambia H.E Sering Modou Njie on Wednesday 6th May 2026 held a bilateral meeting with the United Nations Under Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States Ambassador Fatima Rabab. The meeting discussed issues of importance to both sides including the Mid-Term Review of the Doha Programme of Action for LDC’s slated for March 2027 in Qatar, the African Regional Review of the Doha Programme of Action scheduled to be held in Addis in June 2026, the Gambia’s proposed Chairmanship of the LDC Group, the coming LDC Future Forum slated to take place in Helsinki and the proposal for the holding of the 2027 LDC Future Forum in Africa. The two sides also discussed matters relating to international and development cooperation, graduation readiness for LDC member states, building an online university, resilience building for LDCs, food stockholding mechanism to address food security and the UN @80 Reforms. Hon. Minister Njie conveys the Gambia’s appreciation and readiness to continue working closely with the Office of the UN High Representative on matters affecting LDCs. Under Secretary-General and High Representative Ambassador Rabab also extended appreciation to The Gambia for its leadership on LDC issues and partnership with her Office over the years. H.E Sering Modou Njie was accompanied by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Lang Yabou, Permanent Representative and Ambassador of The Gambia to the UN H.E Lamin B. Dibba and Ms. Binta Jeng, Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of The Gambia to the United Nations, New York.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋 𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Permanent Secretary II at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Ms. Fatou Kinneh Jobe, on Tuesday, 5th May 2026 warmly received a delegation from the African Union Commission Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) Directorate during a courtesy call at the Ministry in Banjul. The delegation is currently in The Gambia from 4th to 7th May 2026 as part of a stakeholder engagement mission aimed at supporting quick impact projects within the framework of the PCRD initiative. The mission focuses on key areas including transitional justice, disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration /security sector reform (DDR/SSR), health, education, humanitarian assistance, and human rights. During the meeting, Permanent Secretary Jobe warmly welcomed the delegation and assured them of the Ministry’s fullest support and cooperation throughout their mission in The Gambia. PS Jobe highlighted that the visit is a clear demonstration of the African Union’s steadfast commitment to supporting its Member States in advancing peacebuilding, recovery, and sustainable development. She noted that The Gambia is particularly honoured to be among the priority countries selected for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) interventions, adding that the recognition reflects both the progress the country has made and the important work that still lies ahead as it continues on its path of national transformation. Discussions centered on The Gambia’s transitional justice process and the country’s continued efforts to promote reconciliation, accountability, and respect for human rights following the democratic transition. Permanent Secretary Jobe provided insights into the progress made by The Gambia in strengthening democratic institutions and promoting accountability and good governance. The meeting also provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on areas of collaboration and support under the PCRD framework, particularly in initiatives aimed at sustaining peace, empowering communities, and enhancing institutional capacity. The African Union delegation commended The Gambia’s commitment to peacebuilding and transitional justice, reaffirming the Commission’s readiness to continue engaging with national stakeholders in support of the country’s development and stability efforts.