National News

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟑𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, H.E. Sering Modou Njie, delivered an intervention at the 11th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) in Malabo, Republic of Equatorial Guinea. Speaking under the theme “A Transformed and Renewed OACPS in a Changing World,” the Minister expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Equatorial Guinea for hosting the Summit. In his intervention, H.E. Njie reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to the OACPS and underscored the importance of strengthening unity, enhancing intra-ACP trade, and deepening regional and inter-regional cooperation as key drivers of sustainable development. He emphasized the need for closer alignment between the OACPS and regional organisations, including the African Union, ECOWAS, SADC, EAC, ECCAS, CARICOM, and the Pacific Islands Forum, to ensure greater coherence and effective implementation of shared priorities. The Minister further called for a shift from commitments to concrete action, anchored on multilateralism, good governance, inclusive growth, and resilience. He highlighted the need for the organisation to harness opportunities in digital transformation, technology transfer, and innovation to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving global landscape. Addressing institutional sustainability, H.E. Njie stressed that the effectiveness of the OACPS depends on the commitment of member states to meet their assessed contributions, alongside the need for timely and responsive reforms. Concluding, he noted that with strengthened commitment and decisive action, the OACPS can reinforce its role as a credible platform for cooperation and a stronger voice for its member states in global affairs.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, His Excellency Sering Modou Njie, on Friday travelled to Equatorial Guinea to participate in the 11th Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Summit. At this distinguished gathering, he represents the President of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency Adama Barrow, and leads The Gambia’s delegation. Notably, The Gambia currently holds the Presidency of the OACPS Council of Ministers, a position that underscores the country’s growing leadership role within the organisation and its commitment to advancing collective priorities among member states. The high-level summit brings together leaders and representatives from member states to deliberate on matters of shared importance, including sustainable development, economic cooperation, and the strengthening of global partnerships. Minister Njie’s participation further reinforces The Gambia’s steadfast commitment to multilateral engagement and its dedication to fostering enhanced collaboration within the OACPS framework. Accompanying the Minister are key members of the delegation, including the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Hon. Seedy Keita; the Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Dawda Jallow; the Director of European Affairs, Mrs. Mariam Khan-Jallow; His Excellency The Gambia’s Ambassador in Brussels, Mr. Pa Musa Jobarteh; the Deputy Head of Mission at the Gambia Embassy in Brussels, Mr. Musa Camara; and Second Secretary, Ms. Awa Sey.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: On 27th March 2026, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, His Excellency Sering Modou Njie, held a bilateral meeting with his Somali counterpart, His Excellency Abdisalam Abdi Ali, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 11th Summit of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) in Malabo, Republic of Equatorial Guinea. During the discussions, the two Ministers exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation within multilateral frameworks. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration for the mutual benefit of their respective countries and peoples.

𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐣𝐮𝐥, 𝟐𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: On Tuesday, 24th March 2026, the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sering Modou Njie, welcomed Ms. Sibgha Ajaz, Officer in Charge of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in The Gambia, at his office in Banjul. The visit provided an opportunity for open dialogue on priority areas where IOM can support The Gambia’s migration management and related initiatives. Minister Njie expressed profound appreciation for IOM’s continuous support, noting that while The Gambia sometimes faces challenging situations, IOM has always been professional, reliable, and responsive partner. Permanent Secretary at the Ministry, Ambassador Lang Yabou, underscored the strong partnership between The Gambia and IOM, highlighting the many successful collaborative projects over the years. Ms. Ajaz commended The Gambia for being a “Champion Country” in the global migration landscape. She praised the nation’s leadership in leveraging its National Coordination Mechanism on Migration and partnership with IOM to implement the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). She also recognized the excellent work of the Diaspora and Migration Directorate, led by Director Ms. Ndumbeh Saho, noting the team’s contribution to initiatives supporting Gambians abroad and championing the missing migrants’ issue. The meeting reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to closer collaboration with IOM and other partners to enhance migration governance, share best practices, and address the needs of vulnerable populations.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad, His Excellency Sering Modou Njie, on Tuesday 24th March 2026 received a high-level delegation comprising Mr. Christoph Rauh, Director for Africa at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), accompanied by His Excellency Klaus Botzet, German Ambassador to The Gambia. The delegation also included the Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, Her Excellency Damtien Larbli Tchintchibidja, and the ECOWAS Representative/Ambassador to The Gambia, Her Excellency Lily French. During the meeting, Minister Njie underscored the longstanding an d strategic partnership between The Gambia and the Federal Republic of Germany, emphasizing shared commitments to peace, democratic governance, and sustainable development. He highlighted the importance of the Fund for Regional Stabilisation and Development (FRSD) as a key initiative supporting local economic empowerment, youth and women’s participation in governance, and community resilience. In his remarks, Mr. Christoph Rauh commended The Gambia for its active engagement on the global stage despite its size and expressed interest in exploring opportunities to strengthen the country’s energy framework. The ECOWAS Vice-President, Her Excellency Damtien Larbli Tchintchibidja, expressed gratitude to the Gambian authorities for the warm reception and cooperation extended since their arrival, reaffirming the commitment of ECOWAS to regional partnership and development. Minister Njie concluded the meeting by expressing appreciation for the continued collaboration with Germany and ECOWAS, reaffirming The Gambia’s commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and peaceful development through strong regional and international partnerships.  

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟏𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, H.E. Sering Modou Njie, held a bilateral meeting with Ms. Kate Foster of the United Kingdom on 16th March 2026 on the margins of the Commonwealth Foreign Minister’s Meeting. The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to review the longstanding relations between The Gambia and the United Kingdom and explore avenues for further cooperation in areas such as trade, education, tourism, and defence and security. Minister Njie expressed appreciation for the United Kingdom’s continued support to The Gambia, particularly in strengthening the civil service, advancing security sector reforms, and supporting the country’s transitional justice process. He also acknowledged UK assistance in enhancing the operational capacity of the Gambia Navy in addressing illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and irregular migration, as well as support to Peace Support Operations involving the Gambia Armed Forces. The Minister highlighted the Government’s interest in expanding educational opportunities for Gambian students through increased scholarship programmes and expressed the desire to see a rise in tourist arrivals from the United Kingdom. Minister Njie further informed the meeting that the Ministry is currently reviewing several national policy frameworks, including its Foreign Service Policy, and would welcome technical collaboration with the United Kingdom. He also shared plans for the establishment of a Diplomatic Academy aimed at strengthening The Gambia’s diplomatic capacity. Ms. Foster welcomed the strong partnership between London and Banjul and reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to continued cooperation with The Gambia across key sectors. She requested for The Gambia’s support to continue working closely with the United Kingdom and other partners in support of various resolutions on human rights issues at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.In response, Minister Njie reiterated The Gambia’s commitment to working with international partners in support of peace and stability. The meeting was attended by H.E. Fatou Bensouda, High Commissioner of The Gambia to the United Kingdom, Mrs. Sainey Barrow, Counsellor, and H.E. Harriet King, British High Commissioner to The Gambia.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟏𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: Honourable Sering Modou Njie, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad of the The Gambia, on Monday, 9th March 2026, while in London to attend the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, was granted an audience with His Majesty King Charles III at St James’s Palace. During the meeting, Minister Njie conveyed the fraternal greetings and best wishes of His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, to His Majesty the King. The Minister also delivered a warm invitation from President Barrow, inviting His Majesty to undertake a visit to The Gambia. In their brief exchange, both sides reflected on the King’s visit to The Gambia in 2019, with His Majesty expressing appreciation for the warm reception and hospitality extended to him during that visit. Minister Njie also conveyed the Government of The Gambia’s gratitude and appreciation to the United Kingdom for the invaluable support it has provided to the country over the years. The discussion further highlighted the positive contributions and exemplary character of Gambians residing in the United Kingdom. Both sides reaffirmed the cordial and longstanding relations between The Gambia and the United Kingdom, expressing confidence that these historic ties will continue to grow stronger.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad informs the public that His Excellency President Adama Barrow held telephone conversations on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, with the leaders of Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan to discuss the evolving situation in the Middle East, particularly the recent attacks by Iran targeting several countries in the region. President Barrow, in his capacity as Chair of the 15th Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), expressed grave concern over the attacks and reaffirmed The Gambia’s solidarity with the governments and peoples of the affected countries, while emphasizing the importance of dialogue and diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝐮𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭 His Highness Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait, received the call from President Adama Barrow. During the conversation, President Barrow expressed deep concern over the recent attacks by Iran and reaffirmed The Gambia’s support for State of Kuwait in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and stability. The Crown Prince conveyed the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait, and expressed appreciation to President Barrow for his gesture of solidarity and support. 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐛 𝐄𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 His Excellency President Barrow also spoke with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates. The Gambian leader expressed strong concern over the attacks by Iran, noting that such actions represent a serious violation of state sovereignty and pose a threat to regional peace and stability. He reaffirmed The Gambia’s solidarity with the UAE and its support for measures aimed at safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity and the safety of its people. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed thanked President Barrow for The Gambia’s supportive stance. Both leaders stressed the importance of halting military escalation and prioritizing dialogue and diplomacy to preserve regional and international stability. 𝐇𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐧 President Barrow also held a telephone conversation with His Majesty King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The two leaders discussed the security situation in the region following the recent attacks by Iran. King Abdullah II underscored the importance of intensifying international efforts to restore calm through dialogue and diplomatic channels. He also warned against exploiting the current situation to restrict the freedom of worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque or alter the historical and legal status quo in the West Bank and Gaza. President Barrow emphasized the need for restraint, respect for international law and the protection of civilians. In closing , President Barrow reiterated The Gambia’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflicts and called for collective international efforts to promote peace, security and stability in the Middle East.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟏𝟎 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Government of the Republic of The Gambia and the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago have formally established diplomatic relations, marking an important step toward strengthening cooperation and friendship between the two nations. The Joint Communiqué was signed in London on 9 March 2026 by Hon. Sean Sobers, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and Hon. Sering Modou Njie, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad of the Republic of The Gambia, on behalf of their respective Governments. The establishment of diplomatic relations reflects the shared commitment of Trinidad and Tobago and The Gambia to deepen mutual understanding and expand cooperation in areas of common interest for the benefit of their peoples. Both countries reaffirmed their adherence to the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter, Commonwealth and international law, including the sovereign equality of states, respect for territorial integrity, and non-interference in the internal affairs of states. The two Ministers are currently in London attending the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM), where they also engaged in constructive dialogue on matters of mutual interest. The Governments expressed confidence that the establishment of diplomatic relations will contribute to stronger bilateral engagement and further support international peace and security.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad of The Gambia is pleased to inform the public that Her Excellency Salimatta E. T. Touray, Non-Resident High Commissioner of the Republic of The Gambia to the Republic of Rwanda, presented her Letters of Credence to His Excellency Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, on 6 March 2026. The ceremony formally accredited Ambassador Touray as The Gambia’s High Commissioner to Rwanda. She was accompanied by Mr. Lamin Suwareh, Senior Protocol Officer of the Embassy of The Gambia in Addis Ababa. During the meeting, Her Excellency conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia. She also highlighted several priority areas for enhanced cooperation between the two countries, including security collaboration, capacity building for civil servants, legal training, agriculture, food storage systems, trade and investment, migration management, diaspora engagement, and initiatives aimed at addressing youth unemployment. Speaking to journalists following the audience with President Kagame, Ambassador Touray described Rwanda as a trusted partner whose development experience offers valuable lessons for The Gambia. She reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations and development cooperation with Rwanda. The High Commissioner further outlined The Gambia’s interest in learning from Rwanda’s internationally recognized progress in digital governance, public service delivery, and security management. In particular, she highlighted Rwanda’s flagship digital government services platform, 𝐼𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑜𝐺𝑜𝑣, which has transformed access to public services by enabling citizens to process key government documents online. Ambassador Touray noted that cooperation between the two countries is already taking shape following the signing of a General Framework of Cooperation in 2021, covering key areas such as security and defence cooperation, public service reform, and judicial collaboration. She also emphasized opportunities for collaboration in education, including student exchanges in technical and higher education particularly in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as well as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Discussions are also underway regarding cooperation in legal education, including exchanges between law schools and bar training institutions in both countries. Looking ahead, the High Commissioner underscored the importance of trade and investment in strengthening bilateral relations, particularly within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Both governments are exploring ways to increase trade flows and promote investment opportunities between businesses in the two countries. On migration management and diaspora engagement, Ambassador Touray noted that The Gambia, which has a significant diaspora population, is interested in learning from Rwanda’s policies and strategies for effective diaspora engagement. “As High Commissioner of The Gambia, I am here to further strengthen the relations between our two countries. Our aim is to ensure that this partnership continues to grow so that both nations and their peoples benefit mutually,” she stated. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad congratulates Her Excellency Ambassador Salimatta E.T. Touray on this important diplomatic milestone and wishes her success in advancing the strong and growing relations between The Gambia and Rwanda.