National News

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟏𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, H.E Mr. Sering Modou Njie, on Friday, 7 August 2026, received Ms. Maria Dolores Artola Casariego, the newly appointed Chargé d’Affaires of the Diplomatic Antenna of the Kingdom of Spain in The Gambia. The discussions focused on a range of issues of mutual interest, including cooperation in the areas of security, energy, agriculture, health, education, and migration, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepening collaboration in these sectors. Hon. Minister Njie warmly welcomed Ms. Artola Casariego to The Gambia and conveyed his congratulations on her appointment. He underscored the longstanding and cordial relations between The Gambia and Spain, noting Spain’s important contribution to The Gambia’s socio-economic development and its continued support for the country’s development priorities. Hon. Minister further expressed appreciation to the Government of Spain for its continued support to The Gambia, particularly in relation to the recognition and documentation of Gambian nationals residing in Spain and welcomed Spain’s cooperation in addressing matters affecting the Gambian community. For her part, Ms. Artola Casariego conveyed the warm greetings of the Ambassador of Spain to The Gambia and expressed her readiness to engage closely with the Government of The Gambia during her tenure. She reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and advancing ongoing programmes and exploring new areas of cooperation between the two countries. Ms. Artola Casariego assured her willingness to work closely with the Government of The Gambia and relevant institutions to further consolidate the great achievements registered in the bilateral relations between the two countries. In conclusion, H.E Sering Modou Njie reassured Ms. Maria Dolores Artola Casariego of the full support of the Government of The Gambia, particularly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and further reaffirmed the commitment of The Gambia to continue growing its relationships with the Kingdom of Spain.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟑𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: His Excellency President Adama Barrow today held bilateral talks with His Excellency Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Gabonese Republic, at the State House in Banjul during the latter’s State Visit to The Gambia. The meeting reaffirmed the longstanding friendship and excellent relations between the two sister Republics and underscored their shared commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors. The two Heads of State held cordial and productive discussions on the current state of relations between The Gambia and Gabon and explored new opportunities to strengthen cooperation in political and diplomatic affairs, trade and investment, agriculture, health, education, infrastructure, tourism and other areas of mutual interest. They also reaffirmed their common commitment to promoting sustainable development, regional peace and stability, and enhancing collaboration within the African Union and other multilateral fora. A major highlight of today’s programme was the signing of several landmark bilateral instruments, which represent a significant milestone in the growing partnership between The Gambia and the Gabonese Republic. These agreements provide a strong institutional and legal framework for expanding cooperation and ensuring the effective implementation of joint initiatives between the two countries. The instruments signed include: 1. 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 – establishing a broad framework for cooperation across various sectors of mutual interest and reinforcing the overall bilateral partnership. 2. 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – creating a permanent bilateral mechanism to coordinate, monitor and periodically review the implementation of agreed areas of cooperation between the two Governments. 3. 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐧 – institutionalising regular consultations to strengthen diplomatic dialogue, policy coordination and collaboration on regional, continental and international issues of common interest. 4. 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 – a landmark achievement that will facilitate the movement of Gambian and Gabonese between the two countries. This important agreement will promote more frequent high-level visits, strengthen institutional collaboration, facilitate official engagements, and further deepen diplomatic relations between The Gambia and Gabon. It also reflects the high level of trust, confidence and friendship that exists between the two Governments. The two Heads of State also signed a 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞, reaffirming their shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual benefit. The Joint Communiqué reflects the common vision of both Leaders to build a stronger strategic partnership founded on mutual respect, solidarity and shared aspirations for peace, prosperity and sustainable development. It further underscores their commitment to translating the excellent political relations between the two countries into concrete programmes and initiatives that will improve the lives of their peoples. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad welcomes the successful outcome of today’s bilateral engagements, which mark another important milestone in the relations between the Republic of The Gambia and the Gabonese Republic. The Ministry remains committed to working closely with all relevant institutions to ensure the effective implementation of the agreements signed today and to further strengthen the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two sister Republics for the mutual benefit of their peoples.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: On Thursday 23rd July 2026, Ambassador Lang Yabou, Permanent Secretary I, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad of the Republic of The Gambia, on behalf of H.E. Sering Modou Njie, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, received a high-level delegation from the African Union Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The delegation was in the country from 21 to 23 July 2026, on an advocacy mission to engage stakeholders as part of AU CDC’s engagement to support the Government of The Gambia in its efforts for the enactment of the Mental Health Bill into law. It was led by Dr. Mohammed Abdulaziz, Head of Division, Disease Control and Prevention at AU CDC. The AU delegation comprises of staff of the African Union CDC, Senators and Parliamentarians from African Union Member States, Representatives of Civil Society Organizations in Africa and, the Ministry of Health of The Gambia. In welcoming the delegation, Ambassador Yabou thanked them on behalf of the Government of The Gambia for the great initiative, noting the importance of working together to address mental health issues. He pointed out that, mental health affect mainly the critical core of our society, the young people with direct negative impacts on the labour force, safety, as well as huge social and economic consequences for the society, hence, the importance of working together to address the issue. For their part, Members of the delegation expressed appreciation to Ambassador Lang Yabou for receiving them at the Ministry and conveyed AU CDC’s gratitude to H.E Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia for joining fellow leaders in advancing efforts to prevent and control non-communicable diseases in Africa. The delegation conveyed its assurance to work with stakeholders to support the efforts of the Government of The Gambia in ensuring that, the Mental Health Bill pass through to become an Act, emphasizing that no one should be left behind in addressing mental health challenges. The delegation further noted that, mental health is a critical issue affecting many societies across Africa, with far-reaching social and economic implications, including its impact on productivity and community stability. Consequently, the delegation sought the Ministry’s support in facilitating the enactment of The Gambia’s Mental Health Bill and ensuring that it becomes a reality. Ambassador Lang Yabou in response, expressed his appreciation and gratitude to members of the delegation for the commitment to support The Gambia on this important issue pointing out that, The Gambia has important lessons to learn from countries’ that have successfully done it. He assured the delegation of the Government of The Gambia’s willingness to learn from their experiences to facilitate the passage of the Mental Health Bill as soon as possible. Ambassador Yabou stressed that, addressing mental health challenges would yield significant social and economic benefits for The Gambia and hence, reaffirmed the Government of The Gambia’s commitment to work with African Union Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and other partners in advancing mental health initiatives in The Gambia and across the African continent. Ambassador Yabou concluded by thanking the Ministry of Health, particularly Ms. Mam Jarra Marega for spearheading this important issue in the country and for building partnership and consensus around it. He conveyed the continuous support and partnership of the Foreign Ministry to work with all stakeholders to realize the passage of the Mental Health Bill into law in The Gambia.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: Following the audience with His Excellency President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, the Gambian delegation, led by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad of the Republic of The Gambia, Honourable Sering Modou Njie, held high-level consultations with the Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Senegal, His Excellency Cheikh Niang, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Senegal in Dakar. The meeting, which brought together senior government officials from both countries, focused on further consolidating the longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation between The Gambia and Senegal. The two sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintaining peace, security and stability along the common border and to strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The two Ministers reviewed recent developments relating to the border situation, including the incident at the Bullock Military Camp, and emphasized the importance of addressing all outstanding issues through dialogue, existing bilateral mechanisms and sustained diplomatic engagement. They reaffirmed the determination of both Governments to preserve the peaceful coexistence and mutual trust that have long characterised relations between the two sister Republics.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad of the Republic of The Gambia, Honourable Sering Modou Njie, today, in his capacity as Special Envoy of His Excellency President Adama Barrow, paid a courtesy call on the President of the Republic of Senegal, His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, at the Presidential Palace in Dakar. The Honourable Minister was accompanied by a high-powered delegation comprising senior government officials. During the audience, Honourable Njie conveyed a special message of friendship, solidarity and fraternity from President Adama Barrow to President Faye, reaffirming the strong bonds of brotherhood and the longstanding partnership between the Republic of The Gambia and the Republic of Senegal. The Special Envoy also conveyed President Barrow’s firm concerns regarding developments along the common border, including the recent incident of 16th July 2026 at the Bullock military camp. The matter was raised and discussed in the spirit of the longstanding friendship and mutual trust that characterize relations between the two countries. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to preserving peace and stability along the shared border and agreed that such issues must continue to be addressed decisively through established bilateral mechanisms, dialogue and constructive engagement, in keeping with the excellent relations between The Gambia and Senegal. On behalf of President Barrow, the Special Envoy warmly congratulated President Faye on his assumption of the Chairmanship of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), expressing confidence in his leadership and vision to advance the regional integration agenda. He also conveyed President Barrow’s congratulations on the appointment of General Birame Diop as President of the ECOWAS Commission and reaffirmed The Gambia’s unwavering commitment to supporting ECOWAS in promoting peace, security, democracy, economic integration and sustainable development across the sub-region. The discussions provided an opportunity to review the excellent state of bilateral relations between The Gambia and Senegal, which continue to be anchored on shared history, culture, geography and the enduring ties of kinship between the peoples of the two sister Republics. President Faye reaffirmed his commitment to further deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including peace and security, trade and investment, infrastructure development, border management and regional integration. He underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and close collaboration in addressing common challenges, including the prompt resolution of border-related concerns, and in advancing the welfare and prosperity of the peoples of The Gambia and Senegal. The audience was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the excellent relations between the two countries and the shared determination of the two leaders to further consolidate the strategic partnership that has long served as a model of good neighbourliness and regional cooperation. The Government of the Republic of The Gambia remains firmly committed to working closely with the Government of the Republic of Senegal to strengthen the enduring bonds of friendship, solidarity and cooperation, and to ensuring that all matters affecting the shared border are resolved swiftly and amicably, for the mutual benefit of both nations and the wider West African region. 𝐄𝐧𝐝.