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BANJUL,6th February: The Republic of The Gambia has assumed leadership roles within the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), following a handing-over ceremony held in hybrid format on 2 February 2026 at the OACPS Headquarters in Brussels. In this context, His Excellency Ambassador Pa Musa Jobarteh, Ambassador of the Republic of The Gambia to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union, assumed the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ambassadors (COA) from His Excellency Ambassador Moses Kouni Mose, Ambassador of Solomon Islands to the Kingdom of Belgium. The Gambia will hold the Chairmanship for a six-month period, ending on 31 July 2026. The Committee of Ambassadors is a principal organ of the OACPS, responsible for representing Member States, overseeing the implementation of decisions of the Council of Ministers, and providing strategic guidance to the Secretariat. In his capacity as Chair, Ambassador Jobarteh will play a central role in advancing consensus among Member States and strengthening the effectiveness of the Organisation. At the ministerial level, Honourable Seedy K. M. Keita, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs of The Gambia, also assumed the Presidency of the OACPS Council of Ministers from Honourable Peter Shanel Agovaka, Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Solomon Islands. In many Member States, including The Gambia, the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs serves as the designated minister responsible for OACPS–European Union development cooperation. The Council of Ministers is responsible for implementing the policy guidelines and decisions adopted by the Summit of Heads of State and Government. Founded in 1975, the OACPS is an international organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable development and advancing the economic, social, and political well-being of its peoples. The Organisation comprises seventy-nine (79) Member States, including forty-eight (48) from sub-Saharan Africa, sixteen (16) from the Caribbean, and fifteen (15) from the Pacific region. The governance structure of the OACPS includes: The Summit of Heads of State and Government; The Council of Ministers; The Committee of Ambassadors; The Secretariat; and The Joint Parliamentary Assembly, which serves as a political oversight body. The 11th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the OACPS is scheduled to take place in Equatorial Guinea from 27 to 29 March 2026, with confirmations of participation already received from several Heads of State and senior government officials. During The Gambia’s tenure, particular emphasis will be placed on: Supporting governance reforms and strengthening the institutional stability of the OACPS; Reinforcing confidence among Member States in the Organisation as a pillar of multilateralism; Advancing preparations for the successful convening of the 11th OACPS Summit in Equatorial Guinea; Supporting the follow-up, implementation, and operationalisation of the Samoa Agreement, including engagement with the European Union; and Ensuring effective oversight of the implementation of approved programmes and budgets.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Government of the Republic of The Gambia wishes to inform all qualified Gambian nationals residing in the Kingdom of Spain about the Spanish Government’s newly announced amnesty programme, which aims to regularise the status of approximately 500,000 undocumented migrants currently living in Spain. This initiative presents an important opportunity for eligible Gambians to legalise their stay, access lawful employment, and fully integrate into Spanish society. In this regard, the Government of The Gambia assures all concerned Gambian nationals that it stands ready to provide the necessary documentation and consular support required to facilitate their regularisation and integration process in Spain. The Government further calls on all Gambians, wherever they may be, to continue to remain law-abiding, respect the laws of their host countries, and serve as good ambassadors of The Gambia. Gambians are also encouraged to continue contributing positively to national development both at home and in the diaspora. The Government of The Gambia takes this opportunity to express its sincere appreciation to the Government of the Kingdom of Spain for this forward-looking initiative, which represents a true win-win outcome for migrants, host communities, and countries of origin alike. 𝐄𝐍𝐃

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Gambia has been elected by consensus as Vice Chair on the Bureau of the Preparatory Committee for the United Nations Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against humanity during the Plenary Session held on 27th January 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Following The Gambia’s endorsement by the African Group and with the strategic vision and leadership of H.E Ambassador Lamin Dibba, Ms. Marang Sanyang, Counsellor and Legal Advisor, has been unanimously elected as Vice Chair on the Bureau of the Preparatory Committee of the United Nations Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against humanity. The prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity stands at the core of the international community’s commitment to combat impunities and ensure greater legal certainty for the gravest crimes of immense concern under international law. The formal processes of this Preparatory Committee are aimed at addressing a long-standing gap in the international legal framework. While genocide and war crimes are governed by dedicated treaty regimes, crimes against humanity despite their central place in international criminal law remain without a universal convention addressing prevention, punishment, and inter-State cooperation. Cognizant of the above, the Preparatory Committee is mandated to facilitate consultations, further engage with the International Law Commission’s draft articles and enable Governments to develop proposals for textual amendment relating to the diplomatic Conference scheduled for 2028 and 2029. As a member of the Bureau of this important process, The Gambia intends to explore possibilities for an effective elaborate, universal and legally binding Convention that advances international law, close the impunity gaps and strengthen international efforts towards supporting domestic capacity, prevention and national ownership while reaffirming commitments for an inclusive, transparent and constructive engagement throughout the process.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝟖𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, H.E. Sering Modou Njie, on Tuesday, 27th January 2026, received the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the United States Embassy in Banjul, H.E. Ambassador Eugene S. Young, for a cordial and constructive meeting aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between The Gambia and the United States of America. The discussions underscored the long-standing partnership between the two countries and their shared commitment to peace, security, development, and mutual respect. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Young expressed appreciation to The Gambia for its contribution to international peace and security, particularly its decision to deploy personnel to the United Nations–mandated mission in Haiti. He also conveyed condolences on the recent tragic loss of lives involving migrants and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to address irregular migration through public sensitisation and lawful migration pathways. Both sides discussed current U.S. visa policies, including visa bonds and restrictions, and stressed the importance of Gambian nationals in the United States complying with visa conditions and immigration laws. In response, the Honourable Minister reaffirmed the Government of The Gambia’s commitment to working closely with the United States, while underscoring the need for continued public awareness and cooperation on migration-related matters. The Honourable Minister also expressed appreciation for U.S. support to The Gambia’s development agenda, noting cooperation in key areas such as health, education, and institutional capacity-building. The U.S. Embassy highlighted the breadth of its support, including school feeding programmes, health interventions, technical assistance to government institutions, and the continued presence of the U.S. Peace Corps in The Gambia. Discussions further covered visa-related matters, with both parties agreeing on the importance of open communication and mutual understanding, as well as sustained public education on immigration compliance. On regional and international cooperation, particularly in relation to United Nations peacekeeping missions, the Honourable Minister thanked the United States for its support to The Gambia’s participation in international peace efforts. He also called for continued collaboration in capacity-building, training of Gambian security forces, and support in critical operational enablers to ensure effective participation in such missions. The meeting also touched on investment, digital connectivity, and private sector engagement, with both sides acknowledging the importance of creating an enabling environment for international partnerships and sustainable economic growth. In concluding, both the Honourable Minister and the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires reaffirmed their commitment to sustained dialogue and engagement, emphasizing that continued cooperation and mutual respect remain central to the strong and friendly relations between The Gambia and the United States.

𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐮 𝐍𝐣𝐢𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚-𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad, H.E. Sering Modou Njie, received a high-level delegation of Chinese investors in his office on Monday 29th December 2025. The visit comes as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the strong bilateral relations between The Gambia and the People’s Republic of China, grounded in mutual respect, solidarity, and a shared commitment to economic development. The delegation explored concrete business and investment opportunities across priority sectors aligned with The Gambia’s national development strategy and many of them have expressed strong interest in The Gambia. The delegation aims to finalize and formalize multiple initiatives before departing, with a signing ceremony to be witnessed by relevant government institutions to ensure smooth and timely implementation. This visit underscores the deepening partnership between The Gambia and China and marks a significant step forward in fostering economic growth, foreign investment, and South–South cooperation.

STATEMENT BY H.E. SERING MODOU NJIE, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION & GAMBIANS ABROAD FOR THE AFRICAN UNION PEACE AND SECURITY COUNCIL (AU PSC) EMERGENCY SESSION (VIRTUAL) ON THE SITUATION IN THE EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC), 29TH DECEMBER 2025   Excellency Mr. Kacou Houadja Leon Adom, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire and Chairperson of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union for December 2025; Excellency Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security; Excellencies, Honorable Ministers, Members of the Peace and Security Council; Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,   At the outset, Chair, allow me to express my delegation’s appreciation to you for convening this important meeting on the situation in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Gambia views the current trajectory of insecurity in the Eastern DRC with profound concern. As we approach the end of 2025, the optimism we shared earlier this year is being eclipsed by a resurgence of hostilities that threatens not only the security of the DRC but the stability of the entire Great Lakes Region. The recent reports of the fall of Uvira on December, 10 2025 and the subsequent offensive in South Kivu are deeply distressing. We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe with hundreds of lives being lost in mere weeks and more than 200,000 newly displaced, many seeking refuge in Burundi. We reiterate our unwavering support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of Congo. We call on the leadership of M23 and its allies to lay down their arms and immediately cease hostilities. Let the atrocities stop. The people of the region deserve peace and stability.   Excellencies, While we acknowledge the diplomatic efforts undertaken in Washington and Doha earlier this year, it appears that the efficacy of these peace initiatives are being tested on the ground. We urge the signatories to the agreements that emerged from those negotiations to honor their commitments. The Gambia also notes with concern the apparent deadlock in the merged Luanda and Nairobi processes. We believe that while international mediation from partners is highly welcome and deeply appreciated, there is need for all actors and stakeholders to harmonize their interventions and act coherently to complement each other’s efforts and to further reinforce the “African Solutions to African Problems” framework. We urge the AU Commission to re-energize the Joint EAC-SADC mechanism to ensure a harmonized political track that includes all local stakeholders and addresses the root causes of the conflict—including land rights, local governance, and the illicit exploitation of natural resources. Excellencies, My delegation would like to call for the full operationalization of the Joint Security Coordination Mechanism as outlined in the April 2025 agreements, with enhanced support from MONUSCO to verify ceasefire violations. With the phased withdrawal of SAMIDRC, a security vacuum must be avoided. We urge the AU to work closely with the UN to ensure that MONUSCO’s mandate remains robust enough to protect civilians during this volatile transition. We urge the parties to immediately open safe humanitarian corridors to allow aid to reach the thousands of displaced persons in South Kivu and reopen vital infrastructure like the Goma and Kavumu airports. Excellencies, This Council must move beyond condemnation to consider targeted sanctions against those non-state actors and foreign actors that continue to violate the ceasefire as well as provide logistical or financial support to rebel groups. The people of the Eastern DRC have endured conflict for three decades. They cannot afford another year of “frozen” peace processes that melt away at the first sign of military opportunism. As I conclude, let me reaffirm The Gambia’s commitment to Pan-African solidarity in our collective quest to amicably end our ongoing conflicts. We stand ready to support all efforts that will lead to silencing of the guns in Eastern DRC and usher in a future of prosperity for the Congolese people. I thank you.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭-𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚–𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: On Saturday, 20th December 2025 Honourable Sering Modou Njie, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, addressed the 2nd Russia–Africa Ministerial Partnership Forum held in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt, on behalf of the Government and people of The Republic of The Gambia. Speaking under the theme “𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑒, 𝐸𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑜𝑚𝑦 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡,” Hon. Njie highlighted the urgent need for resilient, diversified, and inclusive economies, stressing that for small and vulnerable states such as The Gambia, strategic partnerships are essential to overcoming global shocks, climate challenges, and supply-chain disruptions. Guided by Agenda 2063, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and The Gambia’s Recovery-Focused National Development Plan (2023–2027), the Minister outlined key priority areas for cooperation: ▪️Agriculture and Food Security – climate-smart agriculture, irrigation, mechanisation, agro-processing, and fertilizer security ▪️Energy Development – renewable energy, power generation, grid modernisation, and off-grid solutions ▪️Trade Facilitation & Industrialisation – logistics, fisheries, agro-processing, light manufacturing, and SME development ▪️Human Capital & Digital Transformation – STEM education, TVET, digital skills, innovation, and cybersecurity The Minister reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to sustainable, technology-driven partnerships focused on skills development, youth empowerment, and regional value chains. He also announced that The Gambia will host the 10th OIC Ministerial Conference on Agriculture and Food Security in Banjul in the first quarter of 2026, extending a warm invitation to all partners to participate. In closing, Hon. Njie emphasized that Africa seeks partnerships of impact, not dependency, and reiterated The Gambia’s readiness to translate commitments into concrete projects that advance inclusive growth and sustainable development.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚–𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: The Gambia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, H.E. Sering Modou Njie, on 19th December 2025 held a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister, of the Russian Federation H.E Sergey Lavrov on the margins of the 2nd Russia–Africa Ministerial Partnership Forum. Foreign Minister Njie conveyed fraternal greetings from H.E. President Adama Barrow to H.E. President Vladimir Putin, and reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to strengthening the longstanding and cordial relations between the two countries. He applauded the warm and friendly ties that have characterized Gambia–Russia relations over the years. Hon. Njie expressed his firm commitment to deepening and expanding bilateral cooperation between The Gambia and the Russian Federation under his leadership as Foreign Minister. He conveyed appreciation to the Government of the Russian Federation for the scholarships awarded to Gambian students, noting their significant contribution to human capital development. The Gambian Foreign Minister further called on the Russian Federation to explore investment opportunities in key sectors of The Gambia’s economy, including but not limited to energy, agriculture, tourism, education, infrastructure, and capacity building. He also warmly welcomed and applauded Russia’s plan to open an Embassy in The Gambia, describing it as a milestone that would further enhance bilateral engagement and cooperation. In response, the Russian Foreign Minister expressed his appreciation for The Gambia’s support on a number of international and multilateral issues, and underscored Russia’s interest in strengthening relations with The Gambia. He noted that the meeting would serve as a catalyst for expanded cooperation between the two countries. Both Ministers exchanged views on issues of mutual interest and discussed avenues for enhanced political, economic, educational, and technical cooperation between the two countries.