Ministry of Foreign Affairs-The Gambia

31/07/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭

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 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞́, 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.

📸 State House of The Gambia

30/07/2026

30/07/2026

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞
𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐤𝐞

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟑𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad of the Republic of The Gambia has received with deep sorrow the news of the devastating earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southern Japan on 28th July 2026, resulting in the tragic loss of lives, injuries and extensive damage to property.

The Government of the Republic of The Gambia extends its deepest condolences to the Government and people of Japan and conveys its heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families. The Gambia also wishes those injured a full and speedy recovery and expresses its sincere solidarity with all those affected by this tragic disaster.

As Japan continues its rescue, relief and recovery efforts, The Gambia commends the prompt and coordinated response of the Japanese authorities, emergency services, humanitarian personnel and volunteers working tirelessly to assist affected communities. Their unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and supporting those in need reflects the resilience and resolve of the Japanese people.

The Republic of The Gambia stands in solidarity with Japan during this difficult time and remains confident in the country’s ability to recover from this tragedy. The longstanding friendship and cordial relations between the Republic of The Gambia and Japan continue to embody the shared values of mutual respect, cooperation and solidarity that underpin the enduring partnership between our two nations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad reaffirms The Gambia’s steadfast support for the Government and people of Japan and expresses its sincere hope for the country’s swift recovery, the restoration of affected communities, and the continued peace, stability and prosperity of Japan.

𝐄𝐍𝐃.

29/07/2026

𝟒𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐎𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐔 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐬 𝐀𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐚

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: On Tuesday 28th July 2026, the Executive Council of the African Union officially opened its 49th Ordinary Session, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bringing together Foreign Affairs Ministers, Heads of AU Organs, Missions, UN Agencies, partners, and dignitaries from across the continent.

The two-day session is deliberating on a wide range of strategic priorities under Agenda 2063, including this year's AU Theme: "Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve Agenda 2063."

Over the course of the session, the Council is also reviewing reports from key committees, including the Ministerial Committee on African Candidatures within the International System, the F15 Committee of Finance Ministers, and the Committee on Ratification of OAU/AU Treaties, before adopting its final decisions on 29 July 2026.

Delivering The Gambia's statement on the AU Theme of the Year progress report, Ambassador Lang Yabou, Permanent Secretary I, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that the alarming statistics on water and sanitation access represent more than numbers, they represent families and communities whose potential remains constrained by this fundamental deficit.

The Gambia reaffirmed water and sanitation as a fundamental human right, welcomed the mainstreaming of the Africa Water Vision 2063 into national frameworks, and called for greater private sector investment in climate resilient water infrastructure.

“The multifaceted challenges outlined in this report require a coordinated continental response that harness the collective strength of our institutions and partnerships for our common good.
The Gambia therefore support the call for strengthened collaboration among governments, regional institutions, financial institutions, the private sector, civil society organizations and development partners to improve access to water.
This is a fundamental requirement for our development and well-being of our people and communities”.
On the Permanent Representatives Committee’s Report, The Gambia commended the AU for its unified continental position, strengthening Africa's voice in G20 engagements and global strategic partnerships. “Africa must position itself as an active actor in shaping its future, guided by unity, solidarity, purpose and a shared vision” asserted Ambassador Yabou.


In his opening remarks, AU Commission Chairperson H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf noted that the Council is meeting amid heightened global uncertainty and complex geopolitical shifts affecting Africa's economies. He raised concerns over terrorism and violent extremism on the continent, reaffirming the AU's solidarity with Member States in the Sahel, and called for accelerated ratification of outstanding AU legal instruments to strengthen the Union's institutions.

For his part, H.E. Ambassador Édouard Bizimana, Chairperson of the Executive Council, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Burundi, underscored Africa's growing role on the global stage, pointing to the continent's G20 membership as a historic milestone, and called for unity in defending Africa's common positions on issues like UN Security Council reform.

Ethiopia's Foreign Minister, H.E. Gedion Timothewos, welcomed delegates and emphasized the need for the AU to serve as a credible, authentic voice for Africa on the world stage.

A clear demonstration of The Gambia's active role in shaping Africa's collective future, is joining fellow Member States in this important gathering shaping the continent's collective priorities.

The Gambia's delegation comprises of Ambassador Lang Yabou, Permanent Secretary as Head of Delegation accompanied by Ambassador Lamin Faati, Director of African Affairs and Mr. Pa Sako Darboe, Counsellor at the Directorate of African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad, Hon. Justice Veronic A. Wright, the Gambia’s Candidate for the position of a Judge at the International Criminal Court and the Staff of The Gambia Embassy Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

📖 Read more: https://au.int/en/pressrelease/49th-ordinary-session-executive-council-african-union-opens-addis-ababa

29/07/2026

🇬🇲⚖️ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚'𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐬 𝐀𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐚!

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Honourable Justice Veronic Wright, The Gambia's candidate for Judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC), was on Monday 27th July 2026 presented before the African Union's Ministerial Committee on Candidatures in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia a key step in her campaign ahead of the ICC judicial elections to be held in New York in December 2026.

The presentation was led by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Ambassador Lang Yabou, who highlighted Justice Wright's extensive experience and expertise in international criminal law, and the integrity and competence she brings to the role. Justice Wright is contesting under List A.

In her address, Justice Wright shared her vision for a stronger, more effective, and independent ICC, one that delivers justice for victims of the most serious international crimes while assuring a fair trial for those accused before it.

The Committee has since reported to the AU Executive Council, noting all eight African candidates presented for the ICC judicial elections.

Justice Wright's campaign continues as she engages with States Parties to the Rome Statute in the lead-up to December's elections.

The Gambia look forward to the support of ICC Member States for the success of her candidacy.

27/07/2026

𝐏𝐒 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐂𝐃𝐂 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥

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 21st to 23rd 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.

24/07/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

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.

The consultations also covered a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, including border management, defence and security cooperation, regional integration, and the implementation of decisions adopted during the 4th Senegalo-Gambian Presidential Council. Both sides underscored the importance of enhancing collaboration among their respective technical institutions, strengthening information-sharing and coordination mechanisms, and ensuring the timely implementation of agreed decisions and joint initiatives.

The meeting concluded with both Ministers reaffirming their unwavering commitment to deepening the strategic partnership between The Gambia and Senegal and to working closely together to promote peace, security, stability, regional integration and shared prosperity for the mutual benefit of the peoples of the two countries.

23/07/2026

𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰, 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐲𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐮 𝐃𝐢𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐲𝐞

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

23/07/2026

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞
𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞

𝐀𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐫 𝐎𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐉𝐚𝐡 (𝐉𝐫.) 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐅𝐢𝐪𝐡 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐲

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad is pleased to announce the appointment of His Excellency Professor Dr. Omar Jah (Jr.), Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of The Gambia to the State of Qatar, as a Representative Member of the Council of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA), a subsidiary organ of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), headquartered in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Established in January 1981, the Academy is entrusted with clarifying Islamic rulings and provisions and providing scientific and jurisprudential solutions to emerging contemporary issues. Its membership comprises eminent Muslim jurists, scholars, intellectuals, and specialists in the fields of jurisprudence, culture, science, and economics from across the Muslim world. Through authentic and effective ijtihad, members examine contemporary challenges and formulate solutions rooted in Islamic heritage while remaining responsive to the evolving needs of modern society.

Ambassador Jah is a distinguished scholar, diplomat, educator, and administrator with extensive experience in academia and the civil service of The Gambia. His wealth of knowledge, professional expertise, and commitment to public service make him exceptionally qualified for this important appointment.

His nomination was endorsed by His Excellency Mr. Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, to represent the country on the Council of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy following the retirement of His Excellency Ambassador Professor Dr. Omar Jah (Sr.) in September 2025.

𝐄𝐍𝐃.