HON. DAWDA A. JALLOW, ADDRESSES PBC MEETING ON THE GAMBIA AT UN HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK CITY

At a defining moment in its democratic rebirth, The Gambia steps confidently onto the global stage—not as a nation burdened by its past, but as a beacon of resilience, reform, and unwavering political will. Under the visionary leadership of President Adama Barrow, the country’s transition from the shadows of former ruler to a thriving democratic order stands today as a compelling testament to what determined governance and international partnership can achieve.

This address to the is not merely a diplomatic engagement—it is a powerful declaration of progress, accountability, and national resolve. It boldly affirms The Gambia’s commitment to justice, reconciliation, and sustainable peace, while calling on the world to recognize and reinforce a success story that continues to inspire beyond its borders.

On behalf of His Excellency President Adama Barrow, the Government of The Gambia extends its sincere gratitude to all members of the Peacebuilding Commission for your continued political attention and solidarity with The Gambia's peacebuilding journey. 

The Peacebuilding Commission has been, and remains, an indispensable partner, providing political accompaniment, mobilizing resources, and promoting coherence across the UN system in support of our nationally owned process. 

Your sustained engagement with us in The Gambia sends an important signal of international solidarity with not only member states, but equally, victims and survivors of gross human rights violations, and civil society, all over the world.

Nine years have passed since the end of Former President Yahya Jammeh's 22-year authoritarian rule in The Gambia. In that time, we have been on a remarkable democratic transition. We have witnessed two cycles of peaceful presidential, legislative and local government elections, built new institutions, enacted landmark legislation, and demonstrated that transitional justice can serve as a strong, and genuine foundation for sustainable peace. 

A close and natural partnership has emerged between the Government of The Gambia, our UN Country Team and the Peacebuilding and Peace Support Office (PBPSO) since the onset of our transition in 2017. 

In 2025, this culminated in the selection of The Gambia as the first member state to undergo the Peacebuilding Impact Spotlight exercise through the Peacebuilding Impact Hub. 

For almost 12 months, we have undertaken a thorough and participatory research initiative into what transitional justice has achieved and where it still needs to deliver for the people of The Gambia.  

It has been an intense exercise, but equally an exhilarating and motivating year full of reflections, discussions and consultations.

As Minister of Justice and policy leader on transitional justice in The Gambia, today is an important opportunity to reflect honestly on what has been achieved, what remains, and where international support is most urgently needed for The Gambia. 

Following the conclusion of the research component of the Spotlight exercise, I am grateful for this opportunity to present to you too, Your Excellencies, an outline of a national strategy for transitional justice.

HIGHLIGHTING KEY ACHIEVEMENTS: WHAT WE HAVE DELIVERED

Your Excellencies, 

The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission, established in December 2017 by the Government of The Gambia, created an unprecedented national space for victims, survivors, and perpetrators to speak publicly for the first time about gross human rights violations committed on our country between July 1994 and January 2017. The testimonies and stories broadcasted over live television for almost 3 years gripped our nation. These were difficult times, but necessary. By making truth-seeking a national conversation, this Commission, the TRRC, dismantled denialism and placed The Gambia in a unique historical position to mend our social fabric and contract between people and Government, whilst reaffirming human dignity as the foundation for sustainable peace. 

Following the submission of its Report and recommendations, The Government of The Gambia has consistently demonstrated the highest level of will to drive the implementation of the TRRC’s recommendations to their logical conclusion. 

We have accepted to implement 263 of the 265 recommendations made by the Commission, even publishing an Implementation Plan on how this will be achieved: over a 5-year period (January 2023 to December 2027), involving 304 activities, 59 national institutions and a cost estimate of 150 million USD.

Your Excellencies, 

One needs not look much further than The Gambia for powerful demonstration of sustained political will almost a decade into our democratic transition. Our processes have always been driven by our people, victims and survivors foremost, and responded to by the Government and our National Assembly. Since 2017, The Gambia has introduced robust legislative and institutional frameworks across all pillars of transitional justice:

On the reparations track: The Victims Reparations Act, enacted in 2023, establishes both the Victims Reparations Commission and the Victims Reparations Fund, and essentially takes over from the TRRC’s interim mandate to administer reparations. In 2025 and 2026, the Government of The Gambia allocated 20 million GMD in each year for the Fund, which we are proud to see being administered by the Commission in accordance with its compensation policy. The administration of reparations for victims, survivors and communities of gross human rights violation in The Gambia, is a critical component and milestone of our transitional justice process, one His Excellency, President Adama Barrow often describes as a “super priority.”

On the accountability track: The National Assembly passed the Ban from Public Office (TRRC) Act (November 2023), the Special Accountability Mechanism Act (April 2024), the Special Prosecutor's Office Act (April 2024), and in partnership with ECOWAS, a hybrid tribunal, the Special Tribunal for The Gambia was also created (December 2024). We are proud to present to the world under this framework, a unique post-conflict, justice and criminal accountability mechanism that activates pathways for both domestic and international prosecutions, with a strong focus on judicial expediency, victim’s participation, and witness protection, whilst strengthening national justice and security sector institutions.

On guarantees of non-recurrence: The National Human Rights Commission is fully operational as an “A status,” independent national human rights institution. In more recent times, a National Strategy on Memorialization, and a National Programme on Archiving have also been developed through a consultative approach, and soon to be reviewed by Cabinet.  

All of these formal mechanisms have also been complemented by consistent community dialogues amongst traditional, religious, women and youth-led networks. The Spotlight exercise, and its final Report confirms that this “people centered,” complementarity approach to legislative and institutional building is essential to sustaining peace. 

REMAINING CHALLENGES: AN HONEST ASSESSMENT

The Government of The Gambia is committed to transparency. The Spotlight research confirms what we acknowledge: public confidence declines when implementation slows or is not clearly communicated. 

According to the National Human Rights Commission, mandated to monitor and report on the implementation of the TRRC recommendations, the Government of The Gambia has 3 years into the implementation phase, fully implemented 48 out of 263 recommendations, commenced implementation of another 133 recommendations, and yet to commence implementing 92 recommendations.  

We are committed to accelerating this pace and improving communication with victims, their communities, and indeed, all Gambians. This is not a process we are prepared to allow to stall.

However, a daunting reality must be confronted by the Government, and all supporters of our process. 

The cost estimates to implement the recommendations of the TRRC is approximately 150 million USD, of which significant portions remain unfunded. 

To give this Peacebuilding Commission a concrete sense of what is at stake: the operationalization of the hybrid Special Tribunal alone is estimated to require approximately 60 million USD over five years, or roughly 12 million USD per year. Investigations, and domestic prosecutions through the Special Prosecutor’s Office and the Special Criminal Division of our High Court are estimated to require approximately 2.5 million USD per year. The Victims Reparations Commission requires sustained deposits into the Reparations Fund; the Government has to date, allocated 40 million GMD towards the Fund, and another 20 million GMD for the operations of the Reparations Commission, but the scale of need across victim categories is considerably larger, and indicative figures for full delivery are still being costed as the Commission builds its national victims database. 

Community reconciliation programming and civil society engagement represent a further set of needs that, while individually more modest, are essential to the process’s credibility at the local level. The significant reduction of donor funded governance project, and development financing in general, has created real pressure across all of these tracks. 

In response, the Government of The Gambia is actively looking inwards, and seeking to diversify our partnerships to build on the essential, and promising foundations for sustainable peace thanks to the UN Peacebuilding Funds. 

THE NATIONAL STRATEGY: EMERGING PRIORITIES FOR THE NEXT PHASE

Your Excellencies, 

The Government of The Gambia, with technical assistance from the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office is in the process of developing a comprehensive national strategic document on transitional justice, one that consolidates lessons from the Spotlight Report, and 3 years of implementation of the TRRC recommendations. 

We are committed to getting this document right rather than getting it done quickly, but I would like to present an outline of the strategy's emerging framework and key priorities.

The draft National Strategy for Transitional Justice and Peacebuilding in The Gambia responds to a decisive moment in our process. It does not introduce new commitments; it consolidates those already adopted through the Government White Paper and Implementation Plan on the TRRC recommendations, and provides a shared reference to guide delivery during the period 2026–2027. 

Its central purpose is to move The Gambia from a phase defined by frameworks and commitments to one defined by consistent, credible, and visible results. 

The strategy is structured around four interrelated orientations: consolidating existing gains; advancing accountability toward visible delivery; reinforcing guarantees of non-recurrence; and supporting reconciliation in a sequenced manner. 

It clarifies roles across institutions, prioritizes coordination and public communication, and identifies targeted areas for financing and partnership. The strategy acknowledges candidly that the principal challenge today is not the definition of commitments, but their translation into outcomes that victims and communities, and all Gambians can see and feel.

The emerging strategic priorities for the next phase are: (1) operationalizing the Special Prosecutor's Office and the hybrid Special Tribunal; (2) accelerating the reparations programme, including through the Reparations Fund; (3) deepening reconciliation at the community level; (4) advancing security sector reform; and (5) finalizing outstanding legislative reforms. These priorities build on existing national frameworks and reflect the evidence generated by the Spotlight research.

OUR ASK OF THE COMMISSION

Sustained Political Attention and Advocacy

Your Excellencies, 

The Gambia asks the Peacebuilding Commission to continue its political accompaniment. This includes advocating with bilateral partners and international financial institutions for sustained, flexible, and predictable support for The Gambia's transitional justice process. Political attention from this body sends an important signal of solidarity to our victims, our civil society, and our people, and we do not take it for granted.

Financial Support for the Special Tribunal and Reparations

We appeal to member states and partners to consider concrete financial and technical contributions — particularly for the operationalization of the hybrid Special Tribunal and the reparations programme. ECOWAS has provided its political and institutional endorsement for prosecutions. What is now required is funding. The architecture exists; what must follow are resources to operationalize this ambitious- but carefully designed, post-conflict criminal accountability mechanism.

The Gambia as a Model for South-South and Triangular Learning

The Gambia stands ready to share its experience — the lessons of truth-seeking, the importance of institutional anchors, the vital leadership role of victim, women and youth led civil society organizations, and around community-level reconciliation — with countries navigating similar transitions. The Peacebuilding Commission can play a critical bridging role in facilitating that exchange, and we welcome that partnership.

CLOSING: RESOLVE, NATIONAL OWNERSHIP, AND PARTNERSHIP

To conclude, Your Excellencies,

The Gambia's transitional justice process is nationally owned, evidence-based, and irreversible. The Jammeh era is part of our history — but it will not define our future. We have held consultations with our people, built institutions, passed laws, and conducted research into what has worked well, and what can be improved. We are in the process of learning from our own doings, both lessons and best practices, whilst responding to shifts in global political and financial and economic dynamics, with sharper focus of what has always been our objective: the reconstruction of our nation rooted in respect for human rights, the rule of law, human dignity and sustainable peace.

What we now ask is that the international community match our commitment with sustained, reliable support. Since 2017, and despite a long list of multifaceted challenges, The Gambia has demonstrated that where there is political will, there is a way. We remain resolute. We remain committed. And we remain grateful for the solidarity of this Commission.

Continue to stand with The Gambia.

I thank you for your kind attention.

Editorial l: WHEN DIALOGUE PREVAILS: A PATH TO RESPONSIBLE MEDIA REGULATION IN THE GAMBIA

In a moment that could easily have deepened divisions within The Gambia’s media landscape, the Gambia Press Union (GPU) and key stakeholders have instead chosen a path that deserves recognition: dialogue over confrontation. Their recent engagement with media associations, civil society, and legal actors on the proposed 2026 media regulations signals a level of institutional maturity that is both timely and necessary.

At the heart of this development lies a fundamental democratic principle—regulation must be guided by consultation, not imposition. History has shown that when media policies are introduced without broad engagement, they are often met with resistance and mistrust. Conversely, when they are shaped through inclusive dialogue, they gain legitimacy and foster collective ownership.

The proposed Broadcasting and Online Content Regulations 2026, along with accompanying licensing and journalist registration guidelines, represent a significant shift in the governance of the Gambian media sector. These frameworks will inevitably influence how information is produced, distributed, and consumed. As such, they must strike a delicate balance between safeguarding press freedom and ensuring professional accountability.

The GPU’s decision to engage constructively in this process is commendable. Rather than framing the regulations as a witch hunt, the Union has demonstrated leadership by opting for dialogue and consensus-building. At the same time, it is equally important that the Ministry of Information exercises restraint and responsibility. Regulation must not be weaponized against journalists, as doing so would undermine the very democratic values it seeks to uphold.

However, beyond the regulatory debate lies a deeper structural challenge that the media fraternity must confront: the question of identity and standards within the profession.

In today’s digital era, the lines between journalists, content creators, activists, and entertainers have become increasingly blurred. While each of these actors plays a role in public discourse, they are not interchangeable. Journalism remains a distinct profession grounded in ethics, verification, and accountability.

The failure to clearly distinguish between these roles has contributed to a media environment that is, at times, toxic, immature, and potentially dangerous. When individuals without adherence to journalistic standards claim the title of journalist—and when such claims go unchallenged—it erodes public trust and weakens the integrity of the profession.

It is therefore incumbent upon the GPU and media institutions to draw a firm and principled line. Defining who qualifies as a journalist should not be seen as exclusionary, but rather as essential to preserving the credibility and dignity of the craft.

Equally concerning is the growing influence of politically motivated actors within the media space. Media practitioners must remain vigilant against the encroachment of partisan interests—whether from activists with political agendas or from direct political interference. The independence of the newsroom is non-negotiable; once compromised, the public’s access to truth is equally endangered.

Furthermore, there is an urgent need to reassess content priorities within the Gambian media. An overemphasis on political discourse, often at the expense of other critical areas, limits the sector’s contribution to national development. While politics is undeniably important, it must not dominate the entire media agenda.

Greater attention should be given to issues such as entrepreneurship, youth development, education, and innovation. Media platforms must serve not only as spaces for debate but also as tools for empowerment—informing citizens, particularly young people, about opportunities for growth and the pathways to progress.

The recent consensus to involve the Gambia Bar Association as a neutral convener in the next phase of discussions is a positive step. It reinforces the commitment to fairness, legal clarity, and inclusivity in shaping the final regulatory framework.

The road ahead will undoubtedly present challenges. Differences in opinion are inevitable in any democratic process. Yet, what matters most is the willingness of all parties to remain engaged, principled, and focused on the broader national interest.

The events of this past engagement offer a crucial lesson: meaningful progress is achieved not through polarization, but through patience, dialogue, and shared responsibility.

As The Gambia navigates this critical juncture in its media evolution, all stakeholders must rise to the occasion. The GPU must continue to lead with balance and foresight. The government must regulate with fairness and restraint. And media practitioners must uphold the highest standards of professionalism and independence.

Only then can the country build a media landscape that is free, responsible, and truly reflective of the democratic aspirations of its people.

In the end, the strength of a nation’s media is not measured solely by its freedom, but by how responsibly that freedom is exercised.

GAMBIA’S REMARKABLE TRANSFORMATION DRAWS INTERNATIONAL PRAISE

By Yaya Dampha, NPP Diaspora Coordinator

The New Gambia continues to earn admiration on the global stage, as yet another international voice has testified to the country’s undeniable progress under the leadership of Adama Barrow. A visiting Rwandan journalist attending a major international media forum in Banjul expressed genuine astonishment at the scale and pace of infrastructural development across the country—particularly when compared to his last visit a decade ago.

From modern road networks to expanding urban skylines and improved public facilities, The Gambia is undergoing a visible transformation that reflects a government committed to national development and prosperity. The expanding Bertil Harding Highway, the ongoing OIC-funded road projects, and the steady electrification of rural communities stand as concrete proof of a country on the move.

Predictably, as with any progress story, detractors have attempted to downplay these achievements on social media. However, such reactions often expose a troubling mix of misinformation, selective memory, and, at times, outright denial of reality. The truth remains clear: development is not a matter of opinion—it is visible, measurable, and widely acknowledged by both citizens and international observers.

Equally significant is the peaceful democratic environment that now defines The Gambia. The ability of citizens to freely express dissent—even through public demonstrations—is itself a landmark achievement. Under the previous regime of Yahya Jammeh, such freedoms were brutally suppressed. The tragic events of April 2000, where student protesters were gunned down, and the 2016 arrest and death in custody of activist Solo Sandeng, remain painful reminders of a repressive past.

Today, those dark chapters have given way to a new era of tolerance, rule of law, and respect for human rights. Political leaders such as Ousainou Darboe—once imprisoned for demanding justice—now operate freely within a democratic system that guarantees political pluralism and civil liberties.

Moreover, The Gambia’s peace is not merely anecdotal—it is reflected in its growing reputation as one of the most stable countries in the subregion. The return of exiled citizens, the flourishing tourism sector, and continued partnerships with international development organizations all point to a nation that is both secure and forward-looking.

Economic indicators further reinforce this narrative. Increased investments in agriculture, digital infrastructure, and youth empowerment programs are creating opportunities and restoring hope. The expansion of electricity access through projects like the OMVG initiative is connecting communities and powering local economies like never before.

In essence, The Gambia today stands as a compelling example of what political will, democratic governance, and national unity can achieve. While no nation is without challenges, the trajectory is unmistakably positive.

The testimony of the visiting Rwandan journalist is not an isolated opinion—it is a reflection of a broader reality. The Gambia is rising, peacefully and steadily, and the world is taking notice.

THE GAMBIA STANDS TALL: GOVERNMENT REAFFIRMS IRREVERSIBLE PATH TO JUSTICE AND LASTING PEACE

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

At the prestigious halls of the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dawda A. Jallow, delivered a resounding and confidence-filled address that reaffirmed The Gambia’s unwavering commitment to justice, accountability, and sustainable peace.

Speaking before the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), the Justice Minister conveyed the strong appreciation of President Adama Barrow’s government for the continued global support that has accompanied The Gambia’s remarkable democratic transition since the end of authoritarian rule nearly a decade ago.

The statement highlighted The Gambia as a shining example of how political will, people-centered governance, and international partnership can transform a nation once gripped by repression into a beacon of democratic progress.

A TRANSITION ROOTED IN THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE

Hon. Jallow underscored that since 2017, The Gambia has undergone an extraordinary transformation marked by peaceful elections, strong institutional reforms, and groundbreaking legislation. Central to this progress has been the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), which courageously brought to light the truth about past human rights violations.

The government, he emphasized, has demonstrated unmatched political resolve by accepting nearly all recommendations of the TRRC and launching a comprehensive implementation plan spanning five years, involving dozens of institutions and hundreds of activities.

“This is not just a commitment on paper—it is a living, breathing national mission,” the Minister asserted.

DELIVERING JUSTICE: FROM PROMISES TO ACTION

In a bold demonstration of action over rhetoric, the government has already established key legal and institutional frameworks to deliver justice and reparations.

Among the landmark achievements is the creation of the Victims Reparations Commission and Fund, backed by consistent government funding. President Barrow has elevated reparations to a “super priority,” ensuring that victims and survivors receive the recognition and support they deserve.

On accountability, The Gambia has broken new ground with the establishment of a hybrid Special Tribunal in partnership with ECOWAS, alongside the Special Prosecutor’s Office and critical legislation to bar perpetrators from public office. These measures position The Gambia as a global model for post-conflict justice.

HONEST ABOUT CHALLENGES, DETERMINED TO SUCCEED

While celebrating significant progress, Hon. Jallow maintained a tone of transparency, acknowledging that challenges remain—particularly in funding and the pace of implementation.

Out of 263 recommendations, dozens have already been fully implemented, with many more in progress. The government, however, is not resting on its laurels.

“We will not allow this process to stall,” he declared firmly, signaling renewed urgency in accelerating delivery and strengthening communication with the Gambian people.

A major hurdle remains the financial cost of fully implementing the transitional justice agenda, estimated at $150 million. Yet, even in the face of global economic pressures and declining donor support, the government is actively mobilizing resources and forging new partnerships.

A CLEAR STRATEGY FOR THE FUTURE

Looking ahead, the government is finalizing a comprehensive National Strategy for Transitional Justice and Peacebuilding for 2026–2027. This strategy aims to shift the country from planning to tangible, visible results that every Gambian can see and feel.

Key priorities include operationalizing the Special Tribunal, accelerating reparations, deepening community reconciliation, advancing security sector reforms, and completing outstanding legislation.

This strategic clarity reinforces The Gambia’s determination not only to complete the transition but to set a global standard.

A CALL FOR GLOBAL SOLIDARITY

In a passionate appeal, Hon. Jallow called on the international community to match The Gambia’s commitment with sustained political and financial support—particularly for the Special Tribunal and reparations programs.

“The architecture is in place. What we need now are the resources to deliver justice,” he emphasized.

He further positioned The Gambia as a model for other nations navigating similar transitions, ready to share its experiences in truth-seeking, reconciliation, and institutional reform.

AN IRREVERSIBLE JOURNEY FORWARD

Closing his address, the Justice Minister delivered a powerful message of resolve: The Gambia’s journey toward justice and peace is irreversible.

With strong leadership, a resilient population, and growing international recognition, the country continues to move forward—determined to ensure that the painful chapters of its past will never define its future.

“The Gambia has shown that where there is political will, there is always a way,” Hon. Jallow concluded.

And as the world watches, The Gambia stands firm—committed, determined, and unshakably on the path to justice.

Watct out for the full text of the Minister’s speech 

Editorial: DEFENDING TRUTH IN A SEASON OF NOISE: A NATION AT THE CROSSROADS

It is a well-known Mandinka adage that a truth spoken at a Bantaba in Jarra Jappineh remains the same truth at Gunjur Kabefo. In that spirit, Jarranews stands firm in full agreement with brother Alagi Yorro Jallow.

Alagi Yorro Jallow’s reflection is not merely an opinion piece—it is a necessary intervention in a national conversation that is fast losing its moral anchor. At a time when The Gambia should be consolidating its democratic gains, his warning cuts through the clutter with clarity and urgency: the danger we face today is no longer overt tyranny, but the quiet corrosion of truth, responsibility, and civic integrity.

More than two decades ago, Lamin Waa Juwara alias Mbarodi issued a statement that has since matured into prophecy. His observation was never an insult to the Gambian people; it was a challenge to their conscience. Today, that challenge remains unmet. The tragedy is not that voices have multiplied in the democratic space—it is that too many of those voices are empty, self-serving, and unaccountable.

Jallow correctly identifies a troubling phenomenon: the rise of individuals who have mastered visibility without substance. They dominate public discourse not through depth of ideas or credibility of record, but through volume, repetition, and calculated outrage. This is not democracy in action; it is democracy reduced to performance.

The invocation of Noam Chomsky’s concept of “manufacturing consent” is particularly apt. What we are witnessing in The Gambia today is a localized adaptation of that theory—where public perception is shaped not by evidence, but by emotional manipulation, selective narratives, and deliberate distortion. In such an environment, truth becomes negotiable, and falsehood gains legitimacy through repetition.

Equally powerful is the moral lens borrowed from Chinua Achebe. Achebe’s reminder about humility speaks directly to a generation that inherited freedom but now risks squandering it. Democracy was not handed down as a tool for personal branding or political theatrics; it was earned through sacrifice, courage, and resistance. To weaponize it for self-promotion is to betray its very foundation. We must always remember that the democracy that is being misused lives, and years of traumatic exile in foreign lands.

Mbading your argument goes beyond individual grievances. It speaks to a systemic erosion of national memory—a condition far more dangerous than any single act of misinformation. When history is distorted and facts are casually rewritten, a nation loses its compass. Without a shared understanding of truth, accountability becomes impossible, and democracy begins to drift.

The legal context he highlights, including the implications of Gambia Press Union v. Attorney General, underscores the delicate balance between freedom of expression and responsibility. Rights without accountability create fertile ground for abuse. Freedom of speech must not become freedom to mislead.

What makes Jallow’s reflection especially compelling is its refusal to romanticize the present. It does not pretend that all criticism is harmful or that dissent is the problem. On the contrary, robust debate is the lifeblood of democracy. But debate must be anchored in truth, guided by integrity, and driven by the public good—not personal ambition.

The Gambia today stands at a crossroads. One path leads to a mature democracy grounded in accountability, truth, and institutional strength. The other leads to a hollow republic, where noise replaces knowledge, and perception overrides reality. The choice is not abstract—it is being made daily in our media, our politics, and our civic engagement.

Jallow’s message is therefore both a warning and a call to action. Defending truth is no longer optional; it is a civic duty. Silence in the face of distortion is complicity. Indifference to misinformation is surrender.

The republic deserves better than noise masquerading as patriotism. It deserves citizens who understand that democracy is not a stage, but a responsibility. And above all, it deserves defenders of truth—steadfast, principled, and unafraid.

GAMBIA–NIGERIA PARTNERSHIP STRENGTHENS AS AMBASSADOR YABOU HOSTS HIGH-LEVEL SECURITY DELEGATION

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter

BANJUL, 20 April 2026 — In a powerful demonstration of The Gambia’s growing diplomatic influence and commitment to regional stability, the Permanent Secretary and Head of the Diplomatic Service, Ambassador Lang Yabou, proudly received a distinguished high-level delegation from Nigeria at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad.

The delegation, comprising 54 members from the prestigious Nigerian Army Resource Center (NARC), arrived in The Gambia as part of an elite Leadership and Strategic Studies Course study tour themed “Defeating Emerging Asymmetric Threats: The Need for Regional Cooperation.” Their choice of The Gambia as a key destination underscores the country’s rising reputation as a hub for peacebuilding, strategic dialogue, and regional collaboration.

Welcoming the delegation on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Sering Modou Njie, Ambassador Yabou described The Gambia as their “second home,” highlighting the deep-rooted brotherhood and unshakable diplomatic ties between Banjul and Abuja. He commended Nigeria’s continued role as a pillar of strength in Africa and expressed profound appreciation for its unwavering support to The Gambia’s development and security sectors.

In a compelling and visionary address, Ambassador Yabou paid glowing tribute to the brave men and women in uniform across West Africa, whose sacrifices continue to safeguard peace and stability. He emphasized that The Gambia remains deeply grateful for Nigeria’s longstanding investment in training Gambian security personnel—an effort that has significantly enhanced national capacity and professionalism.

With clarity and conviction, Ambassador Yabou stressed that the evolving nature of global security threats demands unity, vigilance, and bold collective action. He noted that asymmetric threats—ranging from terrorism to transnational crime—can only be defeated through strengthened regional cooperation, intelligence sharing, and sustained capacity building within the ECOWAS sub-region.

“The challenges we face today require not isolated responses, but a united front,” Ambassador Yabou declared, reaffirming The Gambia’s leadership role in championing regional peace initiatives. He further highlighted that lasting security must go hand in hand with addressing root causes such as poverty, youth unemployment, climate change, and limited access to education.

The visit of the Nigerian delegation stands as a testament to The Gambia’s growing strategic importance and its unwavering commitment to fostering peace, stability, and development across Africa. It also reinforces the country’s proactive foreign policy under the current administration—one that prioritizes partnership, solidarity, and sustainable progress.

Ambassador Yabou concluded with a firm and inspiring message: The Gambia remains resolute in its mission to promote peace and security, not only within its borders but across the entire region and beyond. Through strengthened alliances—especially with key partners like Nigeria—the country continues to position itself at the forefront of Africa’s collective fight against emerging threats.

This landmark engagement marks yet another milestone in The Gambia’s diplomatic success story, as it continues to rise as a beacon of cooperation, resilience, and forward-looking leadership in West Africa.