The Gambia Diaspora & Migration Directorate

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞

𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐕𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad wishes to inform the public that the Gambian Mission in Mauritania has received confirmed information regarding the migrant vessel that departed from Bakau on 18th April 2026.

The vessel has docked in Mauritania, and the Embassy is currently working in close coordination with the Mauritanian authorities to effectively manage the situation.

Several individuals from the vessel have been admitted to hospital facilities, where they are receiving the necessary medical care. Others have been escorted to a designated center, where they are being provided with first aid, food, and essential supplies.

Embassy officials are actively engaged in verifying the nationalities of all individuals on board. This process is critical to facilitating appropriate communication, consular assistance, and onward support.

The Embassy is working closely with the relevant authorities to ascertain all relevant details and will continue to provide timely updates as verified information becomes available.

The Ministry kindly requests the public’s patience and understanding as efforts remain focused on the ongoing humanitarian response and verification process.

The Ministry takes this opportunity to commend the Gambian Mission in Mauritania for its swift response and continued dedication to safeguarding the lives and welfare of Gambians throughout their migration journey.

𝐄𝐍𝐃.

𝐍𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞: The Gambia Diaspora & Migration Directorate 2024 Newsletter!

Explore how the Directorate is working to harness the power of our diaspora for national development through investment, knowledge transfer, reintegration, cultural exchange, and more.

This edition highlights key achievements, ongoing reforms, and our collective vision for a more inclusive and resilient Gambia.

🌍 Celebrating the Gambian Diaspora. Shaping the Future Together.

📖 Read the full newsletter here 👉🏾 [https://diaspora.gm/iom-newsletter-spread/]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs-The Gambia
IOM The Gambia
African Development Bank Group
African Union

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬
𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐬: 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐎𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧

𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐣𝐮𝐥, 𝟏𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: The Gambia hosted the Rabat Process Thematic Meeting on “Bridging the Gaps: Advancing Cooperation on Missing Migrants in the Rabat Process Region.” Co-chaired by The Gambia and Switzerland, the event was supported by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The meeting brought together delegations from 28 partner countries, international organizations, and technical experts.

Held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Banjul, the two-day meeting marked a significant milestone as the first in-person gathering of the Network of National Focal Points (NFPs) for Missing Migrants, established under the Rabat Process framework.

Speaking on behalf of the Government of The Gambia, Honorable Abdoulie Sanyang, Minister of Interior, addressed the plenary and emphasized the urgency of tackling irregular migration and addressing the challenges associated with missing migrants. He reaffirmed The Gambia’s strong commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable migration governance.

Throughout the two days, participants explored the humanitarian impact of migrant disappearances, the importance of family engagement, and the need for strengthened legal frameworks and operational capacity. Key highlights included:
• Presentations from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on the Missing Migrants Project, underscoring the critical need for data and informed prevention strategies;
• Interactive sessions on improving search, identification, and cross-border coordination;
• Peer learning on how to support families and uphold the dignity and rights of missing persons.

The meeting also celebrated a key achievement: for the first time, National Focal Points from several Rabat Process partner countries met in person to deepen collaboration and lay the groundwork for a stronger, more operational network.

In his closing remarks on day two, Ambassador Lang Yabou, PS 1 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, extended heartfelt thanks to participants, partners, and support staff, and called for sustained action:

“We leave here not with despair, but with a clear roadmap for action. Let us honour the memory of the missing by strengthening our systems, supporting families, and working together to prevent further tragedies.”

The Gambia also extended its gratitude to Switzerland, Nigeria (as current Chair of the Rabat Process), and institutional partners including ICRC, ICMPD, IOM, ECOWAS, and the EU Delegation.

The Government of The Gambia reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to collaborating with regional and international partners to uphold the dignity and rights of migrants throughout their journey. It emphasized that no migrant should be left unaccounted for and that affected families must be treated with dignity and provided with the necessary support.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, through its Directorate of Diaspora and Migration, is honoured to announce that The Gambia will host a Rabat Process Thematic Meeting under the theme: “𝐵𝑟𝑖𝑑𝑔𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐺𝑎𝑝𝑠: 𝐴𝑑𝑣𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐶𝑜𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑛 𝑀𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑀𝑖𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑅𝑎𝑏𝑎𝑡 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑅𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑜𝑛”, to be held in Banjul on 9th–10th July 2025.

This Global Forum, held under the Nigerian Chairmanship of the Rabat Process and co-chaired by The Gambia and Switzerland, with active support from the ICRC, will convene representatives from Rabat Process partner countries, regional and international organisations, and thematic experts. The meeting aims to advance joint efforts to address the complex and urgent issue of missing migrants along key migratory routes within and beyond the Rabat Process region.

Discussions will centre on:
▪️Strengthening cooperation to prevent the disappearance of migrants;
▪️Enhancing mechanisms for the search, identification, and dignified handling of cases involving missing persons;
▪️Providing appropriate support to the families and communities affected.

This engagement aligns with the Cadiz Action Plan, in particular Objective 5b and Action 17, which call for collective action to safeguard the dignity and rights of migrants and uphold humanitarian principles.

The meeting will also mark the first in-person gathering of the Network of National Focal Points (NFPs) for Missing Migrants. This Network aims to foster regional coordination and promote good practices in addressing the humanitarian and legal dimensions of migrant disappearances.

The Government of The Gambia reaffirms its strong commitment to multilateral dialogue and cooperation in addressing migration challenges. The upcoming meeting in Banjul represents a timely opportunity to contribute to a more coordinated and humane response to the issue of missing migrants, and to reinforce solidarity among countries of origin, transit, and destination.

Press release||

Washington D.C. June 24th, 2025: It has been brought to the attention of the Embassy of the Republic of The Gambia in Washington D.C. of the reported inclusion of The Gambia in a list of 36 countries whose citizens may face travel restrictions to the United States of America.

In light of the foregoing, the Embassy of The Gambia wishes to advise Gambian diaspora community in the United States and potential Gambian travelers to avoid illegal entry and overstay in the United States. Gambians issued entry visas by the U.S. Embassy, must pay attention to the stipulated durations of their stay to avoid violating immigration laws of the United States.

The Embassy further notifies Gambian citizens illegally in the United States of a financial incentive to voluntary depart the United States through a programme that can be accessed via www.dhs.gov/cbphome .

Gambian citizens in the United States can contact the Embassy’s Consular Section for any assistance they may require. They are urged to register with the Embassy via https://gambiaembassydc.gm/citizen-registration-form/

The Embassy of the Republic of The Gambia in Washington D.C. renews its commitment to a constructive engagement with the government of the United States through dialogue to address these concerns.

Click the link for details on the website: https://gambiaembassydc.gm/2025/06/25/gambian-citizen-registration-press-release/

END.

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄

𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐈𝐂 𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐎𝐋𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐌𝐈𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈, 𝐋𝐈𝐁𝐘𝐀

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟑𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐀𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad regrets to inform the public of a tragic incident involving Gambian migrants in the Arada district of Tripoli, Libya, earlier today, 30 May 2025.

According to available information, a cooking gas explosion occurred in a residential building housing approximately 35 Gambian nationals. Preliminary reports confirm the instantaneous death of two (2) Gambians, Fifteen (15) others sustained injuries, three (3) of whom are in critical condition, while twelve (12) suffered minor injuries and all are receiving medical attention.

The Libyan authorities, including emergency and fire services, responded swiftly to the scene, extinguishing the fire and assisting with evacuation efforts.

The Gambia Liaison Office in Tripoli, in close coordination with The Gambia Embassy in Rabat, Morocco, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Libya, Libyan authorities, and the Gambian community in Libya, are providing urgent humanitarian and medical assistance to the affected migrants. Efforts are actively underway to facilitate identification of the deceased and injured; contact affected families in The Gambia; establish the circumstances surrounding the incident; and assess the extent of damage and further needs.

The Ministry hereby expresses profound sorrow and extends deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, wishes a swift and full recovery to all injured persons and stands in solidarity with the victims, their families and the wider Gambian community during this difficult time.

The Government of The Gambia remains unwavering in its commitment to the welfare and protection of Gambians abroad. We assure the public that all necessary diplomatic and consular support is being mobilized.

The Ministry will continue to monitor the situation closely and will keep the public informed as further details become available.

END

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞

𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐫. 𝐀𝐛𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad expresses its profound sorrow following the tragic death of Mr. Abdoulie Bah, a 19-year-old Gambian national, in Las Palmas, Spain, on Saturday, 17th May 2025.

According to a formal communication received on the matter, Mr. Bah was fatally shot by Spanish police near Gran Canaria Airport following an alleged knife attack on a taxi driver. Preliminary reports indicate that he was in a state of acute mental distress, reportedly suffering from schizophrenia.

The Government of The Gambia deeply regrets the loss of a young life under such tragic circumstance and stands in solidarity with Mr. Bah’s grieving family and the wider Gambian community in Spain. We extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul.

In response to the incident, the Ministry through The Gambia Embassy, Madrid has formally expressed its grave concern to Spanish authorities, particularly regarding the apparent use of lethal force. A demand has been made for a thorough, transparent and independent judicial investigation into the events that led to Mr. Bah’s death.

As a demonstration of the Government’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of Gambian citizens abroad, the Embassy in Madrid is sending the Deputy Head of Mission to Las Palmas to engage with local authorities and community leaders.

The Gambia Embassy, Madrid is also working closely with Mr. Bah’s family to ensure the swift repatriation of his remains for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

The Ministry would continue to monitor the investigations into the matter and would also continue to work with the Spanish authorities to ensure such incidents are avoided in the future. We reaffirm our commitment to the safety and well-being of all Gambians in the diaspora and to continue collaboration with host countries to uphold the values of human rights and justice.

Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available from the ongoing investigations and repatriation efforts.

END

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐔𝐋, 𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad informs the public that His Excellency Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs, recently undertook an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania as a Special Envoy of His Excellency Mr. Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia.

During his visit, Minister Tangara delivered a special message to His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, reaffirming the strong and historic ties of friendship and cooperation between the two nations. Discussions focused on the well-being of Gambians residing in Mauritania, as well as broader issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties and ensuring the welfare of Gambians in Mauritania. The visit concluded on a positive note, with an agreement to maintain open communication and to convene a ministerial joint commission to follow up on agreed measures.

END

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬’ 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬

BANJUL, 27th March 2025: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad wishes to inform the public, particularly Gambian nationals residing in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, that it has been closely monitoring developments concerning Gambian migrants in the country with utmost concern and keen interest.

In light of this, and in consideration of the strong bilateral ties between The Gambia and Mauritania, His Excellency Mr. Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, has today dispatched His Excellency Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, as a Special Envoy to his brother, His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.

Additionally, the Gambian Embassy in Nouakchott has been directed to intensify engagements with the relevant Mauritanian authorities and strengthen interactions with the Gambian community to ensure the promotion and protection of their welfare.

In this regard, all Gambians residing in Mauritania are urged to register their presence with the Gambian Embassy in Nouakchott to facilitate effective and timely communication with the Gambian authorities. The following contact numbers are available for this purpose:
1. Hon. Saikouba Jarju, Deputy Ambassador – Mobile: +222 36159457
2. Mr. Lamin Secka, Counsellor – Mobile: +222 20967984

Both numbers are reachable via WhatsApp.

Furthermore, families and friends in The Gambia are encouraged to share this information with their loved ones in Mauritania to ensure that every Gambian in the country is made aware of this important notice.

Meanwhile, the Ministry wishes to reaffirm that, the Republic of The Gambia and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania continue to enjoy strong and cordial bilateral relations, and seizes this opportunity to urge all Gambians living in Mauritania to remain law abiding and good ambassadors of The Gambia.

The Ministry will continue to closely monitor developments concerning Gambians in Mauritania, particularly regarding their safety and well-being. The cooperation, vigilance, and understanding of all Gambian nationals in Mauritania are highly solicited.

𝐄𝐍𝐃