SMOM - Embassy of the Order of Malta to The Gambia

Audience of Grand Master with Diplomatic Corps accredited to Order of Malta.

Rome, 10 January 2026 –
At the Villa Magistrate in Rome, Grand Master Fra’ John Dunlap’s traditional new-year audience with the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Sovereign Order of Malta focused on its diplomatic and humanitarian mission from an increasingly global perspective.

Starting from the year just ended “of exceptional intensity, marked both by the spiritual significance of the Holy Year and by a momentous transition in the life of the Holy See” with “the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis and the subsequent election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV,” the Grand Master recalled how “these events have profoundly resonated across both the life of the Universal Church and the broader international community.” Retracing the important milestones of diplomatic activity in 2025 involving every continent - also highlighted in the speech by Cameroon’s Ambassador Antoine Zanga, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Sovereign Order of Malta - the Grand Master outlined a clear programmatic approach for 2026.

BANJUL, 25 November 2025
Ambassador Bensouda formally presented her Letters of Credence to the Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, reaffirming the commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and fostering cooperation grounded in mutual respect, humanitarian values, and shared aspirations for global peace and development. The ceremony marked a renewed dedication to deepening ties and advancing collaborative initiatives for the benefit of both peoples.

Snap shot of H.E The Minister of Foreign Affairs, International and Gambians Abroad, Mr. Serign Modou Njie during his speech @ the occasion of the Feast of Order of Malta.

A cross-section of distinguished delegates present at the celebration. The Embassy extends it's sincere appreciation to all who honored us with their presence.
Your participation added great value to the occasion and reflects our shared commitment to strengthening friendship, dialogue, and cooperation for the well-being of all communities.

Celebration Gathering
The Embassy of the Sovereign Order of Malta was pleased to welcome invited guests during the celebration of the feast of Order of Malta..

On the occasion of the Feast of Blessed Gerardo founder of the Sovereign Order of Malta was Celebrated in the Gambia on Friday 31st October 2025.

For nearly a thousand years, the Sovereign Order of Malta has remained dedicated to serving the sick and the vulnerable. The Order continues its humanitarian work in more than 120 countries.

The Embassy remains dedicated to advancing cooperation in health and social development, drawing on the Order’s long-standing expertise in public health, emergency medicine, and maternal and child care.

Together with our Gambian partners, we strive to strengthen capacities and support a healthcare system that is more inclusive, resilient, and responsive to the needs of the most vulnerable.

In attendance: H.E. Ambassador Domenico Giani at the Closing Ceremony of the 85th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in The Gambia

Courtesy Visit to the Catholic Diocese of Banjul

The Ambassador of the Sovereign Order of Malta today paid a courtesy visit to Most Rev. Gabriel Mendy, Bishop of Banjul, and Rev. Fr. Sawyer, Parish Priest responsible for youth ministry.

The meeting was an opportunity to discuss shared priorities and explore avenues of cooperation, particularly in support of young people and community development.

The Embassy reaffirms its commitment to working closely with faith leaders and local partners to promote human dignity, social cohesion, and the well-being of the most vulnerable across The Gambia.

A small group dinner hosted by the Embassy held at Ngala Lodge - Fajara. Invitees were UNICEF, French Charge d' Affaires, George Banna & Co. Ltd & Shyben A. Madi & Sons Ltd. The evening was a great chance to discuss possible projects and strengthen cooperation to support children, Mothers and Education.

We value partners and look forward to working together for a brighter future.

# Diplomacy # Together for better living.

Photo of the Embassy Delegate at Kanifing General Hospital labour ward. Dr. Professor Italo Farnetani Minsiter Counsellor of The Embassy and full Professor of Pediatrics talking to a nurse.