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President Adama Barrow declares seven days mourning in memory of the late Vice President

President Adama Barrow has declared a 7-day National Mourning effective from the 18th January, 2023 in memory of the late Vice President Alieu Badara Joof. All flags will fly at half Mast. The body of the late VP will be laid in State at the National Assembly for a State Funeral.  Arrangements related to the funeral will be announced later. Meanwhile, book of condolences will be opened at the Presidency on Thursday 19th January, 2023.

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Vice President Alieu Badara Joof dies

The death has been announced of the Vice President of the Gambia Alieu Badara Joof. Mr Joof died in in India where he was being treated. President Adama Barrow expressed profound shock and sadness, the death of his deputy. The late Vice President Until his appointment as VP on 4th May 2022, VP Joof had served in various capacities including Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MOHERST), Permanent Secretary in various ministries across the Government. He had also served as World Bank Director for West and Central Africa for over a decade, a position he would relinquish to take up cabinet appointment in the new political dispensation.Earlier in his career, Mr. Joof, 66, had trained as a qualified teacher and taught for years at Nusrat High School in Bundung, The Gambia College in Brikama and The Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI).A scholar of profound intellect, late VP Joof took a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Bristol, Master’s Degree in English from University of London and Master’s Degree in Developmental Economics from the University of Bath. He had earlier received a Diploma in Human Rights Studies from the University of Saint Edwards Island, Canada.He was married to Mrs. Fatou Sonko Joof and the family is blessed with several children. May Allah grant him Jannah.

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Solo Sandeng finally laid to rest.

Hundreds of mourners have gathered at the Memorial Arch to pay their last respects to the late Solo Sandeng. The former UDP youth leader is being laid to rest following his brutal killing in 2016 in the hands of security agents. At an official funeral ceremony the Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dawda Jallow spoke on behalf of the President HE Adama Barrow. In his speech Mr Jallow paid tribute to Solo Sandeng and said he died fighting for freedom and justice. The Attorney General drew the attention of the gathering to fact that justice have been served as the perpetrators of the crime have been convicted and sentenced. Muhammed Sandeng, one of the sons of Solo, paid tribute to his late father. He said his death created a void in the family. He questioned if the cause that his father died fighting for is achieved. Muhammed said his father's absence left the family destitute and struggled to come to terms with it. The leader of the opposition UDP, ANM Ousainou Darboe spoke highly of the late Solo Sandeng in eulogy of the former political activist. Representatives of the Sandeng and the Sonko families also paid tribute to Solo Sandeng and prayed for him. The casket of the late Solo Sandeng was draped in the national flag and given a befitting funeral and burial, a stark contrast to how he was callously buried in a shallow grave. He was finally laid to rest at the Dippa kunda cometary 

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President Barrow Extols Gambia-Senegal Relations

 President Adama Barrow renewed his commitment to strengthening the bilateral ties between The Gambia and Senegal when he received a Ministerial delegation headed by the Minister for Culture and Historical Heritage, Professor Alioun Sow, at the State House on Friday morning. President Barrow embraced the friendly and brotherly relations with his colleague President Macky Sall, the government and the people of Senegal, reiterating the socio-cultural bond he described as 'natural'. "We should be proud of who we are and believe in ourselves," he added  The Gambian Leader urged the two authorities to work closely to unite the people through the policies they developed to strengthen the excellent neighbourliness between the two countries. He stressed the importance of the relations, saying, "Your immediate neighbour is your strongest partner, and we will succeed together," while praying for peace to continue to prevail in the region.Expressing his delight and reception in The Gambia, Professor Sow extended sincere felicitation from the Senegalese Leader to President Barrow, describing him as a 'Man of action without making noise."The Senegalese culture Minister emphasised the importance of having loyal officials to influence government policies and cited the partnership they enjoy with The Gambia Navy and the National Council for Arts and Culture in The Gambia.  He revealed the plans to host joint annual Cultural festivals in border communities between the two countries and celebrate the Senegambia heritage.    The Minister of Tourism and Culture, Honourable. Hamat Bah said the visit was historic and demonstrated President Barrow's desire to preserve, promote, and advance the Senegambia culture. He added culture could be a source of inspiration to promote national development.Honourable Sow is in The Gambia on the invitation of the Gambian Minister of Tourism and Culture, Hon. Hamat Bah and the Senegalese Ambassador to The Gambia, H.E Bachirou Sene, accompanied him to the State House by

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The Gambia recieves food Aid from The People's Republic of China

President Adama Barrow has received over 40,000 bags of rice from The People’s Republic of China for onward distribution to vulnerable households, the differently able, recent disaster victims and Boarding Schools, including Madrassas. During the presentation held today at  Statehouse in Banjul, President Barrow commended China for the valuable partnership with his government since 2017, citing the landmark infrastructure projects as a testimony of the relationship. He assured of his government’s commitment to working and standing by China for the benefit of both countries. The Chinese Ambassador to The Gambia, H.E Liu Jin, expressed similar sentiments, stating that China attaches great importance to the relationship with The Gambia and is ready to work and accelerate it to new heights. In addition to the rice donation, the Ambassador disclosed that the Chinese government would send a new agriculture expert team to The Gambia to share knowledge and experience with Gambian farmers and students to boost the government’s food self-sufficiency drive.  

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A Police officer and two other men remanded in custody over foiled coup plot

Three men have been remanded in custody following their appearance before the Banjul Magistrates’ court accused of taking part in a coup plot. A government statement says investigators have linked the men, Mr. Mustapha Jabbi, a resident of Brikama, Mr. Saikuba Jabbi, resident of Brusubi, and a Police Officer, Sub Inspector Fakebba Jawara of The Gambia Police Force assigned to Abuko Police Station, to the foiled scheme. They were charged with concealment of treason and conspiracy to commit a felony.

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Gambia government reduces fuel pump price

The Ministry of Information through consultatin with the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy wishes to inform the general public that the pump price of the following products for the month of January 2023 is as followsPetrol  = D75.00 per litre ( which indicates a reduction of D2.89 per litre from the  December 2022 pump price).                             Diesel  = D72.50 per litre (similarly representing a reduction of D1.04 per litre  from the December 2022 pump price).                              It may be appreciated that the reductions are clear indication of government's responsiveness to changes in the market and the usual understanding and cooperation of the public is kindly solicited.

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Veteran Musician Abdul Kabir Lie Ngum Passes away

The death has been announced of Abdul Kabir Lie Ngum, a veteran musician and founder of the former Gelewar band. The late Lie Ngum began his musical career in his twenties and went on to release big hits locally and internationally. The mother land dearest hit singer mentored and produced the late Musa Ngum in his early music career. Lie Ngum was also one of the lead singer of the Sotoko Band that toured Europe. The veteran musician was recently presented with a live time award at a local music award ceremony. 

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Samateh meets ambassador Liu as Beijing adjusts covid-19 policy

Chinese Ambassador H.E Liu Jin and the Gambian Minister of Health Dr Ahmadou Lamin Samateh have met and discussed medical and health cooperation following China’s recent adjustment of the COVID-19 policy.At the meeting held at the Ambassador's residence on December 29, 2022, the top Chinese diplomat in The Gambia introduced China’s latest COVID-19 policy adjustment, which is sticking to the policy of always putting the people and their lives first. He firmly believes that, with the advantages of social system, complete medical system and strong capability in pharmaceutical science and technology production, China will definitely overcome difficulties and challenges. Minister Samateh expressed understanding and appreciation to China’s efforts on the prevention and control of COVID-19 and its support to African countries in fighting the deadly virus.  Minister Samateh firmly considers COVID-19 a global challenge that needs the full cooperation of the whole world. He fully believed that China will eventually overcome the pandemic.The two sides also exchanged views on further strengthening the medical and health cooperation between the two countries. Ambassador Liu reviewed the cooperation between China and The Gambia in the field of medical and health, especially the achievements in fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic and improving the level of clinical medicine. Ambassador Liu assured, on the basis of mutual respect and trust, China is willing to work jointly with The Gambia to deepen cooperation in fighting against the COVID-19, clinical medical care and so on, aiming to help The Gambia improve the level of medical care and enhance the welfare of the Gambian people.The Gambian health minister said The Gambia is grateful to China for showing respect to Gambian values and cultural traditions and for never imposing its own development mode on others. "The Chinese government has always adhered to the people-centered development concept, which is also in line with the Gambian government policy," he argued.Minister Samateh hopes the two countries will continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields including health care, and promote bilateral relations to a new level.Mr Tong Zhan, Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in The Gambia was also present at the meeting.

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The Gambia Government Inaugurates ‘Joint Investigative Panel’ to Investigate The Alleged Coup Plot

Banjul, The Gambia — Members of the public, the Diplomatic and Consular Corps are informed that The Gambia Government has today, Tuesday 27th December, 2022, inaugurated a “Joint Investigative Panel” to investigate the foiled coup plot against the legitimate Government of President Adama Barrow.The multi-sectoral Panel draws membership from the Ministry of Justice, Office of National Security (ONS), The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF), The Gambia Police Force (GPF) and the State Intelligence Service (SIS) to exhaustively, professionally and impartially investigate the alleged coup plot.Consistent with the due process of the law, the 11-member Panel was sworn to an Oath of Secrecy administered by the Solicitor General, Ministry of Justice. The investigators have thirty (30) days effective today to investigate, prepare and submit their report on the alleged coup plot.The brief inauguration ceremony, chaired by the new National Security Adviser, Mr Abubakarr Suleiman Jeng was witnessed by the Chief of Defence Staff of The Gambia Armed Forces, The Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the State Intelligence Services and The Gambia Government Spokesperson & Presidential Diaspora Adviser.SignedEbrima G. SankarehThe Gambia Government Spokesperson & Presidential Diaspora Adviser

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NAYCONF 2022 Resolutions Adopted

Delegates at the National Youth Conference and Festival (NAYCONF) have tasked the Gambia government to increase youth employment and education. The call is contained in a number of resolutions young people adopted at the just ended week long national youth conference following their discussions on eight thematic areas. The thematic areas include Environment and Climate Change, Migration, Peace and Security, and Substance Abuse, Gender, Youth in Political Participation, ITC and Access to Information, entrepreneurship; and culture.  The biennial youth convergence brought together over 2000 young people across the country where they participated in various activities and discussed issues affecting their lives. 

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Gambia government confirms attempted coup plot

The government of the Gambia has announced that four soldiers of the Gambia Armed Forces are in custody following an attempt to overthrow the government of Adama Barrow. The men were arrested on Tuesday following a military operation by the Gambia Armed forces and are currently being interrogated by the military police. A statement from the government of Gambia confirmed the alleged coup plot and says three more soldiers believed part of the plot are on the run. 

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Latest Updates

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PRESIDENT BARROW RECEIVES ATAF DELEGATION, HAILED AS MODEL FOR TAX REFORMS

President Adama Barrow on Thursday received officials attending the annual African Tax Administration Forum Masterclass at State House.The delegation was led by the Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority, Yankuba Darboe, who briefed the President on the objectives and outcomes of the three-day meeting in Banjul. The Masterclass brought together tax administrators from across Africa to deliberate on tax administration, revenue collection, and the challenges and opportunities facing the continent.Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Commissioner General Darboe described the engagement as "very productive," noting that discussions centred on tax administration, revenue collection, and common challenges facing authorities in Africa.He commended President Barrow for the government’s support to GRA’s reforms, which he said have transformed revenue collection in The Gambia over the last 10 years.“As a result of these reforms, revenue collection has increased significantly. We have moved from collecting D3 billion in one year to now collecting D3 billion in one month,” Darboe said.The Executive Secretary of ATAF, Mary Baine, commended President Barrow for receiving the delegation. She said ATAF wants him to champion the call for stronger and more resilient tax administration systems across Africa, drawing on The Gambia’s model.The Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of ATAF also praised The Gambia for its political will and commitment to financing development through domestic revenue. They described the approach as more sustainable, noting that Africa cannot continue to depend on external financing for its development needs.The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy Keita, congratulated the GRA for hosting a successful ATAF Masterclass. He said the event is a vote of confidence in The Gambia’s tax administration system, which continues to serve as a model for others on the continent.The meeting was attended by senior tax administration officials and experts who are using the forum to strategise the way forward for tax administration and revenue mobilisation in Africa. 

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PRESIDENT BARROW CALLS FOR STRONGER ECOWAS UNITY TO TACKLE SECURITY AND CLIMATE CHALLENGES

The President, Adama Barrow, has called for stronger regional solidarity to confront terrorism, violent extremism, climate change, and other pressing challenges facing West Africa.President Barrow made the call on Saturday at the opening of the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Leaders at the summit pledged to accelerate efforts toward a fully integrated West Africa.The meeting is being described as a historic moment for ECOWAS as the bloc refocuses on democracy, good governance, security, trade, and infrastructure.ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray said the summit provides a historic opportunity for leaders to deliver on their pledge to integrate the sub-region into a single bloc capable of addressing shared challenges.He described ECOWAS as a critical platform for dialogue, regional cooperation, and democratic consolidation.Dr. Touray also expressed gratitude to President Barrow for supporting his candidature four years ago, which led to his appointment as President of the Commission.Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, said the summit calls for reflection on the past and future of the organization.He noted that the world is undergoing profound changes and increased competition for resources, and urged ECOWAS to adapt to remain relevant and competitive."West Africa carries greater weight when it speaks with one voice," President Bio said.President Barrow reiterated the need for concerted sub-regional action on terrorism, violent extremism, and climate change, warning that these threats require urgent attention.On The Gambia, President Barrow thanked ECOWAS for its support during the country’s transition. He reassured the bloc that his government will conduct a free, fair, and credible election in December.He also reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to regional integration and to ECOWAS institutions.At the close of the summit, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye succeeded President Bio as Chairman of ECOWAS. He will lead the bloc for the next two years.Dr. Touray also concluded his four-year term as President of the ECOWAS Commission. He thanked leaders for their support during what he described as a "very tough and challenging" period.

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THE GAMBIA CHAIRS 121ST OACPS COUNCIL OF MINISTERS IN BRUSSELS

The Gambia Chaired the 121st Council of Ministers of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), 15-16 July 2026, Brussels.The Council of Ministers, being the decision-making body of the 79 Member States of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), held its 121st Session in Brussels from 15th -16th July 2026. Over 200 delegates, including 25 Ministers of Finance, Trade and Economic Development, were in attendance, with Honourable Seedy K.M. Keita, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs of the Republic of The Gambia, chairing in his capacity as President of Council. In his opening statement, Hon. Minister Keita underscored that the strength of the OACPS lies in the common identity and shared cultural values that unite its Member States across three continents. He reaffirmed the Organisation’s collective vision of improving the lives of its peoples through economic transformation, increased trade and investment, a stronger private sector, and improved opportunities for youths and women.Hon. Seedy K.M Keita also called on Member States to maintain the momentum generated by the Malabo Summit by providing the political leadership and ownership necessary to implement the decisions of the Heads of State and Government. He further emphasised the importance of strengthening the Organisation’s governance system, financial sustainability and institutional effectiveness.Key achievements during The Gambia’s Presidency include the successful convening of the 11th Summit of Heads of State and Government in Malabo, the adoption of the Malabo Declaration and its Implementation Matrix and the progress made in advancing the OACPS Transformation Agenda.Honourable Justice Veronic Wright, The Gambia’s candidate for election as a Judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC), had the singular opportunity to present her candidature to the Council of Ministers for their support.

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VP JALLOW OPENS ATAF MASTER CLASS IN BANJUL, URGES STRONGER DOMESTIC RESOURCE MOBILISATION 

The Vice President, Mohammed B.S. Jallow, on Wednesday officially opened the African Tax Administration Forum in Banjul on behalf of President Adama Barrow.Tax administrators from across the continent gathered for the 7th Heads of Tax Administrations Master Class to discuss ways to strengthen revenue collection in Africa.Delegates came from different countries with diverse legal systems and institutional backgrounds, but share a common goal: to strengthen Africa’s capacity to mobilise domestic resources to improve lives.Delivering the President’s statement, Vice President Jallow said domestic resource mobilisation has been a central pillar of The Gambia’s national development agenda.“Since the inception of my administration in 2017, domestic resource mobilisation has featured prominently on The Gambia’s national development agenda,” he said. “This strategic focus is informed by the growing realisation that African governments cannot achieve sustainable prosperity, economic resilience, and true sovereignty by relying indefinitely on external loans, grants, and development assistance.”The Vice President noted that African economies have faced devastating calamities, global supply chain disruptions, and uncertainties arising from conflicts around the world. He said that these challenges have forced many countries to undertake major reforms to modernise their revenue administration, and that The Gambia has been a beneficiary of those reforms.“Today, The Gambia is reaping the benefits of these reforms through improved efficiency, enhanced transparency, stronger revenue performance, and increased domestic resources to support our national development aspirations,” he said.Vice President Jallow also commended the leadership of the Gambia Revenue Authority, saying it reflects the theme of the Master Class.“The Commissioner General’s leadership stature stands as a practical example of the theme of this Master Class, that great institutions are built by leaders who have the courage to embrace change and the determination to see it through,” he said.For his part, the Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority, Yankuba Darboe, said the Master Class has been a source of inspiration for his leadership.“When I say this Master Class has had a profound impact on my own leadership journey. Since the launch of this initiative, I have had the privilege of participating in several editions, often accompanied by my Deputy Commissioner General,” Darboe said. “Every year, we return home with new ideas, fresh perspectives, and practical lessons from fellow Commissioners General who have faced challenges similar to those confronting us in The Gambia.”After the deliberations in Banjul, the tax administrators are expected to leave with renewed strategies to combat base erosion, profit shifting, and illicit financial flows that deprive Africa of much-needed development resources.Participants of the 2026 ATAF Master Class are also expected to adopt a communique outlining key recommendations for tax administration across the continent.

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PRESIDENT BARROW JOINS ECOWAS LEADERS TO INAUGURATE JULIUS MAADA BIO INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE IN SIERRA LEONE

On the eve of the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Sierra Leone inaugurated a state-of-the-art International Convention Centre named after President Julius Maada Bio on Saturday.The inauguration ceremony in Lungi was attended by several sub-regional leaders, with His Excellency Adama Barrow attending as Special Guest of Honour.The new facility is being hailed as a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s modernisation drive.President Barrow arrived at Lungi International Airport Saturday morning to join other West African leaders for the ECOWAS Summit.  He was received by Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, who escorted him through airport formalities reserved for visiting Heads of State.The two leaders held a brief tête-à-tête in the VIP lounge before President Barrow was driven to the nearby convention centre.Located a few metres from the International Airport, the Julius Maada Bio International Convention Centre is one of several infrastructure projects undertaken by the Bio administration to position Sierra Leone as a hub for sub-regional, continental, and global diplomacy.The ceremony was attended by Heads of State, ECOWAS officials, and other dignitaries.In his remarks, President Barrow praised President Bio for the ambitious initiative, describing it as a testament to visionary leadership.“One can safely and boldly conclude that it is a testament to the visionary leadership and statesmanship of President Bio. No wonder the centre proudly bears his name,” President Barrow said.  “This edifice vividly symbolises what is attainable when leaders dedicate their lives to their nations and toil not only for the present, but also for generations to come.”President Barrow noted the special significance of the occasion for The Gambia.“For The Gambia, the occasion carries unique significance. Sierra Leone and The Gambia are bound not merely by geography and membership of ECOWAS, but equally by a shared history marked by resilience, resourcefulness, and an unwavering commitment to democracy, peace, and regional integration,” he said.He added that the new convention centre will create opportunities for Sierra Leone and position the country as a hub for diplomacy, dialogue, and investment.“A convention centre of such magnificence is more than a physical structure. It is a public space to generate and share ideas, knowledge, and expertise. It is an avenue for constructive diplomacy, a venue for commerce, and a platform from which Africans can present their viewpoints to the world with dignity,” President Barrow stated.“I am confident that the centre will host insightful dialogues to influence our region’s future, moderate negotiations for our shared prosperity, and hold many celebrations of success.”The President reassured Sierra Leone of The Gambia’s pride in the achievement and urged both countries to continue working together to transform their nations.President Barrow later joined his host and fellow leaders from Senegal, Ghana, Mauritania, Cabo Verde, and Liberia to cut the ribbon and officially open the Julius Maada Bio International Convention Centre.For President Bio, the inauguration marked a proud moment as Sierra Leone welcomed ECOWAS leaders for the 69th Ordinary Session.

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THE GAMBIA GOVERNMENT CONDEMNS BORDER FENCE DEMOLITION  AT BULOCK 

Re: The Gambia Government Statement On The Bulock Military Camp Border IncidentBanjul, The Gambia - The Gambia Government expresses its deep concern over the unfortunate incident that occurred on Thursday afternoon, 16th July, 2026, at the Bulock Military Border.Post, West Coast Region, involving members of the Senegalese Armed Forces. The Government confirms that a section of the perimeter fence of a Gambia Armed Forces military installation was demolished without prior consultation through the established bilateral military and diplomatic mechanisms that have long guided cooperation between our two sister countries.While The Gambia considers this action profoundly provocative and totally unacceptable, the Government remains fully committed to resolving the matter peacefully through dialogue and the existing Joint Military Committee and other bilateral channels. A formal diplomatic engagement with the Government of Senegal is already underway.The Government wishes to reassure the Gambian public, members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps and residents of The Gambia, that there is no need for panic as the security situation remains calm and fully under control. Throughout the incident, Personnel of The Gambia Armed Forces acted with exemplary professionalism and restraint, preventing any potential escalation.Significantly, the Governments of The Gambia and Senegal have enjoyed decades of close fraternal cooperation, friendship and shared responsibility for regional peace and stability. Only recently, both Heads of State reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations through enhanced cooperation in Defence, Security, Trade, Border Management and Economic Development. It is in that same spirit that this unfortunate incident will be addressed.Accordingly, The Gambia Government calls on the Senegalese Armed Forces to exercise maximum restraint and to ensure that any future concerns relating to the common border are addressed exclusively through the established bilateral mechanisms and in full respect of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both States.The Government is confident that through mutual respect, constructive dialogue and the longstanding friendship between our two nations, this matter will be resolved swiftly and amicably.The Government further urges all Gambians to remain calm, refrain from speculation, and allow the ongoing diplomatic process to reach a peaceful conclusion.Signed,Ebrima G. Sankareh The Government Spokesperson & Presidential Diaspora Adviser 

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