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Diabugu commissions new dump site

 Diabugu Xaabani, a community-based organisation, has commissioned a dump site costing 1.5 million Dalasis and a waste collection truck. The project is aimed at managing waste in the community. The Secretary General of the association Bahoreh Drammeh, said the objective of the organisation is to develop the community. He added that the community is prepared to initiate projects to complement government efforts. The technical director of the National Environment Agency Malick Bah, said the initiative eased waste management efforts by the local council. The director of planning at the Basse area council, Yaya Ceesay,  applauded the community for their foresight and said his council will collaborate with its stakeholders to provide logistics support for proper waste management in Diabugu.

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Reug Reug Prevails Over Jobis

Reug Reug defied the odds to beat Jobis in a nail-biting grand combat on Sunday 23rd October 2022 at the Serekunda West Mini Stadium. The fight was organised by WRG Promotion.Reug Reug of club Tallinding Japoo survived a barrage of punches from Jobis of club Ebo Town Mbolo and won the Hon. Babucarr Mansally flag. The bout began with an array of punches and the crowd loved it from the start. Reug Reug finally turns the contest on its head just under the three-minute mark, by spectacularly wrestling down Jobis to the ground. Meanwhile, Tapha Tine of club Mara needed a little over a minute in defeating Armeh of club Sanchaba Ham Sa Chossan to claim the flag named after Jam Promotion. Elsewhere, Boy Faal of Brikama Mbolo wrestle down Quence of club Bundung Kai Bakh to win the flag named after Queen Jose while Bebe Biram was declared the winner against Seri Boy of club Tallinding United. Bebe General of club Nema Saku Ham defeated Jel of club Banjul Japoo to win the flag named after MC Cham Junior and Pa Mamadi Jabour respectively.In freestyle (mbapat) bouts; Arsenal of club Sanchaba Ham Sa Chossan lost through a warning to Express, Tapha Tine of club Bara defeated Bebe Nyolo of club Yundum Mbolo, Yareh of club Serekunda Mbolo defeated Bebe Chart of Paradise Mbolo while Reug Reug of club Saloum Mbolo wrestles down Tassayaram of club Sukutankulu. The event attracted a record crowd including the Minister of Youth and Sports Hon. Bakay Y Badjie, his DPS Musa Mbye, KMC Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensuda, Hon. Babucarr Mansally, GWA President Serign Modou Faye.

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THIRD EXTRA-ORDINARY SESSION IN THE 2022 LEGISLATIVE YEAR - WEDNESDAY 26TH OCTOBER, 2022

The Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly wishes to inform the public that the National Assembly will convene its Third Extra-Ordinary Session in the 2022 Legislative Year on Wednesday 26th October 2022 at 10:00 am, to debate over the current National Public Health Emergency regarding the death of at least 69 innocent Gambian Children according to government records.Sitting commences at 10:00 am prompt in the National Assembly Chamber in Banjul. The public is reminded to comply with the standard dress code (traditional/formal suit) required and also to observe the silence rule during proceedings of the Assembly.

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Awa Gambia launches Debut Album

Thousands of people thronged the Penchami Hall on Saturday to witness the maiden album launching of Awa Jonga commonly called Awa Gambia. The new music sensation’s taking over album got high ratings from music enthusiasts, the media, and many Gambian musicians. The Sen Petite Galle contestant attracts a large following on social media since the release of “meuno ci mann dara”. The event was witnessed by high-profile individuals including the First Lady Madam Fatou Bah Barrow.

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UTG Faraba Campus gets new facilities

The Ministry of Higher Education Research Science and Technology says works for the completion of The University of The Gambia’s Faraba Bantang campus are almost completed. The ministry wrote on its social media handle that the library and four schools will be operational by February 2023. President Adama Barrow is expected to inaugurate the completed phase of the construction. The Ministry also revealed funds for the second phase have been secured and works will start in early 2023.

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YMCA CONVENES YOUTH CONFERENCE ON PEACE AND SECURITY

The Gambia YMCA in partnership with their counterparts in Finland organised a youth peace and security conference. The theme of the conference is youth inclusion for conflict prevention and sustaining peace.The forum brought together young people across the country to map out ways for youth advancement. Stakeholders say the conference was convened as part of the Gambia YMCA's advocacy component under the 'work 4 peace' project.  The conference looked into the role of young people in conflict prevention and sustaining peace as well as combating irregular migration through youth resilience. John Charles Njie, the national secretary of the YMCA, said youths have a choice to make and should avoid being used for issues that threaten peace.‘Make up your mind that you will not be a tool for upheaval in the country. I can tell you that if our country gets into trouble, all of us will leave in regret’, He said.Njie, further implored the young people to discuss and come up with resolutions, and ensure they become instruments of peace and social cohesion in this country. Priscilla Dunn the YMCA project director said young people are key contributors to peace anywhere in the world, thus the reason for the convergence by YMCA.  It is hoped that at the end of the conference, the participants will come up with resolutions and programs to pave a viable way forward for young people.

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African Commission on Human and People’s Rights holds 73rd extra ordinary session in The Gambia

The Vice president, Dr. Badara Joof on Friday presided over the official opening of the 73rd session of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights. Ansumana S.O Nyassi reports. In his opening statement, Vice President Badara Joof, described the commission as one of the most important pillars of development in Africa. He cited numerous reforms and human rights endeavours including the establishment of the truth commission, as a clear testament to the Gambia government’s political will to strengthen democracy and human rights in the Gambia and beyond.Chairperson of the African Union Commission on Human and People’s Rights, Remy NgoyLumbu, said the extraordinary session is a moment of stocktaking, to assess the current situation of Human Rights in Africa. She implored member states to amplify efforts to strengthen human rights in Africa. Hanna Forster member of the NGO Steering Committee and African Court on Human and Peoples Rights underscored the achievements of the commission. She said the aspiration of the commission is to create an Africa where people live in peace and enjoy freedom, justice, and development.Preceded by the swearing-in of a newly elected commissioner, the extraordinary session marks its 35th anniversary, the 20th anniversary of the resolution against the death penalty, the 10th anniversary of the Kampala convention, and the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa. Fridays’ event was attended by the Gambia’s Chief Justice, Hassan B. Jallow, who was recognized for his role in drafting the charter that established the commission in 1987.  Senegal’s minister of Justice and other high-profile dignitaries from across the continent were also present.  

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China: 20th CPC Congress opens in Beijing

Delegates from different cities and provinces across China are in Beijing for the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).President Xi Jinping, the General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee will preside over the opening session at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.The Congress is the biggest political convergence in the Asian giant nation. The meeting is a platform to hear different opinions, make informed decisions and strategic directions in all facets of development under a people centred government led by president Xi.The spokesperson for the Congress Sun Yeli announced on Saturday that everything was set for the mega event, with over 2000 delegates confirmed to attend.The CPC was founded in July 1921 by the late visionary Chinese leader, Mao Zedong in Shangai, the current financial city of China.Since then the  party has been gaining momentum with growing public trust for pursuing examplary leadership. China boasts of communism with Chinese characteristics as manifested in Xi Jinping's thought of communism, creating a community of shared future for mankind.

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President Barrow Appoints Trade Minister

His Excellency, Mr Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia, in accordance with section 71(4) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, has relieved Honourable Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof of the portfolio of Minister responsible for the Public Service, Administrative Reforms, Policy Coordination and Delivery.In the same vein, President Barrow in accordance with Section 71(1) and Section 71 (3) of the Constitution appointed Honourable Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof as Minister responsible for the portfolio of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment with immediate effect from today, 13th October 2022.Also, by the same Constitutional provisions, His Excellency, the President today, 13th October 2022, appoints Mr Baboucarr Bouy as Minister of Public Service, Administrative Reforms, Policy Coordination and Delivery, effective 1st November 2022.    

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President Barrow receives GFF new Executive

President Adama Barrow on Friday received the Executive Committee of The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) at the State House. The GFF was at State House to introduce its new leadership to the Gambian leader. The GFF delegation included its President Lamin Kaba Bajo, the Vice Presidents, and Executive committee members. The meeting came barely a month after the new executive secured another four-year mandate to run the affairs of football in the countryPresident Barrow congratulated them for securing a new mandate and encouraged the GFF leadership to remain committed to the development of football in the country. He promised the government’s continued financial support for football. The GFF thanked the government for its support of football, which they said helped the Gambia qualify for the first time to the African Cup of Nations. 

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President Barrow Summons Emergency Cabinet Meeting on AKI Deaths in The Gambia

President Adama Barrow said the recent Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) outbreak in the country is a challenging time for the government, families, and the people, and called on all to close ranks to come out of the crisis better prepared.  He made the call during an emergency Cabinet meeting he summoned on Thursday, 13th October 2022, for an update on the 66 plus AKI deaths associated with contaminated Indian-made syrups imported into The Gambia in June this year.According to updates, as of 13th October 2022, the number of AKI deaths related cases has risen to 70, and all may be linked to the use of the said contaminated drugs.  The President was emphatic that his government is determined to unearth the details of the cases, as “the children died in unusual circumstances.”  Accordingly, a directive was issued to open criminal investigations. The ongoing police investigations have established the importer, licensee, and quantity of, drugs imported in June 2022. Atlantic Pharmaceuticals Company Limited brought into the country a consignment of 50,000 units of medicinal syrup, of which the Health Authorities recalled over 41,000. However, over 8,000 units are still unaccounted for.The probe established that the Medicine Control Agency – MCA was established by the Medicines and Related Products Act 2014.   At the time it started product registration in 2017, there were thousands of unregistered products in the country.  This was due to a lack of testing facilities in The Gambia and the exorbitant cost involved in outsourcing the testing. However, Cabinet was informed that the World Bank has agreed to establish a medicines and drugs testing facility in The Gambia. Furthermore, there is an ongoing international medical investigation in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) of the United States of America and Africa, looking into the medical causes of AKI deaths among children in The Gambia and related medical matters.Having received an in-depth briefing on the AKI death cases, Cabinet concluded by setting up a broad-based Commission of Inquiry, whose terms of Reference and Composition will be gazetted shortly.  

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GAF GRADUATES NEW RECRUITS

 A rare sight, ground and occasion coming after five years of intense preparation and training. This is the passing out of recruit intake 37 of the Gambia armed forces which comes after the lifting of the moratorium on recruitment by the Barrow administration. This is a significant move joining efforts to rebrand the military into a more  professional force in line with international best practices. As an institution guided by a unique mandate to protect and safeguard the country’s territorial integrity, boosting numbers is vital for capacity to support national objectives in the execution of the army's constitutional role. The passing out is the culmination of twenty weeks of rigorous training building professionalism and high standards of regimentation for the new cohort.A   a total number of 226 out of the 234 initially enrolled are now ready to take up task as expected, serving with diligence, integrity, respect and loyalty. As elated as they are for completing their training, the journey ahead might be daunting but is duty bound with expectations to protect the aspirations of people they serve as enshrined in the constitution.

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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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