Gambia Roundup: Diplomatic relations, donations, trade agreements, governance

Gambia, Senegal trade agreements

Gambia and Senegal reached trade agreements, focusing on bilateral trade facilitations and collaboration for industrial development. This follows friendly discussions between Gambian President Adama Barrow and Senegalese President Bassirou Faye. Both parties plan to meet in July 2024 to discuss measures to facilitate cross-border trade and promote investment. They also aim to involve Guinea Bissau in a Tripartite Trade and Transit Cooperation Agreement, The Point reports.

Church leaders support humanitarian efforts

Church leaders from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints attended the launching ceremony for the Fatoumattah Bah Barrow Foundation in The Gambia. The Church donated to the foundation and has a history of supporting humanitarian efforts in the country. The First Lady Fatoumattah Bah Barrow has visited Church headquarters in Salt Lake City and expressed gratitude for the Church's ongoing support. The Church has dedicated missionary work in The Gambia and continues to grow with over 100 members, as indicated on its official website.

2020 Draft Constitution

The Coalition of Progressive Gambians (CoPG) has vowed to use legal means to ensure the 2020 Draft Constitution is reintroduced unchanged, or else they will organise a nationwide protest. According to local platform The Point, they have emphasised the importance of independent institutions and urged the Inspector General of Police to uphold the constitution, warning of protests in November if their demands are not met.

Diplomatic relations between Gambia and Cuba

Gambia and Cuba will celebrate 45 years of diplomatic relations on May 19. The Cuban Ambassador Reuben G. Abelenda expressed appreciation for Gambia's solidarity and friendship and pledged continued cooperation in health and other areas. Ambassador Abelenda also emphasised the strong bond between the two nations, Foroyaa reports.

Trade barriers and commercial challenges

The Minister for Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, Hon. Baboucarr OusmailaJoof toured Diamniadio and Sandiara Industrial Zones in Dakar, visiting various factories and companies. He commended his Senegalese counterpart, Dr Serigne Gueye Diop, minister for Commerce and Industry for the opportunity to discuss trade barriers. Joof emphasised the importance of industrialisation and value addition for boosting exports and reducing trade deficits. The visit allowed for discussions on commercial challenges and opportunities and promoted collaboration. Sandiara has about 5000 employees to discourage youth from irregular emigration, The Point reports.