The Gambia government has won $3M grant support from Qatari government through Qatar Development Fund, singed October 8, 2018.
The signing came following a pledge made by the State of Qatar during a Donor Conference held in Brussels on May 22, 2018, to help The Gambia.
In a ceremony held at the Qatar Embassy in Bijilo, the agreement prepared by the State of Qatar aims at materialising its pledge to support The Gambia government’s Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations’ Commission (TRRC).
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Faisal Fahad al-Mana said the relationship between the two countries has witnessed a significant improvement in recent times.
“This support from the State of Qatar to The Gambia is meant to promote the democratisation of the Republic of The Gambia as well as the rule of law and establishment of the regular system of The Gambia,” he said.
He assured that after the signing of the agreement, the Qatar Fund of Development will transfer the amount of $3 million to The Gambia within 10 days.
For his part, Justice Minister Abubacar Tambedou applauded the continued commitment of the people and State of Qatar to the people of The Gambia.
“The fact that the signing is occurring just after the donor conference in Belgium shows the readiness of the people and State of Qatar. “Qatar has several similarities with The Gambia,” he said, citing the size as a similar feature the two countries share.
He pointed out that Qatar has proven that size does not matter, but devotion and commitment.
He further stated that the funding came at a time that it is most needed, assuring them that the donation given will play a significant role in not only ensuring to have a smooth process but to also benefit from the TRRC.
Lamin N. Dibba, minister of Agriculture, said Qatar is the second bilateral donor who has discussed their pledge with a promise that the funds will be available within 10 days.
“No country can be stable without peace and stability which is based on the rule of law. So any contribution towards that action should be regarded as very significant in the development of the country,” he added.
