Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Momodou Tangara, has described the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia, ECOMIG forces as a stabilising force in The Gambia.
Dr. Tangara made the remarks on Monday in a meeting with delegates of African Union Peace and Security Council, saying he appreciated the role played by ECOMIG forces in the maintenance of peace and security in the West African nation.
The 26-member AU Security Council Field Mission to the country met Dr Tangara at his office on Monday to acquaint themselves with the security situation in the country.
Dr. Tangara commended their respective countries for standing by the people of the Gambia in ensuring that the will of Gambians prevailed during the political impasse the country experienced in December 2016.
He paid special tribute to Nigeria, Mauritania and Equatorial Guinea for the role they played during the political impasse.
He further urged the Council Members to extend the mandate of ECOMIG forces, adding that the Security Sector Reform is still ongoing.
He emphasized the need to build the capacity of security forces, notably the military and applauded the AU Security Council Team for their hard work and called on them to redouble their efforts towards bringing greater development to the continent through ensuring peace.
The Government, he said, is working on attracting foreign direct investment and tourism among others in the country.
The Ambassador of Togo to the African Union, H.E. Sebade Toba, expressed delight at the progress registered and expressed optimism that the trend would be maintained. He said the courtesy call is a learning experience for them and thanked the Foreign Minister for the warm welcome accorded them.
