By: Yunus S. Saliu
The newly accredited Liberian Ambassador to The Gambia, His Excellency Ali Sylla, on Friday, 12th September 2025, officially presented his credentials to President Adama Barrow at the State House in Banjul.
Shortly after the formal presentation, Ambassador Sylla held a meeting with the Liberian community in The Gambia at the Sand Beach Holiday Resort in Kololi. During the event, he officially introduced the newly appointed Honorary Consul of Liberia to The Gambia, Sir Farmang Manneh.
Ambassador Sylla, based in Dakar, Senegal, is also responsible for Cabo Verde and Mauritania. He emphasized that with his accreditation now formalized, he holds full authority to engage Gambian stakeholders and advocate for the interests of Liberian nationals residing in the country.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Sir Farmang Manneh, who expressed deep gratitude to the Government of Liberia and Ambassador Sylla for entrusting him with the role.
“Out of over two million Gambians, I have been chosen by the Government of Liberia to serve as your brother, father, friend, and representative in this country,” said Sir Manneh. “I take this responsibility seriously and pledge to serve with dedication.”
He further emphasized that his office would be open and accessible to all Liberians in The Gambia, promising to work in close coordination with the Liberian Embassy in Dakar to ensure the welfare of the community.
“I am the Ambassador’s hand, face, and voice in The Gambia,” he declared.
The Chairperson of the Liberian Community in The Gambia, Madam Khadijatou Camara, welcomed both the Ambassador and the Honorary Consul, describing the occasion as “historic and timely.” She expressed optimism that the new diplomatic representation would help address long-standing challenges faced by Liberians in the country.
On behalf of the community, Tony Miguel, an adviser, submitted a petition highlighting six key concerns, including: Waiver or reduction of residence/work permit fees, Decentralized passport renewal services, Repatriation support for vulnerable citizens, Legal representation for Liberians abroad, Access to healthcare and welfare assistance, Annual inter-community conventions and skills development programs.
In response, Ambassador Sylla reassured the community of the Liberian government’s commitment to resolving these concerns. He confirmed that plans are already underway to negotiate a reduction in permit fees for Liberians and promised to communicate with Monrovia to authorize Sir Manneh to begin formal discussions with Gambian authorities.
The Ambassador also stressed the need for a comprehensive database of all Liberians living in The Gambia, which would help determine eligibility for government support such as repatriation assistance or permit waivers.
Addressing the request for repatriation, Ambassador Sylla emphasized that genuine cases would be reviewed in collaboration with the Honorary Consul’s office and community leaders, based on proper documentation and need.
He concluded by urging all Liberians in The Gambia to register with the community leadership to ensure proper representation in future diplomatic and consular engagements.
The meeting was hailed by many as a milestone, marking a renewed sense of connection and hope for Liberians in The Gambia. Several attendees noted that after years of feeling disconnected, the visit and assurances from Ambassador Sylla and Sir Manneh were a sign that “a long-awaited dream has finally come true.”
