By: Fatou Krubally
The Foreign Affairs Minister Wednesday faced pointed questions in the National Assembly over The Gambia’s long-delayed submission of its mandatory report to the United Nations.
Minister Sering Modou Njie who is responsible for International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, also faced questions on recent United States visa bond policy affecting Gambian travellers.
Responding to Question 355/2025 tabled by Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay of Old Yundum, the Minister acknowledged that The Gambia was yet to submit its national report to the UN Security Council 1540 Committee, nearly two decades after the resolution was adopted in 2004. Resolution 1540 obliges all UN member states to report on measures taken to prevent the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.
The Minister says the Ministry of Defence, which serves as the national point of contact, has formally engaged the 1540 Committee to request technical assistance and capacity-building support.
According to him, the Committee has expressed readiness to assist, with activities expected before the end of the second quarter of 2026.
He further informed lawmakers that a national disarmament committee comprising representatives from Defence, Foreign Affairs, Justice, Environment and other key institutions has been established to improve coordination and address reporting challenges.
However, he could not provide a definitive timeline for the submission of the report, citing the extensive inter-ministerial collaboration and data collection required.
He maintains that The Gambia remains committed to fulfilling its international obligations and strengthening its reporting mechanisms.
Debate also turned to Question 356/2025 raised by Hon. Abdoulie Njai of Banjul Central regarding a new United States visa bond requirement of between US$5,000 and US$15,000 for certain categories of Gambian applicants under the B1/B2 visa classification.
The Minister clarified that the measure formed part of a pilot programme introduced by U.S. authorities for nationals of specific countries to encourage visa compliance. He notes that the bond is refundable once applicants return home within the approved timeframe but forfeited if they overstay.
He disclosed that the government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has initiated formal diplomatic engagements with the U.S. Embassy in Banjul and The Gambia’s Embassy in Washington, D.C., to address the matter.
While concerns were raised about reciprocity, the Minister stated that the government is not considering retaliatory measures at this stage, opting instead for constructive dialogue.
