By: Fatou Krubally
The Government of The Gambia has accepted recommendations by the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs to demolish the country’s defective chancery building in Guinea-Bissau and construct a new facility after technical assessments found the structure unfit for use.
Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad Minister Sering Modou Njie disclosed this on Tuesday while responding to the committee’s report on its oversight visit to The Gambia’s diplomatic mission in Bissau.
The report examined the condition of the chancery project, which was initiated in 2011 and reportedly completed in 2016.
Addressing lawmakers, Minister Njie acknowledged the committee’s findings that the building suffers from serious structural defects, including cracks, leakages, termite infestation and weak structural components.
He said a technical inspection mission conducted in September 2025 concluded that rehabilitating the building would not be financially viable.
“As a result, the government has accepted the recommendation to demolish the existing structure and construct a new chancery building,” the minister told the National Assembly.
Njie said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working closely with the relevant authorities in Guinea-Bissau to pursue appropriate action against the contractor and consultants responsible for the project.
According to the minister, concerns over the quality of the construction have already been formally communicated to the authorities in Guinea-Bissau, and efforts are underway to review contractual obligations and determine possible legal or administrative measures under the country’s laws.
The minister also informed lawmakers that ownership documentation for the land on which the chancery is located has now been secured, resolving a long-standing issue identified in the committee’s report.
During the debate, several lawmakers called for accountability and urged the government to expedite action against those responsible for the failed project.
Members also questioned whether Gambian officials involved in the procurement, implementation and supervision of the project would be held accountable.
In response, Njie revealed that the ministry has begun engaging former officials associated with the project, including former diplomatic staff, to obtain information that could inform future decisions.
He further stated that the Ministries of Finance and Works would play key roles in the design, procurement and supervision of any new chancery project to ensure stronger oversight and prevent a recurrence of the deficiencies identified in Bissau.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding public resources, promoting accountability and ensuring that Gambian diplomatic missions abroad operate from functional and professionally managed facilities.
About the Author
