By Haddy Touray
Gambian Foreign Minister Sering Modou Njie, acting as Special Envoy of President Adama Barrow, on Thursday paid a courtesy call on Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye in Dakar to reaffirm bilateral relations and discuss recent developments along the common border.
The minister, accompanied by a delegation of senior government officials, delivered a message of friendship, solidarity and fraternity from President Barrow to President Faye, reaffirming the longstanding ties between The Gambia and Senegal.
During the meeting, Njie conveyed President Barrow’s concerns over recent developments along the shared border, including the incident at the Bullock military camp on 16 July 2026.
According to a government statement, both sides discussed the issue in the spirit of mutual trust and longstanding friendship, reaffirming their commitment to preserving peace and stability along the common border.
They agreed that border-related issues should continue to be addressed through established bilateral mechanisms, dialogue and constructive engagement.
On behalf of President Barrow, the Special Envoy also congratulated President Faye on assuming the Chairmanship of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and expressed confidence in his leadership in advancing regional integration.
Njie further conveyed President Barrow’s congratulations on the appointment of General Birame Diop as President of the ECOWAS Commission and reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to supporting the regional bloc in promoting peace, security, democracy, economic integration and sustainable development.
The discussions also reviewed the state of bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries, which both sides said continue to be strengthened by shared history, geography, culture and longstanding people-to-people ties.
President Faye reaffirmed Senegal’s commitment to deepening cooperation with The Gambia in areas including peace and security, trade and investment, infrastructure development, border management and regional integration.
He emphasized the importance of sustained dialogue and close collaboration in addressing common challenges, including the prompt resolution of border-related issues, for the benefit of both countries.
The Gambian government said the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, reflecting the strong relations between the two countries and their shared determination to further strengthen their strategic partnership.
It reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Senegal to enhance cooperation and ensure that issues affecting the shared border are resolved peacefully through dialogue.