Barrow Calls for Dialogue, Justice, Investment in Talks With U.S. Embassy, AU Sahel Delegation

President Adama Barrow has used separate meetings with the U.S. Embassy and an African Union Sahel delegation to reaffirm The Gambia’s commitment to dialogue, regional peace, transitional justice, and rules-based investment, according to the Office of the President.

In the meeting with U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Eugene Young, Barrow discussed cooperation on migration, business opportunities, transitional justice, and support through multilateral institutions including the IMF and World Bank. He also thanked the United States for decades of Peace Corps work in Gambian communities, especially in health and education.

Barrow said The Gambia remains open to American business under a due-process framework that protects national interests, while also urging Washington to accelerate support for the country’s Transitional Justice programme so victims can receive reparations in a timely way.

On global affairs, Barrow linked international conflict to everyday hardship in vulnerable countries such as The Gambia. He said rising tensions in the Middle East, including the situation involving Iran, are driving up the prices of fuel and basic commodities, increasing pressure on households and businesses. As current Chairman of the OIC, he said he is engaged in diplomacy with regional leaders to promote de-escalation and lasting peace. “I believe that every problem has a solution, and through dialogue we can end the wars and conflicts, and promote peace and stability at the same time,” Barrow said.

The president also addressed migration and elections. He said that despite limited resources, the government is working to create opportunities for young people and noted what he described as a growing trend of Gambians in the diaspora wanting to return home and contribute to national development. He also pledged peaceful and transparent presidential elections in 2026, saying Gambians themselves will decide among the candidates.

In a separate engagement, Barrow received an AU Sahel delegation led by Dr. Mamadou Tangara, the African Union’s Special Representative for Mali and the Sahel. Barrow welcomed the delegation to Banjul and said hosting the meeting reflected confidence in The Gambia’s role as a platform for dialogue. He congratulated the group for bringing together stakeholders from Africa and Europe to discuss common regional challenges and urged collective work for peace across the continent.

According to the presidency, the AU discussions explored a new operating framework for Sahel cooperation and peace efforts. Tangara said The Gambia had recently hosted a high-level workshop in Banjul that, for the first time, brought together the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), ECOWAS, and international partners around one table to address regional challenges. International IDEA confirms that a workshop on Strengthening Security and Stabilization in the Sahel and West Africa was held in Banjul on April 23–24, 2026, with participation from AU, European, and other international partners.

Taken together, the two meetings project a broader message from Banjul: that peace, justice, and development are interlinked, and that diplomacy must work both locally and internationally to reduce conflict, support victims, attract responsible investment, and strengthen regional stability.

Editor: Mutiu Olawuyi