The Gambia maintained a formal policy of non-alignment during the majority of former President Sir Dawda Jawara’s administration. It sustained strong relations with the United Kingdom, Senegal, and various other African nations. The coup in July 1994 adversely affected The Gambia’s relations with Western powers, especially the United States.
In The Gambia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has frequently experienced a lack of leadership, resulting in its subordination to the Office of the President. From 1997 to 2013, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was occupied by over 18 different ministers across more than 20 sworn-in instances. This supports the assertion that Jammeh possessed the authority to dismiss ministers at his discretion.
President Faye of Senegal meets with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh to explore investment opportunities. On Tuesday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye in Riyadh. President Faye and his delegation participated in the Future Investment Initiative conference in the Kingdom.
During the conference, President Faye articulated Senegal’s interest in establishing new collaborations in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), education, and health.
He emphasized Senegal’s dedication to developing a knowledge-based economy, identifying innovation in AI, education, and health as essential components.
Under President Adama Barrow, The Gambia seems to have largely maintained the trajectory established by Yahya Jammeh, aligning itself with countries such as China, India, Turkey, and Russia, among others. President Barrow currently serves as the chairman of the OIC. Is President Barrow leveraging this position as the chairman of the OIC to attract additional investors, particularly from Saudi Arabia, similar to the approach of President Faye in Senegal, and to enhance Gambia’s standing within the international community?
