Banjul, 14 August 2026: The Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Hon. Sering Modou Njie, on Friday, 7 August 2026, received Mr. Bakary D. Sonko, the African Union (AU) Youth Ambassador for Peace for the West Africa Region, during a courtesy visit.
Minister Njie warmly welcomed Mr. Sonko and congratulated him on his work as AU Youth Ambassador for Peace, noting that he represents not only The Gambia but the wider African continent.
Mr. Sonko expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government and the Gambian people for their support. He briefed the Minister on his mandate and ongoing initiatives, highlighting his key areas of focus, including advocating for young people across Africa on issues of peace and security.
He also outlined efforts to support AU member states in developing National Action Plans on Youth, Peace and Security; strengthen national youth councils through capacity building; and work with the African Union to address hate speech and election-related violence.
Mr. Sonko further expressed his willingness to contribute to The Gambia’s foreign policy efforts while fulfilling his regional responsibilities in advocacy, supporting national programmes and representing youth interests at international forums.
Following the briefing, Minister Njie reaffirmed the Ministry’s continued support for Mr. Sonko’s mandate and commended his contributions to advancing the youth, peace and security agenda across the region.
The Minister encouraged Mr. Sonko to work closely with the Directorate of African Affairs at the Ministry to strengthen coordination and collaboration on issues of mutual interest.
The Director of African Affairs, Ambassador Lamin Fatti, also congratulated Mr. Sonko on his appointment and urged him to continue his work in promoting peace and security across the continent.
Ambassador Fatti assured him of the Directorate’s full support in advancing the youth, peace and security agenda and in carrying out his responsibilities as AU Youth Ambassador for Peace for the West Africa Region.
Gambia News Agency
