By Seedy Jobe
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Hon. Serign Modou Njie, has announced the rollout of a new strategic framework and the establishment of a dedicated directorate aimed at strengthening support for Gambians living abroad.
Hon. Njie made these remarks on Saturday, May 30, 2026, during a special interview on GRTS, where he addressed questions regarding the government’s commitment to the diaspora.
He explained that one of the ministry’s key initiatives was the development of a comprehensive strategic document designed to guide diaspora affairs. According to the minister, the document forms part of broader institutional reforms undertaken to enhance engagement with Gambians overseas.
“The first thing the ministry did was create a strategic document that will guide the affairs of Gambians in the diaspora. That strategic document is part of the reforms undertaken by the ministry,” he said.
Hon. Njie further disclosed that the ministry has established a new directorate responsible for migration and diaspora affairs, led by an appointed director. He noted that while the initiative originated within the ministry, it aligns with wider government efforts to strengthen diaspora engagement.
“Our strategies emphasize knowing and understanding the conditions, problems, and situations of our people in the diaspora while ensuring that they live in dignity. We also make sure that their human rights are protected,” Hon. Njie stated.
The minister underscored that migration remains a significant challenge, with many Gambians encountering unfair treatment and complex legal systems that often do not reflect their circumstances. He revealed that The Gambia’s migration experience was recently presented at a high-level meeting in New York, where it was well received and adopted as a case study.
Addressing concerns about the government’s recent document issuance drive in countries such as Spain and Mauritania, Hon. Njie rejected claims that the initiative was politically motivated. He clarified that the exercise specifically targeted Gambians lacking valid travel documents, many of whom are unable to return home to renew them.
“You know, every issue has its own way of being addressed. First of all, the government is committed to providing all eligible citizens with documents, whether they are in the diaspora or at home, as long as they are Gambian. That is a commitment of the Government of The Gambia,” he said.
He explained that the inability of many migrants to travel back to The Gambia to renew their documents necessitated the deployment of government delegations to issue them abroad.
“If they were to return home, some might not be able to travel back,” he noted.
Hon. Njie added that the initiative was further prompted by Spain’s recent announcement to regularize approximately 500,000 migrants, a process that requires affected individuals to possess valid documentation.
Reaffirming the government’s inclusive policy, the minister concluded that the outreach efforts are intended to ensure that no Gambian is left without access to essential documentation, regardless of their location.
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