Gambia Confirmed as Nonpermanent Co-Chair of Global Alliance for the Missing

By Fatou Sillah

The Gambia has been nominated to serve as a nonpermanent co-chair of the Global Alliance for the Missing, alongside Switzerland, for a two-year term beginning Oct. 1, 2026, the government announced Wednesday.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad said the appointment would give The Gambia a leadership role in an international initiative focused on strengthening cooperation in cases involving missing people, including migrants who disappear along migration routes.

The Global Alliance for the Missing brings together governments, international organizations, and civil society groups to improve international coordination on missing-person cases and provide support to families and communities affected by disappearances.

In a statement announcing the nomination, the Foreign Ministry described the appointment as recognition of The Gambia’s work on migration governance and diaspora affairs, as well as its efforts to protect vulnerable migrants.

“The Government of The Gambia considers this nomination an important recognition of the country’s continued engagement in migration governance and diaspora affairs, as well as its longstanding commitment to the protection of vulnerable migrants and to strengthening international cooperation in addressing cases of missing persons,” the ministry said.

The government also thanked the Global Alliance and its secretariat, hosted by the International Committee of the Red Cross, for what it described as their confidence in The Gambia and the opportunity to contribute to international efforts addressing the humanitarian consequences of people going missing.

The issue is particularly significant for countries such as The Gambia, where irregular migration has for years resulted in young people undertaking dangerous journeys toward Europe, often through North Africa and across the Mediterranean. When migrants disappear along those routes, families can be left for years without reliable information about their fate.

As co-chair, The Gambia said it would work with Switzerland, the ICRC, and other alliance members during its two-year term.

“The Gambia looks forward to contributing constructively to the objectives of the Alliance and to advancing greater cooperation, solidarity, and practical action to address the humanitarian consequences of persons going missing and to support affected families,” the ministry said.

The government said its acceptance of the role reaffirmed its commitment to international cooperation on missing persons and to efforts aimed at assisting families searching for relatives whose whereabouts remain unknown.