A press release from the Government of the Gambia says that His Excellency, Momodou Lamin Bah, the Ambassador of the Republic of The Gambia to the United States of America, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, met with the United States Democratic Congresswoman Gwen Moore at the U.S. Congress in Washington D.C.
The meeting, according to the release, is part of ongoing engagements with the relevant leadership in Washington on the following issues:
• The reported potential closure of the U.S. Embassy in Banjul;
• Suspension of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Programmes which were awarded to The Gambia;
• The inclusion of The Gambia in a reported U.S. “yellow list” which flagged U.S. concerns on issues that may have the potential for sanctions against The Gambia;
• The removal of illegal Gambian immigrants from the U.S., and
• Request for State Partnership Programme for The Gambia Armed Forces.
The release said that during discussions with Congresswoman Gwen Moore, Ambassador Bah hailed the long-standing historical ties between The Gambia and the United States, noting the close cooperation characterised by shared values of democracy and human rights. He informed the Congresswoman that there is worry over the reported potential closure of the U.S. Embassy in Banjul, which would have a huge impact on Gambian citizens’ access to services offered by the U.S. Embassy.
Bah explained that Gambians and other citizens in the country may need to travel to neighbouring countries for such services, incurring additional costs and time, highlighting the strategic location of The Gambia, and being the only English-speaking country in the sub-region, which would require the continuous presence of the U.S. Embassy in the country.
The statement said that the Ambassador further raised concern over the suspension of the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s (MCC) Programmes in The Gambia, adding that the programmes focused on increasing energy supply and reliable access, revitalizing river transportation and enhancing education to stimulate trade and economic growth which are very vital to the development of the country.
The release said the Ambassador pointed out that news of the inclusion of The Gambia in the “yellow list” status, with potential sanction against the country was received with great concern, and said that The Gambia has been working closely with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on the removal of identified illegal immigrants. The Ambassador informed the Congresswoman that he has requested U.S. authorities to help in ensuring that returnees have the right to their belongings prior to deportation.
He shared with Congresswoman Moore the positive outcome the Embassy had from its meeting with the Department of Defence (Pentagon) on The Gambia’s request for a State Partnership Programme for The Gambia Armed Forces.
The release continued that Democratic Congresswoman Gwen Moore, on her part, stated that the relationship between The Gambia and the U.S. is an exceptional one, adding that an important Embassy like the U.S. Embassy in Banjul, with a clear line of communication, should not be closed. Congresswoman Moore stated that The Gambia is a bastion of democracy and human rights, and also the only English-speaking country in the midst of non-English-speaking countries.
The Congresswoman is said to have indicated that the United States has a strong foothold on the African continent, which has to be strengthened, and commended the Ambassador for coming to brief her about the status of The Gambia.
