THE ABSENCE OF PRESIDENT BARROW AT THE AU SUMMIT

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The most dramatic change of executive power on the African continent has taken place in The Gambia between the 19 and 21 January 2017.

Interestingly enough it took place just a month before The Gambia celebrates the 52nd anniversary of its attainment of the right to self-determination. The whole world focused on The Gambia and the peaceful end of the conflict has given political scientists a new experience to study and analyse for posterity.

President Barrow was able to return to The Gambia and was received by a tumultuous welcome. His first continental agenda was the AU Summit which is usually attended by many development partners.

The Gambia is the darling of the international community and his presence would have been a good public relation exercise for the country. It is true that he has a lot on his plate such as cabinet appointments and preparation to actualise the budget to allow the proper functioning of government. However his best advice is to utilise such summits to promote development cooperation for the benefit of the country.