Deputy Speaker of the Gambia National Assembly and the Director General IAEA
By Fatou Sillah
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has committed to deepening its cooperation with The Gambia, pledging technical support, training, and resources to assist the nation in its legislative and developmental processes related to nuclear energy.
This commitment was solidified during a meeting between IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi and Hon. Seedy S.K. Njie, Deputy Speaker of the Gambian National Assembly, at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna.
Hon. Njie, who also chairs the National Assembly’s Defence and Security Committee, expressed gratitude for the IAEA’s pledge and reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to collaborating with the agency. He emphasized the country’s interest in bolstering nuclear security, expediting the consideration of pending nuclear treaties, and establishing robust legislative frameworks to support global disarmament efforts.”The IAEA’s mission to safeguard the world from the dangers of nuclear weapons cannot be overstated.” Hon. Njie stated. “We recognize the importance of our engagement and the role we can play as a trusted partner to the agency,”
Director General Grossi welcomed the Gambian delegation and underscored the importance of engaging with legislators who play a crucial role in shaping nuclear security and cooperation policies. He acknowledged that while The Gambia has not yet directly benefited from IAEA technical support, the agency is committed to strengthening cooperation to enhance the country’s development efforts.
“This visit marks the beginning of a more direct and active collaboration with The Gambia. While the country has yet to benefit from IAEA technical support, we are committed to ensuring that cooperation is strengthened to enhance development efforts,” Grossi said.
The Gambian delegation’s official visit commenced with a formal opening ceremony presided over by Peri Lynn Johnson, Assistant Director General and Legal Adviser of the IAEA. The delegation participated in high-level discussions and presentations on key aspects of nuclear security, regulatory frameworks, and international treaties governing nuclear material protection. These sessions provided valuable insights into the IAEA’s global security role and the mechanisms available to assist developing nations like The Gambia in adopting best practices in nuclear safety and security.
The Gambian delegation included Hon. Kebba Jallow, Hon. Musa Cham, Hon. Fatou Cham, Hon. Assan Touray, and two legislative staff members.
This strengthened partnership between The Gambia and the IAEA marks a significant step towards enhancing nuclear security and promoting peaceful applications of nuclear technology in the country. The IAEA’s support will be instrumental in developing The Gambia’s legislative framework and technical capabilities in the nuclear field, contributing to its overall development goals.