Government Clarifies President Barrow’s Absence from Arab-Islamic Summit
Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, Minister of information
By Buba Gagigo
The Gambian government, through the Ministry of Information, has announced that President Adama Barrow designated a delegation to represent him at the Arab-Islamic Summit in Saudi Arabia.
The delegation comprises Dr. Momodou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad; Momodou Sabally, the President’s Special Adviser; Yankuba Dibba, CEO of the OIC Secretariat; and Ambassador OJ Sallah.
President Barrow, who is currently on a private visit to Morocco, faced social media criticism for not attending the summit himself, particularly given his role as Chairman of the OIC.
In response, the Ministry of Information clarified, “The Government of The Gambia wishes to inform the public that His Excellency, President Adama Barrow, has sent a delegation to the Arab-Islamic Summit in Saudi Arabia. The delegation includes Dr. Momodou Tangara, Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad; the President’s Special Adviser, Momodou Sabally; CEO of the OIC Secretariat, Yankuba Dibba; and His Excellency, Ambassador OJ Sallah.”
The government announced that the exceptional ’emergency Arab-Islamic Summit,’ which is not an OIC Summit, will commence on Monday in Riyadh, with the goal of supporting Palestine and Lebanon.
“Additionally, the Government of The Gambia wishes to inform the general public that The Gambia will participate in COP29. The delegation will be led by His Excellency Vice President Mohammad BS. Jallow and includes the Hon. Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Rohey John Manjang; the Hon. Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Security, Dr. Demba Sabally; and a technical team,” they concluded.