by Lamin Kujabi
His Excellency President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of the Gabonese Republic arrived in The Gambia on Thursday, 30 July 2026, for a three-day State Visit aimed at strengthening the longstanding bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
On Friday, 31 July, His Excellency President Adama Barrow received President Oligui Nguema and his delegation, comprising ministers, senior government officials, and business representatives from Gabon, at the State House in Banjul.
During the visit, the two leaders held a closed-door tête-à-tête meeting, where they discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation and explored ways to further deepen relations between the two nations.
Following the meeting, President Barrow and President Oligui Nguema witnessed the signing of several bilateral agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation between The Gambia and Gabon. The agreements cover areas including general cooperation, diplomatic and political collaboration, sports and culture, as well as visa exemption arrangements for holders of diplomatic and service passports.
In his remarks, President Barrow expressed his honour and pleasure in welcoming President Oligui Nguema and his delegation to Banjul, describing the visit as a reflection of the strong friendship, mutual respect, and fraternal ties between the peoples and governments of The Gambia and Gabon.
“Your presence here today is evidently a mark of the mutual friendship, love, and fraternal ties that exist between the Governments and Peoples of the Republic of Gabon and the Republic of The Gambia,” President Barrow said.
He noted that Gabon’s recent journey of national reconciliation and reconstruction resonates deeply with The Gambia’s own experience, adding that both countries understand the challenges involved in rebuilding institutions, restoring public confidence, and strengthening national development. President Barrow commended President Oligui Nguema for his leadership, noting that within fourteen months of assuming office, he had guided Gabon through a period of transformation and renewal.
The Gambian leader further highlighted the similarities between the two countries’ experiences, recalling The Gambia’s own transition from a difficult past towards a more democratic and promising future. He said the shared commitment of both nations to democracy, peace, stability, and development provides a strong foundation for closer cooperation.
“It is this shared experience and the common understanding of what it costs and what it really means to rebuild a nation that give our two nations firm ground on which to stand together, work together, and move together as a people bound by a common agenda, common aspirations, common challenges, and a common destiny,” President Barrow stated.
President Barrow said there are many areas where The Gambia and Gabon can expand cooperation, including trade, sustainable management of natural resources, regional peace and security, and the broader agenda of African solidarity and South-South cooperation. He emphasised that although Gabon and The Gambia are located at different ends of the African continent, they share a common belief that the future of their peoples depends on their collective efforts to promote peace, stability, and development.
President Barrow assured his Gabonese counterpart of The Gambia’s continued support and expressed confidence in his leadership and commitment to meeting the aspirations of the Gabonese people. He thanked President Oligui Nguema and his delegation for visiting The Gambia, wishing them a fruitful and memorable stay in the “Smiling Coast of Africa.”
