Gambiaj.com – (Washington D.C.) – The Attorney General and Minister of Justice of The Gambia, Dawda A. Jallow, has called on the United States to maintain its diplomatic presence in Banjul amid reports of a potential closure of the U.S. Embassy. His appeal was part of a series of high-level bilateral engagements in Washington D.C., where he also briefed U.S. officials on The Gambia’s ongoing constitutional reform process and transitional justice efforts.

The meetings, held on the sidelines of the 2025 International Monetary Fund and World Bank Spring Meetings, were facilitated by The Gambia’s Embassy in the United States. Attorney General Jallow was accompanied by Public Service Minister Baboucarr Bouy, Ambassador Momodou Lamin Bah, Deputy Chief of Staff Alieu Loum, and Counsellor Oumie Jobe Jarra.

In discussions with officials from the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Justice—including Mr. Albert T. Gombis and Ms. Lucy Seyfarth from the Office of Global Criminal Justice—Minister Jallow stressed the importance of preserving the U.S. Embassy in Banjul.

He expressed concern over unconfirmed reports suggesting a possible downsizing or closure and emphasized the Embassy’s vital role in strengthening bilateral relations.

Responding to his concerns, U.S. officials clarified that no formal decision had been made regarding any restructuring of the Embassy.

Minister Jallow also highlighted significant milestones in The Gambia’s constitutional reform process, framing it as central to the country’s democratic renewal and institutional transformation. He updated U.S. officials on recent progress and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to seeing the process through in a consultative and inclusive manner.

Another key focus of the meetings was The Gambia’s implementation of the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC). Jallow provided updates on the establishment of a Special Prosecutor’s Office and a Special Hybrid Tribunal designed to address crimes committed during the Jammeh era.

He also noted the creation of a fully constituted Victims Reparations Commission and reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to ensuring justice and accountability.

Minister Jallow praised the U.S. government for its continued support, particularly through the USAID-funded Democracy International program, which has bolstered efforts at institutional reform and rule of law.

He also commended the recent conviction of Gambian national Michael Sang Correa under the U.S. Torture Act, calling it a “global milestone” in international accountability.

The delegation and their U.S. counterparts concluded their meetings with a mutual commitment to deepening cooperation in areas such as justice sector reform, transitional justice, trade, and broader diplomatic engagement.