Gambiaj.com – (New York) – The Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Hon. Dr. Mamadou Tangara, actively participated in two significant United Nations meetings, emphasizing the urgent need to combat terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel and to enhance global peacebuilding efforts.

On June 19, Dr. Tangara attended the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Arria-Formula meeting titled “Combating the Rise of Terrorism and Violent Extremism in West Africa and the Sahel.” During his address, he highlighted the severe impact of violent extremism in the Sahel region, warning of potential security spillovers into neighboring coastal states. He urged Member States to act swiftly and decisively to build resilience against this growing threat.

“The Sahel region is ravaged by violent extremism, which threatens to destabilize the neighboring coastal states,” Dr. Tangara stated. “The fight against terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel demands a global, regional, sub-regional, and national commitment.”

He called for the international community to enhance national and regional capabilities by fostering robust information and intelligence-sharing networks and conducting joint military patrols among coastal and Sahelian states.

On June 20, Dr. Tangara participated in the PeaceBuilding Commission (PBC) meeting, which focused on the 2025 review of the peacebuilding architecture. He emphasized the need for innovation in the review process to ensure the continued relevance of the Commission and to strengthen relationships with Member States and International Financial Institutions (IFIs).

Dr. Tangara highlighted The Gambia as a successful case study, noting the unique actions taken by the PBC in 2017 that complemented domestic efforts to build national resilience. He stressed that peacebuilding is a continuous process requiring the involvement of individuals and communities and called for a flexible approach, recognizing that “no one size fits all.”

“The 2025 Review must be innovative to maintain the Commission’s relevance and strengthen its relations with Member States and IFIs,” he asserted. “The involvement of individuals and communities is crucial, and we must approach every situation differently.”

The meetings held at the UN Headquarters in New York underscore The Gambia’s commitment to addressing global security challenges and fostering sustainable peace. Dr. Tangara’s participation and contributions highlight the country’s active role in international diplomacy and its dedication to regional stability and development.