Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – President Adama Barrow met with Colonel Ndiangne Diouf, the newly appointed Commander of the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG), at the State House in Banjul. The meeting marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to uphold peace and security in the country, a task ECOMIG has been engaged in since 2017.

President Barrow expressed his gratitude to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of State and the ECOMIG forces for their crucial role in stabilizing The Gambia during the political transition following the 2016 presidential election crisis. “For over eight years, ECOMIG has been a pillar of peace and security in The Gambia, and we are profoundly grateful for their support,” he said.

The President also extended a warm welcome to Colonel Diouf, who assumed his duties as Commander, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration between ECOMIG and Gambian authorities.

Colonel Babacar Touré, the outgoing commander, reflected on his tenure, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve. “It has been an honor to lead the ECOMIG forces in The Gambia,” he remarked. His leadership over the past year was praised by the Gambian Minister of Defence, Honourable Sering Modou Njie, who described him as a consummate professional dedicated to his mission.

In his first remarks as Commander, Colonel Diouf pledged to build on the achievements of his predecessors and assured his commitment to fulfilling ECOMIG’s mandate. He highlighted the importance of cooperation and collaboration in maintaining stability in The Gambia.

ECOMIG’s presence in The Gambia began in January 2017 under a mandate to uphold constitutional order following the political impasse created by former President Yahya Jammeh’s refusal to relinquish power. Since then, the mission has evolved to focus on strengthening local security institutions and ensuring a peaceful environment for governance.

H.E. Miatta Lily French, the Resident Representative of the ECOWAS Commission in The Gambia, also attended the meeting and reaffirmed ECOWAS’s commitment to supporting the country during this transitional period.

The continued presence of ECOMIG highlights the critical role regional cooperation plays in fostering peace and stability in West Africa. The leadership transition within ECOMIG underscores its commitment to professionalism and the long-term security of The Gambia.