Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL) – The Republic of The Gambia has officially endorsed the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), signaling its commitment to combating the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). This endorsement followed The Gambia’s participation in the PSI African Political Meeting and Outreach Event, co-hosted by Morocco and the United States from January 31 to February 2, 2024, in Marrakesh, Morocco.

The United States has warmly welcomed The Gambia’s endorsement and participation in the Initiative, expressing eagerness to collaborate with the Gambian government to advance the PSI’s counterproliferation goals and its Statement of Interdiction Principles. With this move, The Gambia becomes the 113th state to endorse the PSI.

A significant outcome of the PSI African Political Meeting and Outreach Event was the issuance of the Marrakesh Declaration by Morocco and the United States. The Declaration emphasized the critical role of the PSI in addressing the threats posed by trafficking in WMD and related materials within the African region. It also encouraged other regional countries to endorse the PSI. The Gambia is the seventh country to endorse the PSI at or following the Marrakesh event, bringing the total number of African endorsers to 13.

The PSI, which was launched in Krakow, Poland, in 2003, celebrated its 20th anniversary in May 2023. States join the PSI by publicly endorsing the PSI Statement of Interdiction Principles. This endorsement signifies a voluntary political commitment to impede and halt the movement of illicit WMD, delivery systems, and related materials to and from states and non-state actors of proliferation concern. Additionally, PSI-endorsing states commit to adopting streamlined procedures for rapid information exchange and strengthening relevant national and international laws and frameworks.

The Gambia’s endorsement marks a significant step forward in the global effort to prevent the proliferation of WMD, enhancing regional and international security cooperation.