BANJUL, 4 August 2021: The Honourable Minister of Fisheries and Water Resources, Mr. James Gomez, on Wednesday 4 August 2021 received ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, General Francis A. BEHANZIN and his team of experts to discuss ways of collaboration, ahead of 2021 presidential election.
The meeting which lasted for about 30 minutes was held at the Foreign Ministry’s conference hall in Banjul. The team was in Banjul to conduct a fact-finding mission to assess the electoral needs for the upcoming presidential election on 4 December 2021. General Francis A. BEHANZIN was accompanied to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by delegation from the ECOWAS Commission including the ECOWAS country representative Ms. Vabah Gayflor.
Receiving the ECOWAS envoy, Minister Gomez welcomed the ECOWAS Commissioner and his delegation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He seized the opportunity on behalf of the President of The Gambia, His Excellency Adama Barrow, his Government and the entire people of the Republic of The Gambia , to applaud the ECOWAS Commission for its consistent support to the country.
For his part, General Francis A. BEHANZIN thanked the Honourable Minister and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the reception accorded to him and his delegation. He informed Minster Gomez that the purpose of his visit was to discuss ways of collaboration with the Government of The Gambia and other stakeholders, ahead of the 2021 election.
Present at the meeting was the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Habib T. B. Jarra, and Mr. Ebrima J. Barry, Counsellor African Division.
The following officials accompanied the Ecowas Commissioner to the Ministry: Dr. Aderemi Ajibewa – Director of Political Affairs, Mr. Francis Oke – Head of Electoral Assistance Division ECOWAS, Mr Constant Gnacadja – Programme Officer, conflict prevention, Mr. Serigne Modou Ka – Programme Officer, Mediation & International Cooperation.
Issued By Ya Awa Touray,
Information Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad.
