These developments are occurring in parallel with broader U.S. foreign policy retrenchment under fiscal and geopolitical recalibration, according to Ambassador Abdoulie Baks Touray, who doubles as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sahel Investment.
While all these developments take shape, Touray pointed out that it is critical that The Gambia acts swiftly, decisively, and strategically to preserve its national interests, protect its diaspora, and prevent long-term diplomatic fallout,” he said.
Embassy closure: A deeper geopolitical and operational issue
The potential closure of the U.S. Embassy in Banjul, Ambassador Touray said, is not an isolated case.
“It aligns with a global downsizing trend driven by budget constraints, security assessments, and logistical challenges, notably the inability of the U.S. to acquire land for permanent embassy construction in multiple countries”.
He opined that in The Gambia’s case, the prolonged delay or inability to allocate a suitable plot of land for a purpose-built U.S. embassy may have exacerbated frustrations within the U.S. State Department. “This is a factor that warrants immediate remedy through executive land allocation or long-term lease guarantees.”
Deportation of Gambians from the U.S.
“The pending deportation of thousands of Gambians—many of whom have integrated into American society—threatens to overwhelm The Gambia's fragile job market and social safety net, and fuel unrest, disillusionment, and insecurity, particularly among youth”.
Erosion of U.S. Engagement with African Initiatives
CEO Touray also opined that the withdrawal of USAID, potential loss of funding for the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), and the broader pullback from multilateral institutions such as WHO and UNESCO represent a disengagement trajectory that could disempower African countries, particularly small states like The Gambia.
Strategic recommendations
He outlined strategic recommendations for high-level diplomatic engagement, suggesting that The Gambia should dispatch an urgent special envoy or ministerial delegation to Washington D.C. to negotiate a moratorium on deportations; offer a clear plan for diaspora reintegration support; reaffirm The Gambia's willingness to assist the Embassy secure land for a permanent U.S. Embassy; facilitate the identification and allocation of a secure, strategically located plot for the U.S. Government to build its embassy in Banjul; consider offering long-term leasing terms (e.g., 99 years) if outright sale is diplomatically or constitutionally unfeasible; formally communicate this commitment to the U.S. Ambassador and Department of State.
Diaspora engagement council
Touray also suggested that The Gambia establish a National Diaspora Advisory Council with a mandate to advise the Presidency and Ministries on issues related to migration, bilateral negotiations, and development opportunities; empower U.S.-based Gambians to serve as informal ambassadors and lobbyists for The Gambia in the USA.
Presidential letter to the U.S. President
He also suggested the following: Draft and deliver a personal letter from H.E. President Adama Barrow to President Donald Trump reaffirming:
- The Gambia's commitment to democratic values and human rights
- The strategic partnership between the two nations
- Specific security and diplomatic guarantees regarding U.S. operations in The Gambia
A call for leadership and engagement Mr President,
“This moment is not simply about a diplomatic disagreement—it is a defining test of The Gambia’s maturity as a democratic state, its global posture, and its commitment to its diaspora and international partners”.
Ambassador Touray maintained that failure to act could result in severed diplomatic and economic ties; loss of trust in transitional justice and governance systems
“But if seized decisively, this challenge offers an opportunity to: recalibrate U.S.-Gambia relations; strengthen the role of the diaspora in national development; position The Gambia as a leader in African diplomacy”.
“Your leadership at this juncture will determine whether The Gambia reaffirms its standing as a resilient, forward-looking democracy, or risks strategic isolation at a time when alliances matter most”, he affirmed.
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