The appointment, announced by the African Union Commission, is in line with decisions of the AU Peace and Security Council and reflects the Union’s renewed commitment to advancing the Child Rights Agenda in conflict and post-conflict settings across Africa.
As Special Envoy, Ambassador Jagne will serve as the lead political advocate for the protection and promotion of the rights and welfare of children affected by armed conflict. Her mandate includes strengthening advocacy, coordination, and accountability in addressing grave violations against children, including recruitment, displacement, sexual violence, and denial of access to education and healthcare.
She will work closely with AU Member States, AU Organs, Regional Economic Communities and Mechanisms, civil society organisations, and international partners to ensure that children’s protection remains central to Africa’s peace and security agenda.
Ambassador Jagne has reaffirmed her full commitment to the principles and objectives of the African Union, particularly Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want and Africa’s Agenda for Children 2040: Fostering an Africa Fit for Children, which place children at the heart of sustainable development, peace, and prosperity on the continent.
A seasoned diplomat with deep expertise in peace, security, and child welfare, Ambassador Jagne brings extensive professional experience and a strong understanding of continental dynamics to the role. She recently served as The Gambia’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the African Union and was Co-Chair of the Africa Platform on Children Affected by Armed Conflict (AP-CAAC), where she played a pivotal role in advancing policy dialogue and coordinated action on child protection.
Her appointment is widely seen as a boost to continental efforts to safeguard the rights and well-being of millions of African children living in conflict-affected environments.
In a statement, the African Union Commission called on Member States, regional actors, and the international community to extend full support and cooperation to the Special Envoy to enable the effective discharge of this critical mandate.
Ambassador Jagne’s appointment not only elevates The Gambia’s profile within the African Union but also reinforces Africa’s collective resolve to ensure that no child is left behind in times of conflict.
