The German Ambassador to The Gambia Mr. Klaus Botzet divulged this at the celebrations marking the German National Day, also known as the Day of German Unity held in Banjul on Thursday, 7 November 2024. Present at the ceremony were dozens of German nationals working and living in The Gambia, and friends of Germany in both government and NGOs.
“Since Germany opened its embassy in Banjul last year, good progress has been made on opening an embassy of The Gambia in Germany. A suitable location in Berlin has been identified so we are optimistic that this new embassy will start its operations early next year,” Ambassador Klaus announced, amidst cheers from the audience.
The two countries had enjoyed decades of strong relations until the 1994 military coup, which halted their cooperation leading to dormancy. However, with the end to what turned out to be two decades of dictatorship in 2017, new opportunities emerged for both countries, with the visit of then German President in late 2017, marking the most important milestone for strengthened cooperation.
The Gambian Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, Dr Mamamdou Tangara, in a statement delivered on his behalf at the ceremony, described it as a milestone in the migration cooperation between the two countries, as Gambians in Germany will begin to enjoy diplomatic representation and services.
The 16,000 Gambians make meaningful contribution to Gambia’s economy back home through remittances and provide social support to families who depend on them for education, housing and other livelihood support.
Mr Tangara expressed gratefulness to the German government, through its representative in Banjul, for standing by the country during this transitional phase of the post-dictatorship journey.
He among others issues outlined German interventions in areas of youth employment through rehabilitation and operationalising technical and vocational trainings for a more involved and advanced workforce in The Gambia; support to Gambia Police through training and capacity boosting of material resources necessary for effective policing in the country,.
The 35 years marking the Day of German Unity this year has been a journey of progress and economic development with the aim of uniting the east and the west into one politically united economic force, with social progress and development for her people. However, it is not a journey without turbulence, just as in The Gambia.
“This year has proven to be quite turbulent, no matter where we look. It was also a turbulent year for The Gambia, our beautiful host country. Not only has the Gambia struggled with trying to stop its young people to risk their lives on the backway, but a new Constitution also needs to be passed, and important development decisions need to be made,” Ambassador Kalus said.
On top of all of these developments in The Gambia came a proposed abolition of the ban on Female Genital Mutilation – a challenging decision for the country that shook its foundations of tolerance and adherence to human rights of women and girls. This issue did not only occupy The Gambia, but likewise attracted a lot of international attention.
“Fortunately, after the intense debate that ensued, it came to a good end. The ban was upheld and human rights in The Gambia for women and girls remain protected,” the Ambassador said, thanking the National Assembly for their courage and steadfastness in standing up for women and girls in The Gambia.
