Presenting the motion, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Hon. Sering Modou Njie, said the agreement was part of efforts to strengthen the long-standing friendship, solidarity and cooperation between The Gambia and Gabon.
The agreement was signed during the state visit of Gabonese President General Brice Cloutier Nguema to The Gambia from 30 July to 2 August 2026, hosted by President Adam Barrow.
“By removing visa requirements for diplomatic and service passport holders, the agreement will further facilitate more frequent and efficient exchanges between officials of the two countries,” Minister Njie said.
Under the agreement, eligible holders will be able to enter, exit, transit through and stay in either country without an entry visa for a period not exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period.
The minister said the agreement would go beyond making official travel easier, noting that it would support diplomatic engagement, official visits and consultations between the two governments.
He added that it would also help strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, education, culture and other areas of mutual interest.
However, lawmakers questioned why the exemption was limited to diplomatic and service passport holders.
The Member for Foni Berefet, Hon. Amie Colley, who seconded the motion, asked how ordinary Gambians could travel more easily to Gabon and questioned the visa barriers that continue to exist between African countries.
The Member for Jokadu described the agreement as a step in the right direction but called for ordinary passport holders to be considered in the future, particularly as many Gambians live, work and do business in Gabon.
The Member for Jeswang, Hon. Sheriff Sarr, also urged a broader approach, saying the number of diplomatic and service passport holders was small compared to the wider population.
Meanwhile, the Member for Bundunka Kunda, Hon. Sulayman Jammeh, urged the minister to begin discussions on a second phase that could include ordinary passport holders, saying this could promote tourism, business and people-to-people diplomacy.
The motion was put to a vote and approved by the Assembly.
