The ratification followed a motion tabled by the Minister for Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs, Hon. Hamat N.K. Bah, who told the National Assembly that the convention provides a continental legal framework for countries to work together across borders.
Minister Bah said the convention seeks to promote peace, security, regional integration and sustainable development by encouraging cooperation in trade, infrastructure, migration management and community development.
“Ratifying the convention is critical for The Gambia. It will strengthen border governance, enhance peace and security, support land‑tenure management and align the country with the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” he said.
He noted that Cabinet had approved the ratification during its 17th meeting on 5 June 2026. Highlighting The Gambia’s strong human and economic ties with Senegal, Bah said the move would formalise cooperation in infrastructure, cross‑border investment and resource management.
According to him, the convention will provide mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of border disputes, strengthen cooperation against organised crime and support judicial collaboration, while helping address land‑tenure disputes affecting frontier communities.
Supporting the motion, Upper Saloum member Hon. Alhagie Mbowe said Africa must move away from borders that divide its people.
“The borders within Africa have become a nightmare to Africa themselves,” he said, arguing that the convention could promote trade, security and local development.
Bintang Karanai member Bakary K. Badjie welcomed the ratification but cautioned that national interests must remain protected.
“Our resources are our resources,” he said.
Sami member Hon. Alfusainey Ceesay stressed that implementation would now be key, noting that communities along the borders already maintain strong social and economic ties.
“Our people don’t have a problem,” he said, pointing to marriages, trade and social activities across the borders.
The ratification is expected to strengthen the work of the Gambia‑Senegal Boundary Management Commission and provide a broader legal framework for cross‑border cooperation.
