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US Embassy in earnest review of alternate locations

May 19, 2023, 11:37 AM

In October, we announced that The United States Embassy in Banjul has outgrown its current building on Kairaba Avenue, and we need to build a new U.S. Embassy reflecting our deepening partnership with the Gambian people and our expanding initiatives. At the time, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the government to begin due diligence at the WALIC site, which borders the cherished Monkey Park.

From the outset, we conducted an inclusive, comprehensive, and science-based assessment of the proposed site. Our Embassy teams actively engaged stakeholders, including government, local and international environmentalists, international primatologists, and others. As part of our due diligence, we pursued a biological assessment which raised concerns. This assessment led us to re-examine earlier studies, and we began a more in-depth review of alternate locations. This process will take some time and we will continue to be forthcoming in providing updates on our progress.

We thank the many government officials, civil society organizations, and others who are assisting with site selection. Their input is instrumental in helping us develop a new embassy that is consistent with the principles of greening diplomacy while also bringing more jobs and opportunities to The Gambia.

May18, 2023

Embassy of the United States of America

Banjul, The Gambia

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