Morocco Expands Diplomatic Presence in West Africa with New Embassy in The Gambia

Morocco strengthened its diplomatic ties with West Africa by inaugurating a new embassy in Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, on Friday. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, which marked a significant milestone, was attended by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Gambian counterpart, Mamadou Tangara.

During the event, Tangara highlighted The Gambia's pioneering role in recognizing Morocco's territorial integrity, being the first African country to open a consulate general in Dakhla, a city in southern Morocco.

"This embassy opening is a testament to the depth of our bilateral relations and our shared aspirations for a prosperous, unified, and stable Africa," Tangara stated, his words resonating in the sunlit diplomatic quarter of Banjul.

The inauguration coincided with the 15th Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), set to take place at Banjul's Dauda Kairaba Diawara International Conference Center on Saturday, with leaders from OIC member states in attendance.

Morocco's expanding diplomatic presence in West Africa aligns with the Royal Initiative for the Atlantic, a central strategy for promoting regional stability and prosperity, which Tangara himself praised.

The ceremony drew a diverse crowd, including Gambian officials, members of the diplomatic corps, consuls from European and African nations accredited in Banjul, and representatives of the Moroccan community in The Gambia. Among them was Ahmed Belhaj, the Chargé d'Affaires of the newly inaugurated Moroccan Embassy.

This diplomatic milestone follows a recent meeting between Bourita and Tangara in Rabat, where Tangara delivered a written message from President Adama Barrow to King Mohammed VI. During their discussion, Tangara reiterated The Gambia's unwavering support for Morocco's territorial integrity, including in the Sahara region.

As the Moroccan flag unfurled in the Banjul breeze, it signaled the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between the two nations, characterized by a common vision for unity, prosperity, and stability across the African continent.