Africa-Press – Gambia. The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence, Madam Rohie Bittaye Darboe, recently represented The Gambia at an international workshop on Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) held in Geneva, Switzerland.
Madam Bittaye Darboe, serving as West Africa’s Regional Facilitator at the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) Implementation Support Project (ISP) played a crucial role during the workshop.
The three-day forum, held from 12 to 14 November 2025, convened government officials, experts, and technical partners committed to strengthening global standards in the regulation of conventional arms.
Madam Bittaye Darboe’s selection as Regional Facilitator follows her recognition earlier this year as the most outstanding West African trainee during a specialised ATT capacity-building workshop held in May 2025. Her nomination by the ATT Secretariat underscores her growing influence in regional arms control efforts and The Gambia’s increasing visibility in international security governance.
At the Geneva workshop, PS Bittaye Darboe was tasked with supporting the facilitation of sessions under the Implementation Support Project. Her role included guiding discussions, sharing best practices, and providing technical insight based on her work in The Gambia’s defence sector. Her interventions centred on helping West African states navigate the practical and institutional requirements necessary for effective implementation of the treaty.
During her presentation, she outlined key components of ATT implementation across member countries, including legislative and regulatory reforms, institutional coordination, and the establishment of functional national points of contact. She highlighted the importance of clear legal frameworks and inter-agency cooperation, noting that these elements are essential for countries seeking to strengthen oversight over arms transfers and prevent the illicit proliferation of weapons.
The Arms Trade Treaty remains the first legally binding global agreement regulating the international trade in conventional arms, from small arms and light weapons to major military equipment. Its objective is to promote peace and security by ensuring that arms transfers do not fuel conflict, human rights abuses, or criminal activity. By setting common international standards, the treaty encourages cooperation and information-sharing among states.
The ISP workshop, organised by the ATT Secretariat in Geneva and funded by the European Union, provides member states with technical support to help them meet their treaty obligations. It also serves as a platform for regional facilitators like PS Bittaye Darboe to exchange experiences and build stronger networks across Africa.
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