Africa-Press – Gambia. The Gambia on Monday launched a two-day consultative meeting of the National Coordination Mechanism (NCM) and Regional Coordination Mechanism (RCM) as part of preparations for its voluntary national review under the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM).
The opening ceremony, held at the African Princess Hotel, brought together permanent secretaries, regional governors, ministry directors, civil society actors, youth representatives, private sector stakeholders, and development partners.
The meeting, convened by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad (MoFA), aims to consolidate progress from thematic working groups, review tools and work-plans, and lay the groundwork for The Gambia’s national GCM report for the upcoming International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) in May 2026.
Delivering the welcoming remarks, MoFA Permanent Secretary Lang Yabou underlined that the review was more than a reporting exercise. “It offers member states a platform to take stock of achievements, reflect on challenges, and set the direction for migration governance,” he said. He stressed that evidence-based documentation, inclusive consultations, and engagement across government and society are crucial for a credible national contribution.
Sibgha Ajaz, Programme Coordinator for Migration Management at IOM Gambia, highlighted that The Gambia had made progress in operationalizing migration policies, strengthening border management, expanding return and reintegration assistance, and engaging the diaspora in national development. She emphasized that the voluntary national review should be comprehensive, reflecting both achievements and areas needing further attention, with broad participation from civil society, youth groups, the private sector, and local communities.
The meeting also seeks to map stakeholders, identify process champions, and provide templates to guide the drafting of the national report. Ajaz noted that the process would ensure alignment with national development priorities, safeguard migrants’ rights, and maximize the benefits of human mobility for the country and the region.
Both MoFA and IOM officials emphasized the importance of collaboration, transparency, and inclusive participation. They said the review presents a strategic opportunity to strengthen migration governance frameworks, improve data systems, and guide policy interventions addressing irregular migration, climate-related mobility, and socioeconomic vulnerabilities.
