A delegation from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Regional Secretariat has concluded a four-day assessment mission in Banjul ahead of the 54th CPA Africa Region Conference, set to be hosted by The Gambia in August 2025.

The visit is part of the CPA’s ongoing evaluation process to assess the country’s preparedness to host the high-level gathering, expected to bring together over 300 delegates, including Speakers and Members of Parliament from across the continent.

Led by Mr Bakari Kishoma and Edmund Sabutoke from the CPA Secretariat in Tanzania, the delegation held a series of meetings with senior officials of The Gambia’s National Assembly.

These included discussions with the Speaker,  Fabakary Tombong Jatta, the Clerk of the National Assembly, Kalipha M.M. Mbye, and members of the National Assembly Taskforce Committee established for the conference.

Talks focused on key logistical and technical areas, including venue readiness, transport arrangements, accommodation, and protocol services.

The team also conducted site inspections, including a visit to the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre,  the designated venue for the August event.

Speaker Jatta, who also serves as President of the CPA Africa Region, reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to hosting a successful and impactful conference.

He described the event as a milestone in the country’s parliamentary journey and an opportunity to strengthen The Gambia’s role in African parliamentary cooperation.

Speaking to National Assembly media, Mr Kishoma expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness, stating: “Our observations are impressive based on the assessment checklist.”

He also extended appreciation to the Speaker and Clerk for their leadership and coordination efforts.

By Adama Makasuba