The Gambian government has dismissed as “false and baseless” claims that it issued 20,000 diplomatic passports, including to family members and former ministers of ex-Senegalese president Macky Sall.

In a statement released on Friday, the government described the allegations — made by a Senegalese journalist and politician — as a deliberate attempt to create “misunderstanding and unwarranted tension” between The Gambia and Senegal.

“The Government of the Republic of The Gambia categorically refutes recent allegations… These claims are entirely false, baseless, and constitute a deliberate attempt to sow misunderstanding and create unwarranted tension between the two brotherly nations,” the statement said.

The government stressed that the issuance of diplomatic passports is governed by strict policies and procedures to ensure transparency and accountability. It said such passports are reserved for Gambian diplomats and their spouses, senior officials, Gambians serving in international organisations, and individuals formally representing the country’s interests.

It further clarified that neither former president Macky Sall nor any member of his family had ever requested or been issued a Gambian passport “of any category.”

The statement also rejected suggestions that The Gambia was involved in the recent departure of Senegalese nationals from their country, describing the insinuation as “entirely unfounded and deeply concerning.”

The government urged the public to disregard the claims and rely solely on verified information from official sources.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it continues to work with the Ministry of Interior and the Gambia Immigration Department to uphold the integrity of the passport system and prevent fraud or misuse.