Speaker Fabakary Tombong Jatta has called on West African parliamentarians to deepen collaboration in addressing shared challenges such as economic integration, security, climate change and migration.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the First Ordinary Session of Senegal’s 15th Legislature on Monday, Speaker Jatta emphasised the critical role of parliaments in promoting stability, development and democratic governance across the region.

Addressing Senegalese lawmakers, government officials and diplomats, he praised the Senegalese National Assembly for a productive session and highlighted the close cultural and historical ties between The Gambia and Senegal.

“Our two nations, linked by geography, history and culture, stand as beacons of democracy in our sub-region,” he said. “Through strong institutions like our National Assemblies, the will of the people is represented and their aspirations for peace and prosperity realised.”

Speaker Jatta stressed that the challenges facing the region transcend national borders and require collective parliamentary action.

“We must leverage our collective wisdom and legislative power to craft solutions that benefit all our citizens,” he added.

He concluded by underscoring the importance of inter-parliamentary dialogue in harmonising laws, promoting good governance and strengthening regional bodies such as ECOWAS.

By Adama Makasuba