Youth and Sports Minister Bakary Badjie has defended President Adama Barrow amid debate over why the Gambian leader has never served as chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), following Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s election to the post.

In a statement, Badjie dismissed suggestions circulating on social media that Barrow’s absence from the rotating chairmanship reflected a lack of regional influence or trust among West African leaders.

“The ECOWAS Chairmanship is not a medal awarded to the most popular President, nor is it a validation of who is more influential,” he said.

“It is a position that comes with enormous responsibilities.”

According to the minister, the role is assumed by consensus among member states and carries significant financial and diplomatic obligations, including representing the bloc at international summits, mediating regional disputes and responding to crises.

Badjie argued that for a small economy like The Gambia, prioritising national development and fiscal prudence over the prestigious regional position was a responsible decision.

He also accused critics of inconsistency, noting that many of those questioning why Barrow has not chaired ECOWAS had previously criticised the president for travelling extensively while lobbying for Dr Omar Touray’s successful bid to become President of the ECOWAS Commission.

“You cannot demand regional leadership while condemning the diplomatic engagements that regional leadership demands,” he said.

The minister maintained that Barrow’s regional standing should instead be judged by The Gambia’s contribution to peace, regional integration and its continued engagement within ECOWAS, rather than whether he has held the bloc’s rotating chairmanship.

Badjie concluded that The Gambia would pursue the ECOWAS chairmanship if and when it aligns with the country’s national priorities and economic capacity.