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ADNews-Banjul, The Gambia: President of the West Coast of the Central African state of Gabon, Rtd. General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema is expected to pay a state visit to The Gambia, fondly called the “Smiling Coast of Africa”, from 30 July to 2 August 2026, to be hosted by Gambia’s President Adama Barrow, as disclosed by a news dispatch from the seat of government in Banjul.
By Ismaila M.S. Naban
It could be recalled that the ex-military general and former head of Gabon’s Republican Guard, together with some military officers, overthrew ex-President Ali Bongo in a military coup in 2023, and later won the post-coup presidential election and was officially sworn in as president on May 3, 2025.
Bongo of the Gabonese Democratic Party served as president from October 16, 2009 to August 30, 2023 when he was deposed by the country’s military.
According to State House in Banjul, the state visit is aimed at “strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries”, adding that during the visit, the two Heads of State “will hold a tête-à-tête, followed by official bilateral talks at State House in Banjul to review existing areas of cooperation and explore new opportunities for partnership between the two countries”.
The Gabonese leader, the release indicated, would also visit key government infrastructure projects and historical areas in the Gambia, inter alia: The National Food & Drug Quality Control Laboratory in Brusubi; the University of The Gambia (UTG), Faraba Campus in the Western Region of the country; the National Emergency Treatment Centre in Farato; and the historical Kachikally Crocodile Pool in Bakau- a few kilometres from the Gambian capital, Banjul..
“The visit will be marked by a State Banquet hosted by President Barrow in honour of his distinguished guest, and will reaffirm the shared commitment of The Gambia and Gabon to deepening bilateral cooperation and promoting sustainable economic development,” the release dated 28 July, 2026 disclosed.
It went on to note that, “H.E. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, 51, was officially inaugurated as Gabon’s fourth President in May 2025, following the country’s first democratic presidential election in decades.
“President Oligui Nguema’s term is expected to focus on good governance, economic reform and improved livelihoods as he delivers on his campaign promises.”
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