Gambian President Adama Barrow has named Sering Modou Njie as the country’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, following the departure of long-serving diplomat Mamadou Tangara.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, comes just five days after President Barrow formally accepted Tangara’s resignation.
Tangara, who had served in the post for over seven years, is set to take up a high-level position as the African Union Commission’s Special Representative for Mali and the Sahel, and Head of the MISAHEL office in Bamako.
He succeeds Maman Sambo Sidikou, whose departure in 2023 left the role unfilled for more than a year.
Njie, who previously held the post of Minister of Defence, now assumes the responsibility of leading Gambia’s foreign policy and diplomatic relations at a time of evolving regional dynamics and international engagement.
Prior to his defense portfolio, Njie briefly served as Gambia’s ambassador to Türkiye, enhancing bilateral relations with Ankara.
His academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in international relations. Njie’s career in public service began in 1998 as a public relations officer for the Gambian Armed Forces.
In 2011, he was appointed head of the National Republican Guard, later moving into diplomatic service as deputy head of mission at the Gambian High Commission in New Delhi, India.
As Njie transitions into his new role, Vice President Muhammed BS Jallow has been tasked with overseeing the Ministry of Defence, ensuring continuity in national security affairs.
President Barrow’s decision signals a strategic move to consolidate diplomatic relations and maintain Gambia’s growing presence in regional and international affairs.
The appointment is also seen as part of broader efforts to inject new leadership into key ministries following recent institutional changes
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