Gambia validates Migration Report ahead of UN Forum
The exercise reviewed national progress, refined reporting on migration governance, and aligned priorities ahead of IMRF 2026. Ambassador Lang Yabou, Permanent Secretary and Head of the Diplomatic Service at MoFA, said the report shows “a strong whole-of-government and whole-of-society commitment to managing migration in a safe, orderly and dignified manner.” "As a GCM Champion Country, The Gambia is using this report as a foundation to engage credibly and constructively at the International Migration Review Forum 2026, demonstrating that well-governed migration is a powerful driver of sustainable development,” Yabou said. He noted the report came from extensive consultations through the NCM and captures achievements, challenges, and areas needing stronger international collaboration. Ms. Ndumbeh Saho, Director of Diaspora and Migration at MoFA, said the launch “is not a mere procedural formality. It is an act of accountability and a celebration of a journey we have walked together.” “This report stands as testimony to our collective dedication and our willingness to learn and improve, while ensuring that migration governance remains humane, rights-based and development-oriented,” she said. Civil society backing Ms. Yadicon Njie Eribo, Chairperson of TANGO, said the validation reflects “the country’s sustained commitment to a humane, rights-based, and development-oriented approach to migration governance.” “From a civil society perspective, the inclusive and consultative process underpinning this report demonstrates the value of whole-of-society engagement in ensuring that migration policies respond to real community and migrant experiences,” she stated. Progress and gaps The report outlines progress in policy coordination, institutional strengthening, and migrant support systems. It shows how migration is being integrated into national development, linking mobility to sustainable growth. Since aligning with the GCM, The Gambia has used the NCM to enhance inter-agency collaboration and engagement with non-state actors for more coherent policy implementation. IOM commends leadership Ms. Sibgha Ajaz, Officer-in-Charge of IOM The Gambia, said the country “continues to demonstrate that principled leadership and inclusive governance can turn global commitments into real progress.” “As a Global Compact for Migration Champion Country, The Gambia’s whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach sets an important example of how migration can be governed in a way that is humane, evidence-based and firmly anchored in national development priorities,” she said. The report will guide The Gambia’s IMRF 2026 participation, where countries review GCM progress and share lessons. IOM supported the validation as part of its partnership with Government to promote safe, orderly and regular migration.
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The exercise reviewed national progress, refined reporting on migration governance, and aligned priorities ahead of IMRF 2026.
Ambassador Lang Yabou, Permanent Secretary and Head of the Diplomatic Service at MoFA, said the report shows “a strong whole-of-government and whole-of-society commitment to managing migration in a safe, orderly and dignified manner.”
"As a GCM Champion Country, The Gambia is using this report as a foundation to engage credibly and constructively at the International Migration Review Forum 2026, demonstrating that well-governed migration is a powerful driver of sustainable development,” Yabou said.
He noted the report came from extensive consultations through the NCM and captures achievements, challenges, and areas needing stronger international collaboration.
Ms. Ndumbeh Saho, Director of Diaspora and Migration at MoFA, said the launch “is not a mere procedural formality. It is an act of accountability and a celebration of a journey we have walked together.”
“This report stands as testimony to our collective dedication and our willingness to learn and improve, while ensuring that migration governance remains humane, rights-based and development-oriented,” she said.
Civil society backing
Ms. Yadicon Njie Eribo, Chairperson of TANGO, said the validation reflects “the country’s sustained commitment to a humane, rights-based, and development-oriented approach to migration governance.”
“From a civil society perspective, the inclusive and consultative process underpinning this report demonstrates the value of whole-of-society engagement in ensuring that migration policies respond to real community and migrant experiences,” she stated.
Progress and gaps
The report outlines progress in policy coordination, institutional strengthening, and migrant support systems. It shows how migration is being integrated into national development, linking mobility to sustainable growth.
Since aligning with the GCM, The Gambia has used the NCM to enhance inter-agency collaboration and engagement with non-state actors for more coherent policy implementation.
IOM commends leadership
Ms. Sibgha Ajaz, Officer-in-Charge of IOM The Gambia, said the country “continues to demonstrate that principled leadership and inclusive governance can turn global commitments into real progress.”
“As a Global Compact for Migration Champion Country, The Gambia’s whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach sets an important example of how migration can be governed in a way that is humane, evidence-based and firmly anchored in national development priorities,” she said.
The report will guide The Gambia’s IMRF 2026 participation, where countries review GCM progress and share lessons. IOM supported the validation as part of its partnership with Government to promote safe, orderly and regular migration.
