A delegation from the National Assembly of The Gambia is currently participating in the 19th Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC), which also marks the Silver Jubilee of the organisation.
The high-level gathering, held in Jakarta, brings together representatives from across the Muslim world to deliberate on shared concerns and foster parliamentary cooperation.
The Gambian delegation is led by Hon. Kebba K. Barrow, Head of Delegation, and includes Hon. Birom J.S. Sowe, Hon. Amie Colley, Hon. Abdoulie Njai, and Hon. Lamin J. Sanneh. Upon arrival, the delegation embarked on a packed schedule of engagements across PUIC Standing Committees and affiliated conferences.
Hon. Barrow participated in the 53rd Meeting of the PUIC Executive Committee, where members adopted the agenda, reviewed the Secretary General’s report, and updated the draft agendas of key PUIC organs, including the Standing Committees on Political Affairs, Economic Affairs, Human Rights and Family, and the Committees on Palestine and Muslim Minorities.
As part of the Standing Specialized Committee (SSC) meetings, The Gambia observed proceedings of the Economic Affairs and Environment Committee, where member states exchanged ideas on promoting sustainable development and economic cooperation across OIC countries.
Hon. Birom J.S. Sowe represented The Gambia at the Standing Committee on Human Rights, Women and Family Affairs, where discussions centred on issues of protection and rights of vulnerable populations across member states. Agenda items included the safeguarding of women and children in areas of occupation and conflict, especially Palestine.
Hon. Amie Colley actively participated in the 12th Conference of Muslim Women Parliamentarians, engaging in high-level discussions on women’s leadership in resolving local and regional conflicts. Delegates also deliberated on protection mechanisms for Muslim women and children in conflict zones and reviewed the previous bureau’s report.
Meanwhile, Hon. Abdoulie Njai and Hon. Lamin J. Sanneh represented the delegation at the Consultation Meeting of the African Group, contributing to continental coordination within the PUIC framework.
On Wednesday, the delegation held a bilateral meeting with representatives of the Palestinian Parliament. The Gambian side expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine and reiterated the National Assembly’s support for lasting peace and justice in the region.
Looking ahead, the delegation will join the final sessions of the 19th PUIC Conference on Thursday, 15 May. Key activities include the adoption of resolutions during the Work Session and contributions to the Closing Session, where member states will formalise outcomes on political, economic, and human rights priorities.
