Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, received Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, The Gambia's defence minister, at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on August 27, 2026. The high-level meeting centered on full discussions concerning regional security and stability across the continent, with a specific focus on West Africa. Chairperson Youssouf welcomed the minister’s visit, noting "the importance of continued engagement on matters of peace, security and stability in The Gambia and the wider West African region." He also reaffirmed the commission’s commitment "to advancing peace, stability and democratic governance across continent." The encounter noted the African Union's ongoing dedication to fostering strong partnerships with its member states to address pressing security challenges.
Regional Security Focus
Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Minister Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof engaged in a detailed exchange of views on the evolving political and security situation across West Africa. Their discussions paid particular attention to the complex challenges in the Sahel and the Casamance region, according to reports from the meeting. Both officials showed the fundamental importance of peaceful political processes as a primary approach to achieving and maintaining regional stability. They also emphasized the critical and indispensable role of constitutional governance in maintaining order, upholding the rule of law, and effectively addressing underlying issues that could lead to instability. The two leaders stressed the necessity of sustained regional efforts and enhanced cooperation to effectively address shared security challenges that impact multiple nations within the West African sub-region and beyond. The dialogue noted the urgent need for collaborative strategies among West African states to counter existing and emerging threats and to promote long-term peace and sustainable development.
In their deliberations, Chairperson Youssouf and Minister Joof particularly showed the importance of peaceful political processes, constitutional governance, and sustained regional efforts to address shared security challenges. These principles form the bedrock of the African Union's approach to conflict prevention and resolution. The exchange further delved into the specific security dynamics impacting The Gambia and its neighbors, emphasizing the interconnectedness of national and regional security.
AU's Commitment to Gambia
The African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, reaffirmed the commission’s continued engagement with The Gambia. He also reiterated the AU's unwavering commitment to advancing peace, stability, and democratic governance across the African continent. This commitment shows the organization's ongoing support for its member states in their efforts to build resilient and peaceful societies. Discussions during the meeting specifically included the AU Commission's ongoing support to The Gambia in its significant contribution to regional peace and stability efforts. This support is a testament to The Gambia's active role in promoting security within West Africa.
Minister Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof attended the meeting alongside Ambassador Jainaba Jagne, who serves as the Permanent Representative of the Republic of The Gambia to the African Union. Ambassador Jagne's presence noted the strong diplomatic representation of The Gambia at the continental body during these key discussions, signifying the importance The Gambia places on its relationship with the AU.
Broader Context and Support
The AU Commission Chairperson welcomed the Gambian minister's visit, emphasizing its importance for continued engagement on peace, security, and stability not only in The Gambia but also across the wider West African region. Discussions between the two officials included the African Union Commission's ongoing support for The Gambia. This support specifically targets the nation's contributions to regional peace and stability efforts, acknowledging The Gambia's role as a constructive partner in continental security initiatives. The dialogue showed the collaborative nature of addressing security challenges within the continent, reinforcing the idea that collective action is essential for achieving lasting peace and prosperity in Africa.
