UNICEF The Gambia Representative presents her credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

Banjul, 05 December 2023 – Ms Nafisa Binte Shafique, the new UNICEF The Gambia Representative Monday, December 04, 2023, presented her credentials to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Hon Dr Momodou Tangara at the Foreign Ministry in Banjul.

During discussions with Dr Tangara, Ms Shafique expressed deep gratitude to the Government of The Gambia for the “strong and instrumental support” it provides to UNICEF, especially in the development of the new UNICEF Country Programme Document (CPD 2024-2028). She also informed the Minister that the new CPD was developed in close collaboration with the Department of Strategic Policy and Delivery at the Office of the President and in consultation with different government ministries and institutions, civil society, and the public.

Ms Shafique also congratulated the Government on assuming the chair of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union Commission for December 2023 and for hosting the Ministerial and High-Level Retreat on the promotion and protection of the rights and welfare of children in situations of conflict in Africa in Banjul from 4-6 December. She noted that this shows that The Gambia is a frontrunner for children’s rights in Africa and beyond.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon Dr Momodou Tangara welcomed Ms Shafique to The Gambia and described her as the right person for the job due to her strong background in development. He assured her of government’s continuous support and collaboration, describing UNICEF’s work as noble. “Working for children is working for the future,” he said.