German Ambassador to Gambia, Klaus Botzet, has praised the cooperation between Germany and Gambia, highlighting the growing ties between the two nations. At a reception marking Germany's Unity Day, Botzet emphasized the importance of Gambia's upcoming presidential election being held fairly and in line with international democratic standards. He noted that the world is watching Gambia's preparations for the election. Germany has been supporting Gambia in building stronger and more democratic institutions.
Germany's Unity Day, celebrated annually on October 3, marks a significant moment in modern European history - the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990. This event followed decades of division and culminated in the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Ambassador Botzet stated that Germany is not only celebrating the end of a terrible border in the middle of the country but also the end of the socialist dictatorship in East Germany, which allowed all Germans to enjoy democratic freedoms again.
The German-Gambian relationship has grown steadily since 2017, with Gambia becoming an increasingly important partner for Germany. Botzet mentioned that Germany has been supporting Gambia in building stronger and more democratic institutions, defending human rights, and upholding the Charter of the United Nations to preserve peace. He also commented on Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, calling for an immediate end to inhumane attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilians.
As Gambia prepares for its third presidential election in December 2026, Ambassador Botzet advised that it is crucial for the election to be held fairly, following the law and international democratic standards. He referenced the Chief Observer of the European Electoral Observer Mission, Dr. Lopatka, who emphasized that all legitimate candidates should be allowed to run and the elections should be free and fair. The world is watching Gambia's preparations, especially in a region where authoritarian rule has become more widespread.
In terms of cooperation, 2026 has been a productive year for Germany and Gambia. Germany remains a strong supporter of Gambia's transitional justice system and security sector reform. Two new cooperation projects are starting this year: the GPST project with the Gambian National Police, which has been granted a second phase, and a project focusing on the Gambian economy, co-financed by the EU, which offers grants to members of the Gambian diaspora investing in small and medium-sized Gambian companies.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Sering Modou Njie, extended warm felicitations to the Government and people of Germany on their national occasion. He noted that the Day of German Unity represents the triumph of people's aspirations for freedom, democracy, self-determination, and the right to determine their collective future. Minister Njie acknowledged the longstanding relations between Gambia and Germany, founded on mutual respect, friendship, and cooperation since 1965.
The event marking Germany's Unity Day was attended by senior government officials, members of the diplomatic community, and friends and partners of the German Embassy in Gambia. The Bright Stars comedy group entertained the gathering. The commemoration of Germany's Unity Day serves as a reminder of the importance of unity, reconciliation, and national cohesion, values that must be continuously nurtured through dialogue and democratic institutions.
Key points
- Germany and Gambia have strengthened their cooperation since 2017, with Germany supporting Gambia's democratic institutions and transitional justice system.
- Ambassador Botzet called for Gambia's presidential election to be held fairly and in line with international democratic standards.
- Germany and Gambia have launched new cooperation projects, including one supporting the Gambian economy and another enhancing security sector reform.
