Gambia and Guinea-Bissau signed a security cooperation agreement on Monday, September 8, 2025. This pact aims to foster stability and combat common threats within the sub-region.

Gambian President Adama Barrow concluded this partnership during his official visit to Bissau, which ended on September 9, 2025. On this occasion, the two countries discussed several aspects of strengthening their mutual cooperation, including cross-border trade and regional integration. This occurs in a context where West Africa faces security challenges, such as armed attacks and cross-border trafficking.

According to International Trade Centre data, trade between the two countries recorded a notable decline in 2024. It reached $7.5 million, down from $59 million in 2023.

In 2022, Guinea-Bissau was the target of a failed coup d'état. This incident led to the deployment of a stabilization support force for the country by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). ECOWAS indicated in 2024 that it maintains military missions in Banjul and Bissau. These missions aim to protect these countries, which it deems "fragile democracies."

Gambia and Guinea-Bissau have committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes in West Africa. This aims to strengthen the unity and cohesion of ECOWAS member states, in accordance with the principles and objectives of Vision 2050 and Agenda 2063.

Beyond the security aspect, these two states share cooperation links in several sectors. These include justice, education, road and maritime transport, and culture.

This article was initially published in French by Lydie Mobio

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum