President Yahya Jammeh has expressed deep appreciation for the contributions made by different communities towards the successful hosting of the AU Banjul Summit.

According to him, the Senegalese donation is among the biggest financial support the Gambia Government has so far received for the AU Summit.

He made this commendation yesterday at State House when the Senegalese community in The Gambia donated D100,000 cash to The Gambia Government.

President Jammeh added that he was happy with the Senegalese delegation, led by the Senegalese High Commissioner to The Gambia, Mr Momodou Faal. “ I am glad that you have come to give help. You have demonstrated good neighbourliness. This is what is expected of good neighbours,” President Jammeh said.

The Gambian leader also thanked the Badibunka business community, women's groups and individuals from the North Bank Division for donating D180, 000 and two bulls as their contribution to the AU Summit. He also commended the Association of Soldiers' Wives, Sayerr Jobe foundation and artists who presented artifacts to President Jammeh as their contribution to the AU Summit. According to the Gambian leader, the Summit is not a waste of resources. “It is because of the AU that we have the street lights now,” he said. President Jammeh promised that by September there will be electricity in Badibu. The Gambian leader also thanked Maersk Line for their donation.

Mrs Susan Waffa Ogoo and Mr Bai Mass Taal, the Secretaries of State for Tourism and Fishries and Natural Resources, respectively thanked the donors for the kind gestures, noting that the donors have manifested their patriotism. A total donation of D406,045 was yesterday received at State House.