Office of The Gambian President: State House Online: Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh

His Excellency Dr. Alhaji Yahya Jammeh at the invitation of the US President George W. Bush arrived in Dakar Friday where he joined seven other West African heads of state to hold a multi-lateral meeting with US President George Bush. President Jammeh was met on arrival by the Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade who escorted him through the usual airport ceremonies. The seven other heads of state are from Sierra Leone, Benin, Niger, Ghana, Mali, Cape Verde and Senegal the host country. President George Bush arrived in Senegal on Friday morning amidst a very tight security. Before getting down to business with other African heads of state, a photograph opportunity was offered to the press whose members either accompanied their president or came from news agencies. It was a difficult occasion for the press due to the rules in place and the tight security.

In a statement marking the start of this august meeting, President Bush reiterated his commitment to work with Africa. He said he believes very much in the future of Africa to realize its potentials. President Bush went on to talk about the millennium challenge account whose criteria he said requires democracy, human rights, market access and free trade. He spoke about countries to pay adequate attention to health and education. Among other things President Bush spoke about included his US $15 billion to combat AIDS in Africa and referred to AGOA as a positive step for Africa. He again stressed that Charles Taylor must step down.

The heads of state also took the floor to share what to them is priority. The President of Mali laid out of priorities, securities, stability, conflict resolution and terrorism combat. He also lamented the fact that they are the second leading country after Egypt to produce cotton but do not make a single product from this and therefore called for value added incentives.

For Ghana, the President called for for the joining of hands to bring back peace in Liberia. The President of Cape Verde spoke on the long standing ties with Africa. Niger whose country's President put emphasis on farming, HIV/AIDS and Malaria. He also spoke about Niger being a transit country and needs help to fight against terrorism. The Sierra Leonean President asked for help to stop the flow of small arms. The leader from Benin spoke about the unfair terms of trade between the developed and the developing countries.

The Gambian head of state first of all said he was speaking on behalf of African youths. He lamented the vicious cycle of destitute and poverty. He spoke on the senseless wars in Africa and called for the toppling of these wars. He emphasized the needs for quality education to eradicate ignorance. "This way the young will be better prepared for tomorrow's leadership roles."

President Jammeh emphasised the importance of peace without which trade between African countries will not work. He also pointed out the unfair terms of trade between the developed and the developing world. The Gambian head of state also spoke about the need for technology transfer. President Jammeh questioned the success of partnership with other African states if trading amongst these very states don't work.

Among other things President Jammeh spoke about included the conditions imposed by Brethonwood Institution. With these conditions President Jammeh said do not favour African countries. He also said that Africans in this institution don't progress to the very top and their work and experience are often limited to the African bureau. This he said should change, more opportunities should be created for them.

It would be recalled that the country leaders invited are those that are firmly on the path of democracy.