3-4th December 2005:

President Jammeh was among over fifty African heads of state and senior officails who took part in the Franco-African summit held in the Malian capital Bamako. The two-day summit focusing on youth issues was also attended by the French President Jacques Chirac.

The theme for the summit was "African youths, creativity, citality and aspiration". Speaking at the opening ceremony President Chirac said it is the responsibilty of African leaders and the international community to find answers to what future to offer to African youths. The French leader pointed out that Africa's future lies in the hands of young people, noting that it would be very dangerous to exclude them from the continent's development agenda. He called on African leaders to combat poverty and make good use of the talent of those with high education. The host President Amadou Toumani Toure said stability in Africa is being threatened by the lack of prospect for a better future for the young people. The summit was held alongside with wives of African heads of state and was attended by Madam Yahya Jammeh.

Speaking at the end of the two-day summit the President described President Jacque Chirac as a genuine advocate of African affairs.
President Jammeh also said being the youngest democratically-elected President, the youth would not be left out in his development agenda. He said the continent is endowed with resources but in the midst of conflict these resources cannot be harnessed for the wellbeing of its peoples. He further said preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS and providing treatment for its victims is important, as well as avoiding violent conflict among countries in the continent. These he emphasised is the only way we can pull resources together for the good of the youth and our peoples as a whole. The theme of the summit was "African youths, creativity, vitality and aspiration".

Secretary of State for Health Dr. Tamsir Mbowe, has also spoken well of the outcome to the First Ladies summit on maternal and child health held im Bamako Mali. Dr. Mbowe said the Gambia'a first lady has renewed her commitment to do more to improve maternal and child health in the Gambia.