By Omar Bah
The Gambia has made a significant stride in global security by announcing its accession as a new member of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI). This endorsement, conveyed in a letter to Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, by his Gambian counterpart, underscores The Gambia’s commitment to international cooperation in preventing the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD).
The decision is welcomed by the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States of America as a significant step forward in strengthening regional and international cooperation and coordination in the fight against the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). The Gambia’s endorsement of the PSI is a testament to the collective commitment of African nations, as demonstrated through their active participation in the African Political Conference of the Proliferation Security Initiative, held from January 31 to February 02, 2024, in Marrakech. The conference concluded with a joint declaration and the announcement of the accession of six other African countries: Benin, Zambia, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Togo, and Madagascar, further strengthening regional and global security efforts.
The following countries have affirmed their dedication to strengthening South-South cooperation in regional security and advancing efforts to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Established in 2003, the PSI is an international program to thwart WMD proliferation by enhancing collaboration among participating nations. Based on voluntary partnerships and information exchange, the PSI bolsters regional and global security by discouraging non-state actors from engaging in proliferation activities. With The Gambia’s recent accession to the PSI, the number of African member countries in this initiative has increased from 6 to 13, and the total number of member states has risen from 106 to 113. This expansion strengthens the collective action against WMD proliferation.
