Britain must help The Gambia’s new president to achieve his full promise – Emily Thornberry’s letter to Boris

This is the full text of the letter that Emily Thornberry has sent to Boris Johnson.

The Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP

Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
Foreign and Commonwealth Office

King Charles Street
LONDON
SW1A 2AH 

5 December 2016

Dear Boris

Following the results of the recent elections in The Gambia, I am writing to underline the importance of supporting the new government as it takes its first steps in forming a new administration and to urge you to consider ways in which the UK can give practical support to the country during this period of transition.

While I welcome your statement on the election result, I am sure you agree that we will need more than warm words to help Adama Barrow’s incoming government to achieve its full promise. It is only with constructive support from the international community that the election result can be secured, and the hopes of The Gambia’s people can be realised.

President Jammeh’s 22-year rule was characterised by tyranny, repression and censorship, leaving many Gambians living in a continual state of fear, and his legacy is a country encumbered for too long with severe levels of poverty and unemployment. So, while his concession of defeat is welcome, we must ensure it becomes a reality.

It is critical, therefore, that we in Britain offer every support possible to Adama Barrow as he waits to assume the Presidency and urge a peaceful transition of power over the next two months. We must also ensure that The Gambia feels sure of the support of the UK should it wish to return to the Commonwealth, following its exit in 2013.

Amid the jubilation with which Gambians all over the world have welcomed last week’s election result, including the many living in this country, we must not forget that the situation remains precarious. Continued offers of support from the UK will help to promote stability, and ensure that the new Gambian government can begin this new political era from a position of strength.

I would therefore urge you to do everything possible towards that end.

Yours sincerely

Emily Thornberry MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs