By: Alieu Ceesay
Students from The Gambia studying at various universities in the landlocked Central European nation have officially established the Gambian Students Association in Switzerland (GSAS), marking the first such organized body in the country.
The association held its inaugural elections, selecting Sulayman FS Sanneh as its founding President. The move unites Gambian students pursuing diverse academic degrees, fostering solidarity in an environment increasingly marked by global anti-immigration sentiments, particularly across Europe.
According to Malick Njie, Chairman and Coordinator of GSAS, the formation followed extensive consultations among students who recognized the value of collective action. “People with common interests should always band together in the pursuit and protection of their interests and for the good of all,” Njie stated in an official release. He emphasized that unionizing provides a solidarity front amid rising challenges for international students and migrants.
GSAS joins a growing network of Gambian student unions worldwide, including those in India, China, the United States, and Morocco. These groups typically aim to offer moral, academic, and, at times, financial support to members while advocating for their interests through diplomatic channels, including engagements with Gambian government representatives abroad.
The primary objectives of GSAS include strengthening bonds among Gambian students in Switzerland, building a robust network for academic collaboration, and delivering essential social and support services to ensure members’ stability and educational success. “We are glad to announce the formation of the Gambian Students Association in Switzerland,” Njie said. “The particular aim of this association is to bring Gambian students together, build networks, and provide assistance to each other in academic and career fields.”
A key priority for the new leadership is establishing positive working relations with the Gambian Embassy in Geneva. The association plans sustained engagement with the embassy to advance its goals and represent student concerns effectively.
The newly elected Executive Council, serving a one-year term, comprises:
Sulayman FS Sanneh, President; Jainaba Colley, Vice President; Abdoulie Minteh, Secretary General; Ebrima Beyai, Treasurer; Mamadi Batchilly, Auditor General; Mamadi Jawo, Focal Person for Gambian Students in Basel; and Isatou Darboe, Information and Public Relations Officer.
In their statement, the council members pledged commitment, integrity, and dedicated service, vowing to promote unity, academic excellence, and the overall welfare of Gambian students in Switzerland.
This initiative reflects broader efforts by Gambian diaspora communities to organize for mutual support and advocacy, thereby strengthening ties between students abroad and their home country.
