In a landmark moment for the Gambian community in Italy, 17 associations from across the country officially launched the Federazione Associazioni Gambiane Italia (FAGI) in Bologna. The federation, headquartered at Piazza XX Settembre 7, brings together Gambians from major cities including Milan, Bologna, Brescia, Turin, Padua, Rome, Verona, Bergamo, Palermo, Alessandria, Lecco, Asti, Napoli, Trento, and Monza, marking the first time the diaspora has converged in a single, unified gathering.
The event drew high-level diplomatic support, with Ambassador Noah Touray representing The Gambia’s Embassy in Spain (covering Italy, Greece, Portugal, and Turkey) and Ambassador Pa Musa Jobarteh from the Embassy in Belgium and the EU (focal point for migration, also covering Germany, Slovakia, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Czech Republic, and Poland). Their presence underscored the federation’s potential to strengthen ties between Italy, The Gambia, and the broader European Union.
FAGI President Omar Marong hailed the launch as a “historic milestone,” crediting the Gambian-Italian Association of Students and Researchers (GIASR) for spearheading the initiative. “This is the first time all Gambians in Italy are fully represented under one umbrella,” Marong said. He emphasized the federation’s role in addressing the daily challenges faced by Gambians in Italy and Europe, while contributing to the development of sustainable migration policies for both the Italian and Gambian governments.
Secretary General Sulayman Bah outlined the federation’s three-year roadmap, which is divided into phases: quarterly consultations, expressions of interest from associations, and final agreements on objectives, elections, and the signing of the constitution.
A dedicated committee ensured transparency in the selection of candidates and the conduct of votes. “We aim to speak with one voice, promoting unity and improving socio-economic, legal, cultural, and intellectual concerns,” Bah explained.
Key objectives include establishing “safe corridors” for the voluntary repatriation of vulnerable Gambians, repatriating the bodies of deceased individuals, reconnecting lost family members, creating a voluntary database for tracing compatriots, sharing verified information, fostering transnational migration cooperation, and promoting sustainable tourism and intercultural exchanges. Funding will be generated through partnerships, cultural events, social media campaigns, and regional grants.
Ambassador Touray, speaking on “the spirit of unity,” praised the initiative as a “step in the right direction” that enables direct collaboration with The Gambia’s government. He urged members to reject division and embrace collective progress. Ambassador Jobarteh echoed this, calling diaspora members “the real ambassadors” and advising focus on supporting the executive rather than individual positions.
A lively Q&A session focused on expanding consular services in Italy. Both ambassadors acknowledged challenges in opening a full embassy but highlighted ongoing studies for alternatives, such as appointing consular agents. Jobarteh noted that The Gambia’s relative diplomatic presence in Europe compared to nations like Benin. They confirmed internship opportunities at their embassies, particularly beneficial for Gambian students in Italian universities, and pledged administrative support for FAGI’s sustainability.
Vice President Alagie Darboe closed with a call for teamwork, joined by executive members Saikou Marong and Alpha Sallah in urging widespread support.
Elected for a three-year term: Omar Marong (President), Alagie Darboe (Vice President), Sulayman Bah (Secretary General), Fatoumata Ceesay (Treasurer), Saikou Marong (Executive Member/Assistant Secretary), Alpha Sallah (Executive Member), and Lamin Sanyang (Executive Member).
Member associations include GIASR, Yeullen (Bologna), Gambian Youth Association Padova, Associazione Gambiani di Torino, Fouta Djallon (Milano), and others spanning the listed cities.
FAGI’s launch signals a more organized and influential Gambian voice in Europe, poised to drive positive change both at home and abroad.
