Mambury Njie, former minister of finance under both Jammeh and Barrow administrations and a seasoned Gambian economist, has been appointed as The Gambia’s new Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, replacing Omar Gibril Sallah.
Njie, 62, brings a wealth of experience from over three decades of public service. A Columbia University graduate with a Master’s in Economic Policy Management, he has served as Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs (2010–2012, 2018–2022), Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Secretary-General of the Civil Service under three Gambian administrations. His diplomatic postings include Ambassador to Taiwan, the Philippines, and the UAE. At ECOWAS, Njie has been a Special Advisor on Economic and Financial Integration since 2022, advocating for regional tax harmonization and the Eco currency.
Before this appointment, Mr Njie served as finance minister from 2018 to May 2022. Seedy Keita succeeded him after the new cabinet was named after the 2021 presidential election.
However, Njie’s tenure under Yahya Jammeh’s regime (1994–2017) has drawn criticism. Critics argue his senior roles enabled Jammeh’s financial mismanagement, though supporters note his reported opposition to prisoner executions in 2012, which led to his dismissal. His later stint under President Adama Barrow faced scrutiny for budget deficits and a high debt-to-GDP ratio, with contentious decisions like rice import duty waivers costing D837.8 million by 2022.
“Ambassador Njie’s expertise will elevate Gambia-Saudi relations,” said a Foreign Ministry official speaking anonymously. “His track record promises impactful diplomacy.” In Riyadh, Njie is expected to deepen economic cooperation, leveraging Saudi Arabia’s role as a development partner.
Despite controversies, Njie’s appointment underscores his enduring influence. His legacy—marked by fiscal reforms and regional advocacy—remains complex, but his diplomatic acumen positions him to advance The Gambia’s interests.
