The OMVG Ministerial Council meets in Gambia for its 50th regular session

The two-day session will be held after the preparatory meeting of experts that recently took place in which delegates from the four West African countries participated. During the event, the OMVG Ministerial Council will discuss the 2024 Activities Report, the 2025 Work Program and the associated budget.

Moreover, the extraordinary session is held in preparation for the regular session of the Conference of Heads of State and Government of the OMVG Member States.

The Organization for the Development of the Gambia River (OMVG), established in 1978, is a sub-regional institution that promotes effective coordination for the rational and harmonious exploitation of the resources of the Gambia, Kayanga-Geba and Koliba-Corubal river basins.

It also focuses on water, energy, agriculture, transportation and other environmental conservation initiatives. However, one of the main highlights is the OMVG Energy project, which aims to guarantee affordable and renewable electricity, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting sub-regional integration.

The OMVG High Commission is the executive body for the integrated development of programs implemented by the four Member States for the rational and harmonious exploitation of the resources of the Gambia, Kayanga-Geba and Koliba-Corubal river basins.

It is recalled that the interconnection network came into full operation in 2024, giving countries the opportunity to upgrade their national electricity supply networks and connect to other West African networks to facilitate electricity exchange.

Rohey John-Manjang, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, welcomed the delegates and said the forum marks another important milestone in “our collective efforts” in addressing the environmental, energy and socio-economic challenges in the sub-region.

“As a founding member of the OMVG, Gambia recognizes the importance of regional cooperation and the sustainable management of our shared natural resources.”

She referred to the important cross-border region in the context of the project and by extension to the sub-region, pointing out that it is the lifeline for millions of people.

“It offers people the opportunity to improve food security, access to energy and the conservation of biodiversity, which are essential for achieving sustainable development goals for all Member States.”

To this end, the Environment Minister underlined the importance of the event while referring to some of the environmental challenges such as rising temperatures, unpredictable weather rainfall patterns and increased flooding.

She paid glowing tribute to all those affected by this year’s increasing flooding in the four Member States and even beyond, and further called on everyone to be active in mitigating the effects of climate change.

She recognized that this negative impact is affecting vulnerable families and endangering the country’s food systems, water resources and livelihoods.

Citing the progress OMVG has made in promoting energy infrastructure, particularly through the hydropower project in the Gambia River basin, she said these projects are vital not only for energy security but also for promoting low-carbon development strategies across the sub-region.

She therefore called on the four Member States to combine all their efforts for the full realization of the project.

Malang Sambou, Minister of Natural Resources for Guinea-Bissau, who is also the current Chairman of the OMVG Ministerial Council, acknowledged the four Heads of State for the political support and acknowledged that the project will also promote solidarity among OMVG member states. .

Minister Sambou noted that the project was delayed and this was the main reason why they prioritized its implementation to promote sub-regional integration.

He regretted that non-payment of arrears had to some extent hampered some of their activities, in particular the smooth functioning of their Secretariat, and therefore called on Member States to pay their dues.

To this end, he acknowledged the support of partners who have supported the project since its inception, namely the African Development Bank, the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, the West African Development Bank and a host of others, further thanking the leaders of the four countries for their high stakes. level of political involvement.

The event was graced by delegates, including ministers from Gambia, Senegal and Guinea.