In a rare show of public approval for a U.S. foreign policy decision, citizens of The Gambia are expressing gratitude after the United States denied visas to over two dozen of their government officials slated to attend the 2025 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York [[1], [3]].
Why the Public is Celebrating
For many Gambians, official trips abroad have long been viewed not as diplomatic necessities, but as taxpayer-funded vacations. This sentiment was amplified in 2021 when it was revealed the government spent over 239 million dalasis (roughly $4 million USD) on travel and per diems in just seven months, sparking public outrage and a subsequent, albeit temporary, travel ban [[10], [12]].
“They see these trips as a form of corruption,” said one Banjul resident, echoing a common national sentiment. “The U.S. has done us a favor by stopping them.”
Key Figures in the Controversy
Among the high-profile officials reportedly denied visas were Vice President Muhammad B.S. Jallow’s delegation members, including figures like Momodou Sabally and Njogu Bah . The visa denials have significantly trimmed the size of Gambia’s official U.N. delegation this year .
The U.S. Visa Policy Context
The U.S. has the legal right to deny entry to foreign officials, even those attending U.N. meetings. While diplomats typically apply for G-class visas for international organization business , the U.S. government can refuse these visas for a variety of reasons, including concerns over human rights, corruption, or national security .
This is not an isolated incident. Earlier in 2025, the U.S. also denied visas to Palestinian officials ahead of the UNGA, citing similar discretionary authority .
Step-by-Step: How U.S. Visa Denials for U.N. Delegates Work
- Application: A foreign official applies for a G-1 or G-2 visa to attend a U.N. meeting.
- Review: The U.S. State Department reviews the application, checking against various security and policy databases.
- Discretionary Decision: The U.S. can deny the visa if it deems the applicant’s presence “not in the foreign policy interests of the United States” .
- Notification: The applicant and their government are notified of the denial, often without a detailed public explanation.
Gambia’s Domestic Political Landscape
The visa denials come at a sensitive time for President Adama Barrow’s administration, which has been working to consolidate democratic gains since the end of Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year rule . Public trust in government spending remains a critical issue.
Government officials have previously defended their travel, with Information Minister Dr. Ismaila Ceesay dismissing claims that officials profit from per diems . However, the public’s skepticism appears to be winning out in this instance.
Gambia’s Recent Government Travel Expenditures
| Period | Reported Spending | Public Reaction | Government Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan-July 2021 | 239 million dalasis (~$4M USD) | Massive public outcry | Temporary ban on non-essential travel [[10], [12]] |
| 2025 (UNGA) | Costs averted by U.S. visa denials | Widespread public approval | Delegation size significantly reduced [[2], [3]] |
This latest episode highlights a growing tension between a government seeking to project itself on the world stage and a citizenry demanding fiscal responsibility and accountability at home. For many Gambians, the U.S. decision is a welcome check on what they perceive as wasteful spending.
For more on U.S. foreign policy in West Africa, see our coverage on [INTERNAL_LINK:U.S. foreign policy in Africa].
