BANJUL (Reuters) – Gambia has rejoined the Commonwealth, the tiny West African former British colony’s foreign ministry said on Thursday, five years after its now exiled former authoritarian leader withdrew his country, calling it a “neo-colonial institution”.

During his 23-year rule, Yahya Jammeh, who fled Gambia a year ago after regional militaries launched an operation to remove him, repeatedly clashed with British authorities over criticisms of his government’s human rights record.

He withdrew Gambia from the grouping, which includes Britain and most of its former colonies, in 2013.

“The Gambia is ready to regain its former glory on theinternational stage and reiterates its commitment to the fundamental values of the Commonwealth Charter,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

Though its sandy beaches have made it a popular destination for sun-seeking European tourists, under Jammeh Gambia also garnered a reputation as a repressive state where journalists and political opponents were jailed, tortured and even murdered.

President Adama Barrow, who won a December 2016 election that Jammeh rejected, is attempting to reverse many of his predecessor’s most controversial decisions and rehabilitate Gambia’s image abroad.

He also halted Gambia’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court.

“It is the fervent desire of this government that our membership to the Commonwealth will usher in an era of socio-economic development,” the foreign ministry statement said.

(Reporting by Pap Saine; Writing by Joe Bavier; Editing by Catherine Evans)</s>The Gambia has rejoined the Commonwealth after almost five years outside the institution, fulfilling a pledge made by the country’s president.

The West African state left the family of nations in 2013 after then President Yahya Jammeh’s administration stated in a televised address the Gambia would “never be a member of any neo-colonial institution”.

But a symbolic flag raising ceremony at Marlborough House, the London headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat – the institution’s civil service, will mark the country’s return under the leadership of President Adama Barrow.

Baroness Scotland, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Francis Blain, the Gambia’s high commissioner to London, and senior officials from the Commonwealth will attend the ceremony on Thursday.

The Secretary-General said: “When the Gambia left in 2013, the heads of government expressed their regret in its leaving the Commonwealth family.

“We’ve looked forward to the Gambia’s return and were delighted when, after his election victory in 2016, President Barrow pledged to return.

“The Gambia’s application to rejoin has been unanimously accepted by all 52-member states, who welcome back their brothers and sisters to again play their full part in the Commonwealth family.”

The decision to begin the re-admission process was made in February last year by President Barrow.

He was the surprise winner of elections in December 2016, beating the incumbent President Jammeh who had come to power in a bloodless coup in 1994.

Last December, the West African nation’s parliament unanimously affirmed the country’s desire to rejoin the Commonwealth, fulfilling one of the final steps in the organisation’s membership process.

Its application was unanimously supported by the Commonwealth’s 52-member states and the Gambia will now be invited to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in April in London.

Ahead of his country’s return to the Commonwealth Mr Blain said: “I am thrilled to represent my country as it formally rejoins the Commonwealth after an absence of several years – and to become high commissioner rather than ambassador.

“The Government and people of the Gambia will also draw on all that the Commonwealth collectively has to offer, assisting in practical ways to address a wide range of pressing issues – including protecting the environment and tackling climate change, and the empowerment of women and young people.”

The Gambia first became a member of the Commonwealth in 1965, when it gained independence from Britain. There are now 53 members of The Commonwealth, representing more than 2.4 billion people.</s>The Gambia is rejoining the Commonwealth, almost five years after it withdrew under the rule of ousted President Yahya Jammeh who branded it a “neo-colonial institution”.

The occasion will be marked at the Commonwealth’s headquarters in London later today.

President Adama Barrow applied for The Gambia’s readmission to the body soon after he took office last January.

Mr Jammeh fled into exile, ending 22 years of authoritarian rule in the small West African state – a popular tourist destination.

The Gambia will be the fourth country to return to the Commonwealth – after South Africa, Pakistan and Fiji.

Mr Jammeh clashed with the Commonwealth over his government’s poor human rights record.

Mr Barrow has sought to improve The Gambia’s relationship with Western governments, and to secure much-needed funding to tackle poverty and unemployment.</s>The Commonwealth has confirmed the successful readmission of Gambia into the global bloc. The West African country becomes the 53rd nation but fourth to rejoin.

The Gambia referred to as “smiling coast of West Africa” joins the likes of South Africa, Fiji and Pakistan who all left at a point and gained readmission.

In 2013, exiled President Yahya Jammeh, pulled the country out of the Commonwealth. Jammeh at the time gave the reason that the 52-member group was a ‘neo-colonial institution.’

After Jammeh’s shock defeat to then opposition candidate Adama Barrow in December 2016 elections, the Commonwealth intimated that its doors were open to a return by The Gambia. The Adama Barrow government have over the past year gone through the legal process of readmission.

Foreign Minister Ousainou Darboe in December 2017 notified parliament of the government’s decision to rejoin the Commonwealth union. The move was unanimously adopted by lawmakers who criticized how Jammeh unilaterally took them out of the union.

A December 2016 statement issued by Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said, “When The Gambia left the Commonwealth in 2013, heads of government, meeting in Colombo that year, noted this decision with regret, and looked forward to the country’s eventual return. Like every close knit family, our Commonwealth doors remain open.”

Beside the Commonwealth, Jammeh had announced the withdrawal of the Gambia from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2016. Barrow rescinded the decision soon after taking office. It was one of the campaign promises of the then opposition coalition.</s>LONDON - The Gambia was readmitted to the Commonwealth on Thursday, welcomed back into the fold after its sudden pullout in 2013 and following the democratic election last year of President Adama Barrow.

Former president Yahya Jammeh dramatically withdrew the impoverished west African nation in October 2013, branding the group an "extension of colonialism".

New President Adama Barrow began the readmission process in February last year, two months after topping an election after which Jammeh initially refused to give up his 22-year rule, triggering a crisis.

Accused of flagrant rights abuses, Jammeh ruled mainland Africa's smallest country with an aura of mysticism and an iron fist after seizing power in 1994.

Barrow's formal application last month for The Gambia to rejoin the Commonwealth received unanimous backing from the other members.

A formal ceremony later on Thursday will mark the occasion.

The decision means there are once again 53 member states in the Commonwealth, the voluntary association of mostly former territories of the British empire.

The Gambia will now be invited to attend the organisation's biennial summit, to be held in London in April.

To mark The Gambia's readmittance, a flag-raising ceremony was to take place at 1100 GMT in the gardens of Marlborough House, the Commonwealth Secretariat's headquarters in central London.

"When The Gambia left in 2013, the heads of government expressed their regret in its leaving the Commonwealth family," Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said.

"We've looked forward to The Gambia's return and were delighted when... President Barrow pledged to return.

"The Gambia's application to rejoin has been unanimously accepted by all 52-member states, who welcome back their brothers and sisters to again play their full part in the Commonwealth family."

The Gambia first became a Commonwealth member on its independence from Britain in 1965.

Francis Blain, The Gambia's representative in London, said: "The Gambia looks forward to being able both to contribute to and benefit from the collective wisdom of the Commonwealth family of countries, and to playing an active role in supporting the work of the Commonwealth Secretariat."</s>The Gambia was readmitted to the Commonwealth on Thursday, welcomed back following the democratic election of President Adama Barrow, who reversed a shock pullout in 2013.

His predecessor Yahya Jammeh suddenly withdrew the impoverished west African nation in October that year, branding the group an “extension of colonialism” as he lashed out at international organisations.

Accused of flagrant rights abuses, Jammeh ruled mainland Africa’s smallest country with an aura of mysticism and an iron fist after seizing power in 1994.

Barrow began the readmission process in February last year, two months after topping an election in which Jammeh initially refused to give up his 22-year rule, triggering a crisis.

Barrow’s formal application to rejoin the Commonwealth, submitted last month, received unanimous support from member states.

“The Gambia is ready to regain its former glory on the international stage and reiterates its commitment to the fundamental values of the Commonwealth Charter,” the Gambian government said in a statement.

“It is the fervent desire of this Government that our membership to the Commonwealth will usher in an era of socio-economic development to complement the government’s ongoing efforts, especially for women and youth,” it added.

The Gambia’s re-entry means there are once again 53 member states in the Commonwealth, the voluntary association of mostly former territories of the British empire.

Setting the seal on its return Thursday, The Gambia’s flag was raised in a ceremony at Marlborough House, the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters in London.

“The government and people of The Gambia are ecstatic and overjoyed,” said Francis Blain, the country’s representative in London, as he hoisted the flag.

Under Barrow, “democracy, good governance, rule of law, respect for human rights and the independence of the judiciary have been fully restored,” he said.

“Every effort will be made by the government to ensure that functioning of democratic processes in The Gambia are scrupulously maintained.”

The Gambia will now be among the countries attending the Commonwealth’s biennial summit, to be held in London in April.

“When Gambia left it was a great moment of sadness: sadness for The Gambia, sadness particularly for the Gambian people, so it’s a coming home,” Secretary-General Patricia Scotland told AFP.

The Gambia first became a Commonwealth member on its independence from Britain in 1965.

It is the fourth country to rejoin having left after South Africa, Pakistan and Fiji. Ireland (1949), Zimbabwe (2003) and the Maldives (2016) are the only other countries to have quit the group.

Asked about the possibility of Zimbabwe returning following the ousting of Robert Mugabe after 37 years in power, Scotland told AFP: “Any member who has left is welcomed home if they wish to commit to the charter and the values (of the Commonwealth), so any member who’s left, we’re always anxious that they come back.”

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who visited The Gambia to reset ties in February last year, said Thursday: “This shows that when a country commits to strengthening democracy, governance and the rule of law, it is welcomed back to the international community and the Commonwealth family.”</s>Accra — Gambia was re-admitted to the Commonwealth of Nations on Thursday, signaling the country’s pledge to mend international ties after becoming increasingly isolated under former ruler Yahya Jammeh.

The West African nation was unanimously supported to become the 53rd member of the group of mostly former territories of the British Empire, the Commonwealth said in an e-mailed statement. Jammeh withdrew Gambia from the group in 2013, describing it as a neo-colonial institution. It had been a member since gaining independence from Britain in 1965.

Membership will help Gambia "address a wide range of pressing issues, including protecting the environment and tackling climate change, and the empowerment of women and young people", Francis Blain, the country’s appointed Commonwealth commissioner, said in the statement.

The government of President Adama Barrow is looking to restore relations with neighbouring states and boost stagnant growth. Barrow assumed office last year after West African leaders threatened military intervention to oust Jammeh, who was clinging to power despite losing elections late 2016.</s>The Gambia will on Thursday at 11 a.m., rejoin the Commonwealth family, almost five years after leaving the 53-member organisation.

The Gambia’s readmission would be confirmed by 12. 01 a.m. on Thursday after which the Secretariat would announce that The Gambia is rejoining the Commonwealth.

A flag-raising ceremony, at the gardens of Marlborough House, the London headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat, would mark its return, said Prof. Barnie Choudhury, Director, Media and Public Relations, Commonwealth Secretariat.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland; Chair, Executive Committee of the Board of Governors, Norman Hamilton; members of the Committee; and The Gambian High Commissioner-to be, Francis Blain, would attend the ceremony.

The decision to begin the process of applying for readmission was made in February 2017 by President Adama Barrow, who came to power following elections in December 2016.

In December 2017, the parliament of The Gambia unanimously affirmed the country’s desire to rejoin the Commonwealth, thereby fulfilling one of the final steps in the organisation’s membership process.

Its application was unanimously supported by the current 52-member states and The Gambia would now be invited to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in April in London.

The secretary-general said when The Gambia left in 2013, the heads of government expressed their regret in its leaving the Commonwealth family.

Scotland said: “We’ve looked forward to The Gambia’s return and were delighted when, after his election victory last year, President Barrow pledged to return.

“The Gambia’s application to rejoin has been unanimously accepted by all 52-member states, who welcome back their brothers and sisters to again play their full part in the Commonwealth family.”

Blain, the High Commissioner-to be, also expressed joy that his country was rejoining the Commonwealth.

“I am thrilled to represent my country as it formally rejoins the Commonwealth after an absence of several years – and to become High Commissioner rather than Ambassador.

“The Gambia looks forward to being able both to contribute to and benefit from the collective wisdom of the Commonwealth family of countries.

“And to playing an active role in supporting the work of the Commonwealth Secretariat and the many other organisations and initiatives that flourish as expressions of Commonwealth connection.

“The Government and people of The Gambia will also draw on all that the Commonwealth collectively has to offer, assisting in practical ways to address a wide range of pressing issues.

“These include protecting the environment and tackling climate change, and the empowerment of women and young people,” Blain said.

The Gambia first became a member of the Commonwealth in 1965, when it gained independence from Britain.

There are now 53 members of The Commonwealth, representing more than 2.4 billion people.

The ceremony takes place just two months before the CHOGM.

CHOGM is taking place in London for the first time since 1986, and for the first time in the United Kingdom since the 1997 Edinburgh summit.</s>LONDON: The Gambia was readmitted to the Commonwealth on Thursday, welcomed back following the democratic election of President Adama Barrow, who reversed the shock pullout of 2013.

His predecessor Yahya Jammeh suddenly withdrew the impoverished west African nation in October that year, branding the group an "extension of colonialism" as he lashed out at international organisations.

Accused of flagrant rights abuses, Jammeh ruled mainland Africa's smallest country with an aura of mysticism and an iron fist after seizing power in 1994.

Barrow began the readmission process in February last year, two months after topping an election in which Jammeh initially refused to give up his 22-year rule, triggering a crisis.

Barrow's formal application to rejoin the Commonwealth, submitted last month, received unanimous support from member states.

Setting the seal on its return Thursday, The Gambia's flag was raised in a ceremony at Marlborough House, the Commonwealth Secretariat's headquarters in London.

"The government and people of The Gambia are ecstatic and overjoyed by the readmission of The Gambia into the Commonwealth of Nations," said Francis Blain, the country's representative in London, as he hoisted the flag.

Under Barrow, "democracy, good governance, rule of law, respect for human rights and the independence of the judiciary have been fully restored," he said.

"Every effort will be made by the government to ensure that functioning of democratic processes in The Gambia are scrupulously maintained."

Back in the family 

 The Gambia's re-entry means there are once again 53 member states in the Commonwealth, the voluntary association of mostly former territories of the British empire.

The Gambia will now be among the countries attending the organisation's biennial summit, to be held in London in April.

"When The Gambia left in 2013, the heads of government expressed their regret in its leaving the Commonwealth family," Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said.

"We've looked forward to The Gambia's return and were delighted when... President Barrow pledged to return."

Member states "welcome back their brothers and sisters to again play their full part in the Commonwealth", she said.

The Gambia first became a Commonwealth member on its independence from Britain in 1965.

It is the fourth country to rejoin having left, after South Africa, Pakistan and Fiji. Ireland (1949), Zimbabwe (2003) and the Maldives (2016) are the only other countries to have quit the group.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who visited The Gambia to reset ties in February last year, said Thursday he had seen "huge enthusiasm for the values and opportunities offered by our modern, diverse Commonwealth.

"This shows that when a country commits to strengthening democracy, governance and the rule of law, it is welcomed back to the international community and the Commonwealth family."</s>The Gambia was readmitted to the Commonwealth on Thursday, welcomed back into the fold after its sudden pullout in 2013 and following the democratic election last year of President Adama Barrow.

Former president Yahya Jammeh dramatically withdrew the impoverished west African nation in October 2013, branding the group an "extension of colonialism".

New President Adama Barrow began the readmission process in February last year, two months after topping an election after which Jammeh initially refused to give up his 22-year rule, triggering a crisis.
The Gambia formally rejoins the Commonwealth five years after its former President Yahya Jammeh withdrew the West African country, calling it a "neocolonial institution".