Mariatou Sarr, who represented The Gambia at the 2019 Miss West Africa International, made history as the country's first representative to finish amongst the first three in the famous pageantry competition.

Earlier in November, Mariatou was crowned as Miss West Africa International- Gambia, which automatically qualified her to represent The Gambia.

In front of a crowd of hundreds of people at the Kairaba Beach Hotel on Friday, 4th January, the dark-skinned beauty was crowned as the first runner up.

"It has definitely been a long journey and I gave it my best but whatever God decides is always the best and I am grateful for my position," She said shortly after the event.

Mariatou thanked her management team, Biddy's Promotion and her colleagues for supporting her.

"I also want to thank my mum for always being there for me, pushing me through all the storms and making me believe that I can reach my goals.”

Miss West Africa International-Gambia said she is and will always be a true ambassador of The Gambia and she will do her utmost to raise the flag high.

She is currently pursuing a degree at the University of The Gambia.