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Meet The Gambia’s coolest diplomat, Sheikh Omar Faye
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Meet The Gambia’s coolest diplomat, Sheikh Omar Faye

You no doubt have heard about him. If not for his exploits as one of the finest athletes Gambia has ever had, then for his passion for the art and craft of diplomacy.  Cool and charming, the Gambian diplomat Sheikh Omar Faye is a Ndongu Banjul who wins hearts and minds.

In June 2015, Sheikh Omar was appointed as the ambassador of The Gambia to the United States of America. His previous post was deputy ambassador in Mauritania.

He is like no other Gambian diplomat. To head the Gambian embassy in Washington DC is considered to be a difficult assignment despite attractions in the Washington. America is home to dozens of political dissidents who want to bring an end to Jammeh’s rule.

However, Sheikh Omar is always ready to work together with the dissidents, regardless of ideological differences to serve the best interest of the country.

It wasn’t surprising when he invited a former Jammeh critic, Momodou Njai to join him and his staff at an event that brought together ambassadors representing different West African countries in America.

Sheikh Omar took to Facebook to thank Momodou for honouring his invitation. He wrote: “Thanks for coming. Our beloved country will only be respected if we sometimes disagree, but still can come together as one people base on mutual respect. THE GAMBIA IS ONE FAMILY ..”

The ambassador is also heavily involved in youth activities. He was one of the African diplomats invited at the recently held Global Leadership Summit in Washington, organised by Give1Project. More than 120 young leaders from 30 countries participated.

According to a Gambian representative at the summit, Sheikh Omar offered them some encouraging words.

One of Sheikh Omar’s priorities is to attract American investors to The Gambia. He is aware that the country needs foreign investors to be able to achieve a sustainable economic growth and create more job opportunities.

Since his arrival in Washington, he has also facilitated reconciliation between President Jammeh and some of his critics. The most famous among them is former army commander Samsideen Sarr. He left The Gambia in 1999 after famously falling out with the president.

Sheikh Omar is a passionate orator – but one who is not comfortable with answering questions from journalists. In the hearts of his fans, he will always remain the guy who charms!

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