Gambia : Call to Preserve Heritage (1816–2026)

Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, commemorated on April 23, 2026, the 209th anniversary of the signing of the historic 1816 treaty that led to the creation of the capital, renewing calls for unity, heritage preservation, and continued development. This anniversary marks the agreement signed on April 23, 1816, between Tomani Bojang, King of Kombo, and the British, who leased Banjul Island—then known as Bathurst—laying the foundations of modern-day Banjul. Authorities used this moment of reflection to call for national unity. The event also highlights the urgency of preserving the city’s cultural and historical heritage.