The Banjul government announced that it would end its diplomatic recognition of Taiwan on 14 November. Beijing confirmed that it had played no role in the affair with Gambia and reiterated its willingness to improve cross-Strait ties. Foreign Affairs staff also reported that Jammeh set out his own timeframe during which he expected to receive the money. Officials in Taipei have questioned the Banjul embassy staff as to why they had failed to provide any intelligence that might have alerted the government ahead of the decision.
Intelligence failure The Taipei government has faced angry questions from politicians from all sides. Their two requests for meetings were rebuffed but they did manage to see other senior government officials, including Vice-President Isatou Njie-Saidy and Presidential Office Secretary General Momodou Sabally.
Njie-Saidy offered to transmit the message to Jammeh but said that the President would not reconsider his decision. US10 million in loans Both governments said that it would take about a month to close their respective embassies.
Taiwanese aid has covered projects in health, agriculture, education, infrastructure and national security. Taiwan sent three patrol boats to Gambia this year and launched its first training programme for 30 Gambian soldiers in June. More than Gambian are currently studying in Taiwan, funded by Taiwanese government scholarships. Taipei has agreed to allow them to stay and study until the next term ends in January The non-governmental organisation Taiwan Root Medical Peace Corps has said that it will continue to work in Gambia, whatever the circumstances.
Taiwan and Gambia have enjoyed close diplomatic relations since The Taipei government says that the loss of Gambia as an ally will not scupper its diplomatic strategy. Two interlinked questions gnaw at the credibility of President Mwai Kibaki 's government: will the presidency exert leadership in economic and political reform and will the ruling coalition stay Accusations of gross humans rights abuses and corrupt deals with the late Nigerian military leader, General Sani Abacha , barely worry President Yahya Jammeh.
