Embassy of The Gambia, London facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Embassy of The Gambia, London |
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| Location | Bayswater, London |
| Address | 92 Ledbury Road, London, W11 2AH |
| Coordinates | 51°30′58″N 0°11′58.3″W / 51.51611°N 0.199528°W |
| High Commissioner | Elizabeth Ya Eli Harding |
The Embassy of The Gambia, London is like a special office for The Gambia in the United Kingdom. It helps connect the two countries. This important building is located on Ledbury Road in the Bayswater and Notting Hill areas of London.
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What is an Embassy?
An embassy is the main office for a country's diplomatic mission in another country. It's where diplomats work to represent their home country. They help citizens, promote trade, and keep good relationships between governments. The person in charge of an embassy is called an Ambassador.
The Gambia's Office in London
For many years, The Gambia has had a diplomatic office in London. This office helps Gambian citizens living in the UK. It also works to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between The Gambia and the United Kingdom.
A Change of Name: Embassy or High Commission?
Before October 2013, The Gambia's office in London was called the High Commission of The Gambia. You might wonder why it changed names. The name depends on whether the two countries are part of a special group called the Commonwealth of Nations.
Why the Name Changed
The Commonwealth is a group of countries that used to be part of the British Empire. They work together on shared goals. In October 2013, The Gambia decided to leave the Commonwealth. Because of this, its office in London changed from a "High Commission" to an "Embassy." The person in charge also changed from a "High Commissioner" to an "Ambassador."
Protests at the Embassy
Sometimes, people gather outside embassies to share their opinions. In 2013, there were protests outside The Gambia's Embassy in London. Some people were showing their disagreement with the government of Yahya Jammeh at the time.
The Gambia Returns to the Commonwealth
After Adama Barrow became the President of the Gambia, The Gambia decided to rejoin the Commonwealth. This was an important step for the country.
What Happens Next?
When a country rejoins the Commonwealth, its embassies in other Commonwealth countries change back to "High Commissions." This means The Gambia's Embassy in London will become the High Commission again. The Ambassador will also become a High Commissioner once more. This shows the renewed connection between The Gambia and the Commonwealth family of nations.
