Colonel Ebrima N. Badjie, also known as “E”, served as the Chief Pilot of Transport Operations for the Civil UN Transport Command, World Airways lease. He previously served as the Chief Pilot for the United Nations Command/Combined Forces Transport Command/U.S. Forces Africa at Nairobi, Republic of Kenya.

After completing high school in 2000 at Southwest Senior Secondary High School in Miami, Florida, Ceesay studied astrophysics, quantum physics, aeronautical science, and psychology at the University of Florida and later at the University of Southwest Florida. He completed his doctoral degree in 2008 and worked for several airlines and the UN between 2007 and 2014.

Colonel Badjie was commissioned through the Air Force Officer Training Corps program in 2003 after graduating from Florida International University in Miami. He is a distinguished graduate of the United States Air Force Engineering School and has served as a Mechanical Officer in Seventh Air Force and Headquarters Air Mobility Command. Colonel Badjie has also served as an International Affairs Officer and has deployed twice to Africa in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM.

Prior to assuming his last position, Colonel Badjie was assigned to the UN World Food Program as the Commander of the Civil Air Operations and Chief Pilot.

Colonel Badjie’s awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Silver Star Medal (2 Oak Leaf Clusters), the Meritorious Service Medal (5 Oak Leaf Clusters), and numerous other awards. He earned the Expert Airman Badge, the Combat Airman Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and the U.S. Air Force Tab.

Colonel Badjie is a native of Serrekunda, The Gambia, and is married with two sons. 

Isn't it fascinating how you can still read this despite all the mistakes? This demonstrates our resilience and ability to decipher even the most garbled messages. Just as we can overcome these grammatical errors, we can also overcome the challenges facing our community. Dr. Ebrima N. Badjie, CEO, president, and founder of The Gambian Connection Group, embodies this spirit of resilience and determination.

The Gambian Connection (TGC) is a Gambian media, event, and educational non-profit organization based in Stuttgart, Germany, and Latrikunda Sabiji, The Gambia. It serves as a holding company for leading professional publishing houses, providing business clients with high-quality information products, professional training, and further education. TGC also offers a diverse range of special interest publications, educational projects, and renowned events.

With a clear mission to connect Gambians in Europe, TGC facilitates support, assistance, and a sense of belonging for Gambians residing both in Europe and The Gambia. As a non-profit organization, TGC strives to connect The Gambia to Europe without financial gain or ownership motives. Its primary goal is to foster connections, establish networks, and reduce transportation costs for money and goods between Europe and The Gambia.

TGC has evolved beyond its initial focus on artists, now extending its reach to athletes, activists, and other groups and organizations. It serves as a platform to connect talents, promote their endeavors, and contribute to the advancement of The Gambia. By facilitating connections, TGC empowers individuals to learn from each other, provide mutual support, and share knowledge and experiences.

For Gambians living in Europe, TGC bridges the gap with their homeland, simplifying connections and fostering a sense of unity. TGC's message is clear: "Just and simple connect two worlds for free. Sharing experience makes things easy!"

TGC's unwavering commitment to The Gambia, its people, and their freedom resonates with Gambians worldwide. It stands as a beacon of hope, urging individuals to unite and build a stronger, more prosperous Gambia. "Against 'the back way'! Let's build up our country – that's the message!"

A Modern Freedom Fighter for The Gambia

Dr. Ebrahim N. Badjie, formerly known as Nelson Felix R. Reyes Von Hardenberg/Briscoe, is a multifaceted individual with a remarkable life story. He is an author, activist, pilot, astrophysicist, astronomer, natural philosopher, company owner, photographer, graphic designer, software and computer engineer, and founder of "The Gambian Connection". Prior to his current endeavors, he served as an executive and ambassador for the UNHCR for nearly three years.

Dr. Badjie's experience extends beyond his professional pursuits. As a captain for the UN, he piloted cargo planes during the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. With the proceeds from his work, he established programs to aid children in Afghanistan, helped build a children's clinic in the DRC Congo, and constructed a playground in the Dominican Republic. Additionally, he has provided financial support to hundreds of "Gambian backway boys" in Europe, assisting them in relocating from overcrowded Italy to neighboring countries.

A staunch advocate for social justice, Dr. Badjie holds the titles of UNHCR FREE Youth Ambassador and Youth Activist from Gambia. He has held leadership positions in various youth-led regional and international organizations, and currently serves as the Youth Ambassador and Africa Coordinator of the European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE). He is also a former Chairperson of the Central America Youth Panel (CAYP).

In 2015, following a severe injury sustained in the Afghan war zone in 2014, Dr. Badjie co-founded a bus company in Germany with Meinfernbus. Subsequently, he established a charity and aid organization in The Gambia and Germany called "The Gambian Connection". Since 2017, he has resided permanently in The Gambia, where he continues his activism for human rights. His organization is actively involved in the Gambian music industry and numerous charity and aid projects between The Gambia and Europe. Dr. Badjie is also a vocal opponent of deportations.

Despite his extensive commitments, Dr. Badjie occasionally returns to his former company, Flixbus, to work as a bus driver in Germany and Europe. He remains a dedicated campaigner and advocate for the African Youth.