The African country withdrew from the Commonwealth of Nations in 2013 when then-President Yahya Jammeh described its existence as a "neo-colonial institution".

Jammeh has since been ousted from his role and new President Adama Barrow has led efforts for The Gambia's reinstatement. 

This was confirmed today with British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson leading the messages of congratulations.

The Gambia missed the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games due to its resignation with its return to the fold likely coming too late for participation at Gold Coast 2018 in April.

Birmingham 2022 could therefore be a more realistic target for returning to action at the Games, with the 2021 Commonwealth Youth Games in Northern Ireland another possibility.

"The Commonwealth Games Federation welcomes the news that The Gambia has today rejoined the Commonwealth, almost five years after leaving the organisation," said CGF chief executive David Grevemberg. 

"We will formally liaise with the Commonwealth Secretariat and sport bodies within The Gambia, and explore the implications regarding The Gambia's eligibility to compete at future Commonwealth Games and within the wider Commonwealth Sports Movement."

The Gambia has only won one Commonwealth Games medal, a bronze which came on their debut appearance in Edinburgh in 1970.

This was won by Sheikh Tidiane Faye in the men's high jump. 

South Africa, Fiji and Pakistan have all previously left the Commonwealth before rejoining. 

There are also hopes that Zimbabwe will be readmitted, with 53 countries now in the Commonwealth of Nations in all.

The Maldives are set to miss Gold Coast 2018 after the country's Government announced in October they were leaving the Commonwealth.