Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – At least three African countries are competing for the position of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth in a contest scheduled for October 21–27 in Apia, Samoa. The Gambia, Ghana, and Lesotho have each positioned a candidate for the prestigious role. If elected, an African candidate would become the second African Secretary-General, following the tenure of Rt. Patricia Scotland KC, the 6th Commonwealth Secretary-General.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) appears divided, as Ghana and The Gambia have put forward separate candidates. This fragmentation could weaken West Africa’s overall chances, as the multiple candidacies might split the regional vote.

This stands in stark contrast to the united front presented by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which is backing a single candidate from Lesotho.

In September 2023, The Gambia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad, Hon. Dr. Mamadou Tangara, announced his candidacy for the position of Secretary-General. Similarly, on March 15, 2024, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, declared her intention to vie for the same role.

The support fragmentation within ECOWAS, including potential candidates from Nigeria and Sierra Leone, could dilute the region’s voting power and reduce the likelihood of any single candidate gaining a decisive majority. This internal division contrasts sharply with the strategic unity of SADC, which has rallied behind Joshua Setipa of Lesotho.

Lesotho’s Foreign Minister, Lejone Mpotjoana, has actively campaigned for Setipa, presenting him to Commonwealth member states to garner support ahead of the Samoa election. With the endorsement from SADC’s council of ministers, Setipa’s campaign benefits from a consolidated regional backing, potentially giving him a competitive edge in the race.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia will ultimately decide the next Secretary-General, with the election results likely influenced by the regional unity and strategic alliances formed in the lead-up to the event.

As the contest approaches, the contrasting approaches of ECOWAS and SADC highlight the significant impact of regional solidarity in international diplomatic contests.