Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) — Haddy Jatou Sey, the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education (MOBSE), has resigned from her position less than six months after assuming office. Her resignation reportedly stems from her refusal to renounce her U.S. citizenship, according to sources close to the matter. The government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the resignation.
Ms. Sey’s sudden departure has raised questions and sparked discussions about the complexities and implications of dual citizenship for public office holders in Gambia. The issue of dual citizenship has been a contentious topic in Gambian politics, with some advocating for stricter regulations and others calling for more inclusive policies.
Recently, the main Gambian political opposition formation, the United Democratic Party (UDP) has sued the government of the Gambia over contentious appointments in the diplomatic missions and the local government triggering a rushed of redeployment in the diplomatic missions and hasten changes atop the administrative authorities of all the regions in the country.
It is not however clear if the next target of the opposition would have been members of cabinet holding dual citizenship like Ms Sey. As the government is yet to make a public statement on the issue, many are left speculating about the potential ramifications of Ms. Sey’s resignation.
Haddy Jatou Sey is a seasoned development specialist with a distinguished academic background. She earned her undergraduate degree in sociology from American University in Washington, DC, and later completed a master’s degree in gender and development at the University of Sussex in the UK. Her professional career includes extensive experience in development projects across Africa, particularly in the realm of social development.
From 2005 to 2020, Ms. Sey served as a Senior Social Development Specialist at the World Bank, where she contributed to various initiatives aimed at improving socio-economic conditions in developing countries. Her expertise and dedication to social development were highly regarded, making her a notable figure in international development circles.
Ms. Sey’s appointment as MOBSE was initially met with optimism and high expectations, given her impressive credentials and experience. However, her tenure has now been cut short by the controversy over her citizenship status. Her resignation highlights the ongoing debate over the eligibility of dual citizens to hold public office in Gambia, a topic that has garnered significant attention in recent years.
In the absence of an official statement, it is unclear who will succeed Ms. Sey as the new Minister of Basic and Secondary Education or how the government plans to address the underlying issues surrounding her resignation.
The resignation of Haddy Jatou Sey underscores the need for clear policies and guidelines regarding dual citizenship and public office eligibility. As Gambia continues to navigate its path towards development and governance, this incident serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between personal identity and public service.
