Gambiaj.com – (ABUJA, Nigeria) – Nigerian Senator Ned Nwoko has endorsed Gambian Foreign Minister Mamadou Tangara for the position of Commonwealth Secretary-General. Nwoko, who chairs the Nigerian Senate Committee on Reparation & Repatriation, voiced his backing for Tangara, citing the Gambian diplomat’s extensive experience and visionary leadership.
In a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja, Nwoko emphasized Tangara’s qualifications, stating that the foreign minister possessed the diplomatic expertise needed to lead the Commonwealth. The election for the next Secretary-General will be held during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), scheduled to take place in Apia, Samoa, from October 21 to 26.
“Tangara stands out as one of the most experienced and accomplished candidates for this important role,” Nwoko said. He highlighted Tangara’s remarkable tenure as one of Africa’s longest-serving foreign ministers, a position that has made him a key player in international diplomacy and development.
According to Nwoko, Tangara’s deep understanding of global challenges, particularly those affecting Africa, places him in a unique position to guide the Commonwealth through a transformative period. “His commitment to Africa’s progress and his expertise in tackling diplomacy, politics, and development issues make him an ideal candidate,” Nwoko added.
In a recent bilateral meeting in Abuja, Tangara reportedly shared his vision for Africa and the Commonwealth with Senator Nwoko. During the discussion, Tangara emphasized the importance of addressing reparative justice for Africa, promoting human rights, mitigating global peace and security issues, and advancing climate action and digital inclusion.
Nwoko, a well-known advocate for reparative justice for Africa, said these priorities align with his own efforts and underscored that Tangara’s leadership could be instrumental in pushing the Commonwealth to play a more active role in addressing these issues. “Under Tangara’s leadership, the Commonwealth can take bold steps in advocating for reparative justice and driving forward an agenda that places Africa’s needs at its core,” Nwoko said.
Nwoko also praised Tangara’s recent speech at Chatham House in London, where the Gambian diplomat called for the Commonwealth to engage in meaningful dialogue on reparative justice for Africa. Tangara’s passionate advocacy during the event left a strong impression on Nwoko, who believes that Tangara’s leadership could steer the Commonwealth toward addressing long-standing historical injustices faced by African nations.
“Reparative justice for Africa should be a top priority for the Commonwealth in the coming years,” Nwoko stressed. “Tangara’s candidacy presents a unique opportunity for the Commonwealth to embrace this mission under the leadership of an African Secretary-General.”
Despite some opposition from a group of Gambians who are campaigning against Tangara’s candidacy, Nwoko urged the heads of government within the Commonwealth to give Tangara their political backing. He argued that such support would empower Tangara to make meaningful progress on critical global issues, including human rights, peace, and climate action.
The decision on who will succeed current Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland will be made during the CHOGM meeting in Samoa from October 21 to 26, with Tangara among the leading contenders.
