Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, The Gambia) – Foreign Affairs Minister Mamadou Tangara has publicly acknowledged that some political appointees serving in Gambian diplomatic missions have become obstacles to effective diplomacy, following a series of international embarrassments involving the country’s diplomats.

Speaking at Friday’s “Mansa Kunda” dialogue held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center (SDKJCC), Minister Tangara did not mince words about the negative impact of poorly selected diplomats, some of whom were embroiled in misconduct that led to expulsions or recalls from host countries.

“I am not against political appointments at diplomatic missions,” Tangara said, “but unfortunately, some of them go there and think they are entitled and become stumbling blocks at our embassies.”

Citing specific incidents that tarnished the country’s image abroad, the minister recalled a physical altercation between an ambassador and a protocol officer, as well as an episode where a Gambian diplomat was removed from a diplomatic conference table for inappropriate dressing.

“In fact, one of these cases was mentioned as a case study in a diplomatic school in Malta, in the presence of a Gambian student who felt deeply humiliated,” he added.

Tangara contrasted The Gambia’s system with countries like India and the United Arab Emirates, where diplomats are recruited through rigorous exams and professional training.

In The Gambia, he explained, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not directly recruit staff; instead, postings often come through the Personnel Management Office (PMO), with political appointees among them.

“Appointment by the president should not be a free pass. If one is appointed based on the president’s discretion, they should live up to that trust. In diplomacy, how you speak and how you dress—these things matter,” Tangara emphasized.

He recounted another disturbing incident during a joint commission meeting where a Gambian delegate made an inappropriate remark in an elevator. “Had that comment been made in the hall, we would have all been kicked out,” he warned.

The foreign minister stressed that diplomacy demands not just intelligence but also character and professionalism. “That is why in some countries, even if you are academically qualified, your character is still investigated to assess your suitability,” he noted.

Despite the litany of missteps, Minister Tangara assured the public that corrective measures are now being enforced at the highest level. He revealed that President Adama Barrow has taken a decisive stance on the matter.

“The president is very clear: anyone involved in such incidents will be recalled and removed from the diplomatic field,” Tangara said. “Even if we suspect a case, we will investigate and act. Our diplomats carry the flag of The Gambia abroad and must raise it high with dignity, not behave in ways that violate diplomatic ethics.”

He concluded with a call for structural reform, recommending the establishment of a professional diplomatic corps recruited from the civil service through competitive exams.

“When you have a robust and well-trained diplomatic cadre, such unethical behaviors are rare,” Tangara affirmed.

Source: Standard