He is vying for the post alongside Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, a lawyer and Foreign Minister of Ghana, and Senator Joshua Septiba, a citizen of Lesotho, Senior Director of Strategy, Portfolio Partnership and Digital Division at the Commonwealth Secretariat.
However, what is unique about this election is that all the contenders are from Africa.
As a reminder, leaders of Commonwealth countries meet every two years for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), hosted by different member countries on a rotating basis.
This year, Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024 (CHOGM) will take place in Apia, Samoa, from 21 to 26 October 2024. It will be the first CHOGM to be held in a Pacific Small Island Developing State.
Established in 1949, the Commonwealth seeks to maintain and strengthen association of the countries of ex-British colonies.
As a voluntary union with 56 independent and equal countries, the association is now home to about 2.5 billion people, which includes both advanced economies and developing countries. 33 of its members are small states, including many island nations. Based on a shared vision and goals of development anchored on the principles of promoting democracy and peace, these core values and principles are evenly expressed in the Commonwealth Charter.
Mr President, it was on 2nd October 2013 when the former President YahyaJammeh took a unilateral move to withdraw The Gambia from the association after 50 years as an active member. However, the country rejoined on 8 February 2018, following the December 2016 election in which former President YahyaJammeh lost to incumbent Adama Barrow in a free and fair election.
Nevertheless, Dr Tangara’s wealth of experience and talent when it comes to global diplomacy places him as a perfect contender to guide the organisation on a right footing. Known for his strategic vision and commitment to fostering global partnerships, he previously served as Gambia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 2013 to 2016 and again from 2017 to 2018. Besides, he also served in other capacities, where he remarkablyexcelled.
Therefore, if elected to this prestigious position, it will be beneficial for The Gambia especially in strengthening ideal principle of this global organisation. From judiciary, military, business and education, boosting trade and economy, supporting democracy, government and strengthening the rule of law, The Gambia has benefited and continues to benefit tremendously in a number of initiatives and assistance especially in the form of judges to help advance the administration of justice.
Thus, he at the helm of affairs at Commonwealth would only strengthen and foster the already existing ties with this global organisation. To this end, let’s all rally behind Dr Momodou Tangara and wish him best of luck.
Mr President, good road connectivity forms an integral component in any sustainable development. It is widely agreed that good road connectivity and efficient energy are drivers of economic growth. Once these two amenities are in place, it tends to attract more people and spur infrastructural development. Thus, the ongoing rehabilitation of roads taking shape in parts of Kanifing Municipality and West Coast Region is a move in the direction.
Finally, Mr President, ensuring clean sanitation is key in promoting the health of the people. In simple terms, caring for the environment is caring for ourselves. Thus, people should learn to maintain clean environment at all times. Going through some of the neighborhoods especially in the Greater Banjul Area leaves much to be desired. Therefore, National Roads Authority (NRA) should ensure that open gutters are closed and cleaned to ensure safety of residents, and the potholes repaired as part of the road rehabilitation.
Communities should also take it upon themselves to mobilise residents to ensure that their environment is clean. It is a popular adage that ‘Cleanliness is next to Godliness.’
Good day!