Speaking at the recent Mansa Kunda Ministerial Town-Hall held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo, Dr. Tangara stressed the need for ambassadors and diplomatic staff to reflect the best of Gambian values abroad and uphold the trust placed in them.
Dr. Tangara underscored that representing a nation on foreign soil demands more than just political connections or ceremonial presence. “It requires proper training, character, and professionalism. When you are appointed based on the discretion of the Head of State, you must prove yourself worthy of that trust,” he said.
He expressed concern over instances where political appointees have fallen short of expectations, sometimes even becoming obstacles within embassies.
“Some go there feeling entitled and end up being stumbling blocks. Diplomacy is not just about holding a post. It’s about how you speak; how you dress and how you conduct yourself.”
“A single statement can damage bilateral relations,” he pointed out.
Citing international best practices, Dr. Tangara praised systems in countries like India and the UAE, where entry into foreign service is strictly merit-based.
“There, civil servants must sit for competitive exams, followed by further specialized training before taking up diplomatic roles. Unfortunately, in our case, recruitment is done through the PMO, and staff are posted to the Foreign Ministry without this level of scrutiny,” he noted.
He advocated for a more robust foreign service structure in The Gambia, recommending reforms that would prioritise character, competence, and a rigorous selection process.
“In some countries, even after you qualify, your background is investigated thoroughly. You are posted not just based on your credentials, but on your integrity.”
Dr. Tangara also acknowledged the financial hurdles involved in establishing and running embassies. Despite limited resources, he revealed that The Gambia is working to establish an embassy in Germany on a reciprocal basis, while also considering a request to host a Russian embassy in Banjul.
However, he emphasised the need for prudence and strategic thinking when opening or staffing diplomatic missions. “Many countries are consolidating embassies to cut costs. We must do the same. Sovereignty is expensive, and we must be realistic about our limitations.”
The Mansa Kunda Ministerial Town-Hall, organised by the Ministry of Information, was created to bridge the gap between the government and the public by ensuring regular, transparent updates on government activities, policies, and challenges.
