Speaking at the party’s biennial congress in Brikamaba, Central River Region, Honourable Bah outlined his vision for a new kind of diplomacy one rooted in performance and economic returns.
Addressing party members, ministers, governors, and political representatives gathered under the theme: ‘Consolidation of Party Democracy and Inclusive Politics’, Mr. Hamat Bah laid out a transformative agenda that includes a result-based approach to foreign service.
“The National Reconciliation Party will pursue and promote economic diplomacy. Our diplomats cannot remain only in suits and ties; they need to be judged on how much investments they are bringing to The Gambia,” he said.
Bah emphasised the need for annual evaluations to determine whether diplomats are delivering on their mandates, and whether they deserve contract renewals.
“There needs to be a diplomatic assessment every year where all diplomats are assessed based on their performance, and that performance will determine the renewal of their contracts,” he declared.
The NRP leader underscored the financial burden of running embassies abroad, noting that diplomacy must go beyond appearances.
“Economic diplomacy is the order of the world and I think that running embassies is very expensive. Yes, we need embassies, but our diplomats must give results to the task that is set for them,” he stressed.
In addition to reforms in foreign service, Hon. Bah called for stronger ties with Senegal, describing the relationship as key to Gambia’s economic prospects.
“Let us promote the agenda of unity, collaboration, and cooperation between Gambia and Senegal. They are our neighbours and we all need each other. We are all relatives,” he said.
He further advocated for Senegambian integration, highlighting that The Gambia has technical expertise, while Senegal offers a larger market. Peaceful coexistence, he argued, is essential for mutual benefit and regional stability.
On the issue of demonstrations, Bah balanced support for freedom of expression with a call for peace and order.
“It is your right to demonstrate, feel free when you are permitted, but you must make sure you respect the law and you also make sure that you respect and maintain peace in our country. This is the only country we have, we have nowhere to go except our little Gambia,” he advised.
