Dr Mamadou Tangara, The Minister Of Foreign Affairs
By Ramatoulie Jawo
Dr. Mamadou Tangara, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad, has disclosed that 3,030 diplomatic passports were issued by the Gambian government between January 2017 and October 2024.
This revelation was made during a question-and-answer session at the National Assembly on Wednesday. Hon. Fatoumatta Touma Njie, the National Assembly Member for Banjul South, had requested details about the individuals granted diplomatic passports during this period and the criteria for issuance.
“Honorable Speaker, from January 2017 to October 2024, the number of people issued diplomatic passports is three thousand and thirty. The diplomatic passports are issued based on criteria established by the government and issued to senior government officials, members of parliament, diplomats, presidential and government advisors and special appointments,” he said.
He further clarified that applicants must obtain formal recommendations from their respective institutions, which are then submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for review. The Office of the President makes the final decision to approve or reject the applications.
The minister emphasized that the President has the discretionary authority to grant diplomatic passports to any individual.
In a supplementary question, Hon. Modou Lamin Bah, Member for Banjul North, asked for a list of individuals who received diplomatic passports during this period. Dr. Tangara advised him to consult the Immigration Department, which maintains the relevant database.
Nominated Member Fatoumatta K. Jawara questioned whether it is legal for a single individual to hold two diplomatic passports. Dr. Tangara responded, ”there is nothing wrong with one person holding two diplomatic passports. Giving an example from my humble self, I have two diplomatic passports due to the fact that sometimes you travel, and another passport is sent to a mission for a visa.”
Hon. Kebba Lang Fofana raised a concern about the legality of holding two diplomatic passports under different names. The minister suggested directing this question to the Minister of Justice.
Additionally, the National Assembly Member for Bakau asked what qualifies an ordinary citizen for an urgent issuance of a diplomatic passport. Dr. Tangara reiterated that eligibility depends on specific criteria and reaffirmed that the President has the discretion to authorize the issuance of diplomatic passports to any individual, whether Gambian or otherwise.