The Gambian Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey Alkali Conteh has described the remarks of Mamadou Tangara, Foreign Affairs minister against political appointees in diplomatic missions as unclear and unfair, citing examples of other incidents involving diplomats appointed directly from the Foreign Ministry.
Ambassador Conteh made these remarks in a letter addressed to Minister Tangara, following his remarks against political appointees during a town hall meeting on 16th May 2025.
Below is the letter written by Ambassador Conteh.
Dear Dr. Tangara,
I am compelled to address you in light of the remarks made during your recent town hall discussion on the “Mansa Kunda” program on May 16, 2025. While the session illuminated various aspects of your ministry’s policies and challenges, it became abundantly clear that your comments on the cadre of diplomats you referred to as “political appointees” lacked not only clarity but also fairness.
Your description of these individuals as merely beneficiaries of political favoritism, rather than competent professionals, reflects a profound misunderstanding of their qualifications and contributions. By oversimplifying their appointments to a matter of political allegiance, you undermine the reality that many of these diplomats possess exemplary credentials, extensive professional experience, and a commitment to serving our nation’s interests on the global stage. It is striking that you singled out the foreign service for alleged incompetence while neglecting to acknowledge that political appointments also span other vital roles within the government.
The cabinet ministers, ambassadors, and senior civil servants, filled by politically motivated selections, are not all disgraced individuals. Are we to assume that the diplomatic corps alone is unworthy of respect? This narrative is not only misleading but also dangerously divisive. You have accused this group of diplomats of being the source of numerous issues within our missions, branding them as untrainable and unfit for their roles.
Such statements not only rip the fabric of essential diplomatic engagement but also convey a damaging stereotype that dismisses the complex realities of our foreign service. Instances of misconduct, such as those you cited in Rabat and Havana, while regrettable, should not serve as a blanket indictment of all politically appointed diplomats. Accountability lies not solely with them, but also with your ministry’s apparent failure to address challenges as they arise. A proactive approach could have mitigated many conflicts before they escalated.
Moreover, your silence on incidents involving the diplomatic community, including the alarming actions leading to certain diplomats being declared “persona non grata” by the U.S. State Department, raises further questions about accountability within your own ranks. Ironically, as you cast aspersions on political appointees, you overlook that many may not have been privy to the same shortcomings you ascribe to others.
It is essential to remember that these purported “misfits” have often sacrificed their well-being to oppose tyranny, enduring persecution and suffering while fighting for the democracy that we enjoy today. They, more than anyone, understand the principles of our nation and the obligations that come with representing The Gambia abroad. Instead of vilification, they deserve recognition and support as vital contributors to our diplomatic efforts.
Furthermore, your lack of engagement with the valuable perspectives of Gambians abroad is alarming. Their cries for active participation in national elections, representation in the National Assembly, and inclusion in cabinet appointments must not fall on deaf ears. To ignore the potential and plight of the Gambian diaspora is a disservice to our nation’s collective progress. The future of our foreign service cannot be shackled by outdated regulations or a lack of strategic engagement from your office.
As we venture further into 2025, reform and modernization are not merely aspirations; they are imperatives. It is time to elevate the conversation around our foreign policy and diplomatic engagement, focusing on collaboration and inclusivity rather than division.
I urge you to reconsider your stance, not only towards the diplomatic representatives whom we have entrusted with our nation’s image abroad but towards the vast potential that lies within the Gambian diaspora. Our collective future depends on forging unity, fostering respect, and embracing the diverse talents and experiences that every Gambian brings to the table.
Yours Sincerely,
Alkali Fanka Conteh
Source: https://mantawrawally.blogspot.com (Jarra News)
