As the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, reaches its halfway point, Badara N. Bajo, who serves as both a Governing Board Member of the Commonwealth Human Ecology Council (CHEC) and Executive Director of the environmental organisation GEPADG, has publicly endorsed Dr. Mamadou Tangara for the prestigious role of Commonwealth Secretary General.
Dr. Tangara, the Gambia’s Foreign Minister, is among three African candidates vying for the position, alongside Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey from Ghana and Mr. Joshua Setipa from Lesotho.
From October 21 to 27, 2024, leaders from the 56 Commonwealth member states have convened in Apia to elect a new Secretary General, marking a critical moment in the organisation's history. The election holds particular significance for Africa, as it guarantees the first African Secretary-General since Nigeria’s Emeka Anyaoku, who served from 1990 to 2000. Patricia Scotland, who has led the Commonwealth since 2016, will step down, and her successor will be tasked with navigating the organisation's future direction.
According to Mr. Bajo, supporting Dr. Tangara’s candidacy aligns with the best interests of both the Gambia and Africa. He emphasised the historical importance of this election for the continent, noting, “If Tangara is elected, it will be a significant boost for the country. The benefit will not only be his, but for the Gambia and Africa as a whole.”
This election is also symbolic of the Commonwealth’s efforts to reflect its commitment to inclusivity, particularly through the rotational leadership among its diverse member states. Representing 2.7 billion people and a combined GDP of over $13 trillion, the Commonwealth continues to grapple with its global relevance, often critiqued for its colonial roots and limited impact on pressing global issues. The incoming Secretary General will face the challenge of modernising the organisation, addressing calls for internal reforms, and enhancing its role on matters such as climate change, trade, and international development.
Bajo’s endorsement reflects not only confidence in Dr. Tangara’s capabilities but also a broader hope for stronger African representation in global governance, an important step in shaping the Commonwealth’s future role on the international stage.
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