Candidate for Commonwealth Secretary GeneralMeet Tangara
Born in Banjul in 1965 – the same year The Gambia gained independence from Britain – Dr Tangara’s passion for justice and life as a dignity champion started when he was growing up in the Gambian capital. Early student activism would help shape his career in diplomacy a few decades later.
In 2018, he was appointed by President Adama Barrow as Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, a position he previously held from 2010 to 2012. A consummate diplomat, Dr. Tangara also served as Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of The Gambia to the United Nations in New York. He is reputed for the crucial role played in getting The Gambia back to comity of nations as both Permanent Representative and Foreign Minister following the 2017 end of Jammeh’s presidency. He also served as Minister of Higher Education, Research Science and Technology.
Renowned for his diplomatic skills and strategic abilities, Dr Tangara is highly respected in the global diplomatic community for his unwavering commitment to the promotion peace and security, good governance, democracy and human rights around the world.
He is cautious, shrewd, dependable and consistent. An award-winning diplomat, he holds a deep understanding of the challenges facing the world and the Commonwealth community.
Professional Positions
Dr Tangara has had an extensive professional career. From 2008 to 2010 before his appointment as minister, he served as coordinator of the National Authorising Office Support Unit (NAOSU) for the European Development Fund (EDF) projects and programmes implemented in The Gambia.
He was a consultant for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and other international organisations. Dr Tangara was also the focal person for UNESCO Science and Technology and Innovation in The Gambia and has served as governor for Africa Capacity Building Foundation.
In academia, Dr Tangara was a university lecturer, international examiner and researcher. A trained journalist, he’s also an interpreter and a demographer.
Educational Background
Dr Tangara holds a PhD from Université de Limoges, France. His research on “the myths and secret of oral historians of the Manding” received Mention Très Honorable avec Félicitations a l’unanimité du Jury from the university. He holds also two Master’s degrees in Comparative Literature and Demography respectively.
Dr Tangara attended several conferences, research seminars and study tours in London (SOAS, Commonwealth Institute), Paris (INALCO, BNF), Bordeaux (Université Victor Segalen), Aix-en- Provence (Archives d’Outre-mer), Amiens (Université de Picardie), Chambery (ISOLA Conference), Leiden University (Holland), Bayreuth University (Germany), Université de Ouagadougou, IFAN-UCAD, Tamanrasset (Algeria), INEP (Guinea-Bissau), Kela, Kangaba, Barazan (Mali), RDD (The Gambia), Peacebuilding Commission (New York – USA, Seoul – Republic of Korea and Addis Ababa – Ethiopia).
Languages
Dr Tangara is a multilinguist, fluent in English, French, Spanish, Mandinka, Wolof, Bambara, Dioula and Krio. This made him effective and responsible in a multi-cultural world as well as in various academic and journalistic positions.
Awards
Dr. Tangara is the 2019 recipient of the prestigious United Nations Population Award (individual category), an international award presented annually by to individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to population and reproductive health issues. He was awarded at the United Nations headquarters in New York on 20th June 2019 in recognition of his courage and leadership through the use of diplomacy both in the global and national arena. The African Women Leaders Network’s (AWLN) awarded him in recognition of his exemplary role and contribution to women’s leadership. The group praised role in uplifting and creating opportunities for women to thrive.
Dr Tangara was conferred the Insignia of Member of the National Order of the Republic of The Gambia (MRG) in recognition of his immense contribution to the development of the country. He is also a recipient of Medallion of Limousin Region and the city of Bellac in France in recognition of his humanitarian work.
