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The historic moment marks Africa’s turn to lead the 56-member organization, which has played a vital role in promoting international cooperation since its founding in 1949. The election will be held in Apia, Samoa from October 21 to 25, 2024, with candidates from Gambia, Ghana and Lesotho vying for the top post.
The next Commonwealth Secretary-General will be chosen from three outstanding candidates from the continent, marking an important milestone for Africa. The decision highlights the region’s growing influence and the Commonwealth’s commitment to diverse leadership. The candidates are Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Gambia, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey MP of Ghana and Senator Joshua Septiba of Lesotho.
Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Gambia
Dr. Tangara currently serves as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Gambia. His extensive experience in international relations and diplomacy makes him a strong contender. Known for his strategic vision and commitment to promoting global partnerships, Dr. Tangara served as the Gambia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 2013 to 2016 and again from 2017 to 2018. However, Dr. Tangara is also a trained journalist and has served as this View The newspaper’s editor, who is also its French columnist, aims to bring a fresh perspective to Commonwealth leadership.
Dr. Tangara served several times as Chairman of the African Group at the United Nations in New York. He presided over the memorial service for the late Nelson Mandela. Dr. Tangara served as Chairman of the Council of the University of The Gambia, Chairman of the Franco-Gambian Alliance and Honorary Ambassador of the Walloon Region of Brabant, Belgium. He is also a distinguished member of the Diplomatic Foundation of the Kingdom of Morocco. Dr. Tangara is a member of the Board of Directors of the Qatar Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Center (ROLACC) in Doha. He has also served in various ministries in The Gambia.
The Honourable Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Member of Parliament of Ghana
Ms. Shirley Ayokol-Botchwe is a lawyer by profession who has had an illustrious political career. She served as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ghana in 2017 and is currently Minister of Foreign Integration and a Member of Parliament. Her legal expertise and experience in trade and international relations make her a strong candidate. Ms. Botchwe’s candidacy highlights her commitment to promoting economic development and legal reform in the Commonwealth.
Lesotho Senator Joshua Septiba
Senator Joshua Septiba is the Senior Director of Strategy, Portfolio Partnerships and Digital at the Commonwealth Secretariat. His candidacy has been endorsed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), reflecting strong support from the region. Senator Septiba’s strategic leadership and digital expertise are key assets he brings to modernize and strengthen the Commonwealth’s digital infrastructure and strategic initiatives.
election
The election will be held in Apia, Samoa, a country with a long history of independence and international cooperation. Samoa gained independence from New Zealand in 1962 and became the first Pacific Island nation to join the Commonwealth in 1970. Samoa, located south of the equator in the Pacific Ocean, was chosen to host this important election, highlighting its historical and geopolitical importance within the Commonwealth.
As the Commonwealth looks to the future, selecting the next Secretary-General from Africa is a critical step in promoting diverse leadership and inclusive growth. Candidates from The Gambia, Ghana and Lesotho bring unique strengths and visions to the Commonwealth, setting the stage for an exciting and transformative election.
It will be recalled that last Friday, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana made a special trip to The Gambia to call on President Adama Barrow to support the Ghanaian candidate, His Excellency Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey. However, President Barrow made it clear that the Gambian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, would not withdraw from the race. It is therefore clear that Dr. Tangara will be one of the three contenders for this coveted position in October 2024, with the other two candidates being from West Africa and one from Southern Africa.
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