Gambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, has resigned from his position to take up a senior role with the African Union, the presidency confirmed on Thursday.
Tangara, who has held the foreign affairs portfolio since 2018 under President Adama Barrow’s administration, is stepping into a new position as the African Union Commission’s Special Representative to Mali and the Sahel. He will also serve as Head of the MISAHEL Office, based in Bamako.
A statement from State House said President Barrow has accepted his resignation and expressed appreciation for Tangara’s “dedication and professional service” during his time in office.
Tangara’s appointment marks a new chapter in a long career in diplomacy. He is a veteran of the foreign service, having previously served as foreign minister under former President Yahya Jammeh. Fluent in both English and French, he brings extensive experience to the AU role at a time of continued political and security challenges in the Sahel region.
His departure comes just months after he unsuccessfully contested for the position of Secretary General of the Commonwealth, a role currently held by Patricia Scotland.
Tangara’s successor at the Foreign Ministry has not yet been announced. His exit leaves a key post vacant in President Barrow’s cabinet, amid ongoing diplomatic and development efforts across West Africa.
