By Binta Jaiteh
Tensions flared in the National Assembly on Wednesday as Janjanbureh lawmaker Omar Jato Jammeh clashed with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad over the issuance of Gambian diplomatic passports to foreign nationals.
Hon. Jammeh demanded a comprehensive list of all foreign citizens who have held Gambian diplomatic passports from 2017 to 2025, including their status and supporting application documents.
“I have every right to obtain the information required. Parliament can handle it confidentially,” NAM Jammeh said during the oral question session.
The Minister explained that diplomatic passports are primarily issued to individuals whose duties require them to represent Gambian interests abroad. “In exceptional cases, foreign nationals who provide strategic services may also qualify, subject to presidential approval and processed through multiple government agencies, including the Office of the President, the Ministry of Interior, and the Gambia Immigration Department,” he said.
He added that releasing detailed information could breach diplomatic confidentiality, affect reciprocity with other countries, and compromise national security. The Minister also noted that some Gambians hold diplomatic passports from other countries.
Janjanbureh’s representative pressed for a timeline on when the list would be submitted, arguing that the Minister’s explanation outlined procedures but did not fully answer the question.
The exchange escalated until Deputy Speaker Seedy Njie intervened, ruling the question out of order.
“It is sad that Parliament’s oversight rules are not being adhered to,” NAM Jammeh said.