H.E. Dr. Mamadou Tangara

His Excellency (H.E.) Dr. Mamadou Tangara is the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad of The Gambia, a role he has held since 2018, after previously serving from 2010 to 2012. As a seasoned diplomat, Dr. Tangara played a pivotal role in reintegrating The Gambia into the international community. He has also served as Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) in New York and was the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology. Dr. Tangara’s international contributions include serving on executive boards of the UN and other global organizations. In 2022, he joined the Advisory Board of the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) – Division for Multilateral Diplomacy. He has been a member of the executive board for UNESCO, UNICEF, and UN Women and has chaired the African Group at the UN. He has also been active in education and cultural diplomacy, having served as Chairman of the University of The Gambia Governing Council and as a member of the Diplomatic Foundation of the Kingdom of Morocco. Before his ministerial appointments, Dr. Tangara coordinated the National Authorising Office Support Unit (NAOSU) for the European Development Fund (EDF) in The Gambia and consulted for the UN Population Fund (UNFPA). He has a rich academic background, delivering lectures at renowned institutions, including the University of Oklahoma and John Jay College. He holds a PhD from Université de Limoges, France, along with master’s degrees in Comparative Literature and Demography. Dr. Tangara is fluent in several languages, including English, French, Spanish, and multiple African languages, which aids his work in multicultural environments. Among his accolades, he received the UNFPA 2019 UN Population Award for his leadership and diplomacy. Additionally, he has been honored with the Insignia of Member of the National Order of The Gambia and other awards recognizing his contributions to humanitarian efforts.