Apia, Samoa – Commonwealth leaders will gather in Samoa from October 21 to 27, 2024, to elect a new Secretary-General, with candidates from The Gambia, Ghana, and Lesotho vying for the top position. The election will determine the successor to Patricia Scotland, who has led the organization since 2016.
The race features three African candidates: Mamadou Tangara of The Gambia, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey of Ghana, and Joshua Setipa of Lesotho. This marks a significant moment for Africa, as the next leader will be selected from the continent for the first time since Nigeria’s Emeka Anyaoku held the role from 1990 to 2000. The election follows the Commonwealth’s tradition of rotating the position among regions.
The Commonwealth, a group of 56 nations representing 2.7 billion people and a combined GDP of $13 trillion, has faced challenges in maintaining its relevance in recent years. Critics point to its historical ties to the British Empire and its symbolic nature in international relations.
Mamadou Tangara, The Gambia
Tangara, 59, has been Gambia’s Foreign Affairs Minister since 2018 and previously served in the same role from 2010 to 2012. He has also represented Gambia at the United Nations and worked on development projects with the European Development Fund. Known for his diplomatic approach, Tangara has focused his campaign on uniting the Commonwealth to address shared challenges.
Joshua Setipa, Lesotho
Setipa, 55, has extensive experience in public service, including roles as Lesotho’s Trade Minister and as managing director of the UN Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries. Currently a senior director within the Commonwealth, Setipa has emphasized economic development and trade as priorities for the organization. His candidacy is supported by Several Commonwealth and Southern African nations, and he has called for addressing issues like reparative justice for colonialism.
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana
Botchwey, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister since 2017, has held various government roles, including deputy minister positions in foreign affairs, trade, and information. Her international experience includes representing Ghana on the UN Security Council and chairing the ECOWAS Council of Ministers. Botchwey advocates for strengthening partnerships with global organizations to enhance the Commonwealth’s influence.
