By Arret Jatta
The Area Councillor for Talinding North, Babucarr Mansally, has called on the government to provide diplomatic passports to elected councillors, saying the document would be useful for them to pursue opportunities abroad.
Speaking on Star TV’s Wake Up Gambia show on the challenges faced by councillors, Mansally urged President Adama Barrow and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to consider the request.
“I am urging the president and anyone close to him, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to help councillors on this matter,” he said.
Mansally cited himself as an example, arguing that his international contacts could help create opportunities for the country and his ward. However, he claimed that his efforts had been limited by difficulties in obtaining a visa.
“With all the connections I have, I was supposed to travel to Spain to bring more opportunities for this country, not just Talinding North, I applied for a visa but I was rejected twice,” he said.
“That is really painful. With all the opportunities I have, I cannot realise them,” Mansally said.
The councillor argued that elected councillors play important roles in national development but are often overlooked and not given enough respect.
“Councillors are neglected in this country. They are not respected. We deserve to be issued with diplomatic passports” he said.
However Mansally also addressed concerns about councillors who travelled abroad and never returned.
He said such cases damage the reputation of councillors and should not be used to deny others the support they need to pursue legitimate opportunities.
Mansally stressed that his call was driven by frustration over the challenges councillors face.
“Let’s not belittle councillors. This is really my frustration,” he added.