BINTA JARJU

Story: This story investigates how Gambian diplomatic passports, which are supposed to be highly protected national documents, were issued to non-Gambians without regulation or transparency. Through research and evidence, it uncovers that more than 5,000 of these passports may have been distributed to ineligible applicants, in some cases in exchange for cash. The investigation reveals how loopholes in the system have allowed for the misuse of a document that represents sovereignty, credibility, and international trust. By exposing this practice, the story highlights a major governance gap and its consequences for national security. If diplomatic passports can be accessed through irregular means, they may be used for criminal activity, trafficking, or other forms of abuse that could damage the country’s image globally. This report not only brought forward facts about the misuse of state resources but also showed how the absence of regulation puts the integrity of Gambian institutions at risk.

Published in: October 17, 2025