Africa-Press – Gambia. The Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) has expressed deep concerns over what it describes as inconsistencies and a lack of transparency in the issuance of national identity cards, both within The Gambia and to citizens residing abroad.
In a statement released this week, the party called on the government and the Director General of Immigration to clarify and reform the current procedures, which it described as unfair and bureaucratically burdensome for many Gambians.
“While we acknowledge the importance of a robust national identification system, recent actions raise serious questions about fairness, transparency, and the rationale behind these policies,” the release stated.
The GDC criticized the domestic ID card application process as overly complicated, citing requirements for multiple supporting documents such as birth certificates and parental identification. It argued that such demands create barriers for many Gambians who are unable to obtain these documents, effectively excluding them from accessing national identity cards.
In contrast, the party claimed that Gambians living in countries such as Mauritania and Gabon are reportedly being issued ID cards without the same stringent documentation requirements. It questioned the disparity in procedures and called for an explanation regarding the criteria used to determine eligibility in these countries.
The statement also raised broader questions about the issuance of national ID cards to Gambians outside the ECOWAS region, noting that these documents may have limited utility abroad.
“Since many countries outside ECOWAS do not recognize ID cards—favoring passports instead—what is the rationale behind issuing IDs to Gambians abroad? How will these IDs serve their holders, and why are passports not being issued instead?” the statement queried.
The GDC criticized the lack of public information about the initiative and demanded that the government disclose:
– The list of individuals who have received ID cards in Mauritania, Gabon, and other countries
– The methods used to select and verify these beneficiaries
– The photographs and identification details of those granted IDs abroad
The party further urged members of the National Assembly to take legislative action by:
– Submit a parliamentary question to the Minister of Interior seeking detailed explanations on the issuance process
– Request a comprehensive list of Gambians who have received ID cards abroad, including the criteria and procedures used
– Demand transparency on the methodology, verification procedures, and documentation involved in this initiative.
“Gambians deserve clarity, fairness, and accountability in the issuance of their national identification documents,” the GDC concluded. “The government must come forward with clear explanations regarding these policies, procedures, and their intended purposes. Protecting the rights of all Gambians, regardless of where they reside, is paramount to building trust and strengthening our nation.”
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