The Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) has voiced serious concerns about what it sees as irregularities and a lack of openness in the process of issuing national identity cards to individuals living overseas as well as within The Gambia.
The party said in a statement this week that the current processes are unjust and bureaucratically demanding for many Gambians, and that the government and the Director General of Immigration should clarify and modify them.
“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 announcement said.
Citing the need for numerous supporting documents, including birth certificates and parental identification, the GDC criticized the domestic ID card application procedure as being unduly complex. It made the case that many Gambians are prevented from obtaining national identity cards by these demands, which essentially prevent them from doing so.
The party asserted, however, that Gambians residing in nations like Gabon and Mauritania are allegedly receiving ID cards without the same rigorous paperwork standards. It raised concerns about the discrepancy in processes and demanded an explanation of the standards by which eligibility is decided in these nations.
Given that national ID cards may not be very useful outside of the ECOWAS region, the statement also brought up more general concerns over their issuing to Gambians.
What is the justification for issuing IDs to Gambians overseas since many non-ECOWAS nations do not accept ID cards and prefer passports? Why aren’t passports being issued in place of these IDs, and how will they benefit their holders? The statement asked.
The GDC urged the government to reveal the following facts after criticizing the initiative’s lack of public disclosure:
– 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
– 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.
The GDC came to the conclusion that “Gambians deserve clarity, fairness, and accountability in the issuance of their national identification documents.” “The government needs to provide concise justifications for these rules, practices, and their goals. Regardless of where they live, defending the rights of all Gambians is essential to fostering national unity and fostering trust.
