Mariama Khan, a 49-year-old presidential aspirant, announced her intention to run for office in The Gambia, vowing to address widespread corruption and steer the nation towards a new era of ethical leadership. The announcement, which positioned Khan as a formidable contender, was made on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Khan stated her aim is to liberate the country from the "extensive social and political corruption that has caused high levels of governance, security, economic, social and cultural crisis in the past ten years." Her declaration marks a significant moment in The Gambia's political landscape, as she brings a diverse background in both public service and academia to her presidential bid.
Khan, who previously worked at Boston University School of Theology, emphasized the pressing need for national healing and reconstruction. She articulated a profound vision for the country's future, stating, "Marrall Kendoe recognises that The Gambia has become a sick nation that needs healing and we must join forces to rebuild all that has been broken in our nation and restore the values and practices of ethical leadership and followership that defined political and social life in the history of our heritage." This powerful statement shows her commitment to restoring foundational principles within Gambian society. She further elaborated on her philosophy of leadership, asserting that political power is fundamentally for service, not domination. "We have an idea of a leadership that is enlightened, competent, meaningful and one that understands that political power is for service and not domination," Khan stated, outlining her core belief in servant leadership.
Khan's Vision for Governance
Mariama Khan’s presidential campaign is rooted in a full vision she terms Marall Kendoe, which translates to "good governance" in the Mandinka language. This concept is not merely a slogan but represents a detailed framework for systemic improvements within The Gambia's administrative structures. Her platform aims to tackle the deep-seated issues that have hindered the nation's progress, focusing on transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct across all levels of government. The Marall Kendoe vision is designed to foster a society where public institutions serve the populace effectively and justly.
Khan's professional background provides a strong foundation for her ambitious governance agenda, including extensive experience within various Gambian government bodies. She previously worked for the Ministries of Finance, the Office of the Vice President, and the Department of Information Services, gaining firsthand insight into the operations and challenges of public administration. Her academic credentials further bolster her qualifications, including a master’s degree in Sustainable International Development Studies, which she obtained to further her expertise in developmental strategies and sustainable growth. Additionally, Khan holds a master’s degree in Criminal Justice, indicating a strong focus on legal and justice system reforms, which are key for combating corruption and strengthening the rule of law.
Beyond her government service, Khan has maintained a significant academic presence in the United States. She is an adjunct lecturer at the Africana Studies Department of Lehman College, City University of New York. Her work there involves teaching and research, complementing her practical experience in governance with scholarly perspectives on development and social issues. This dual background in both government administration and academia uniquely informs her approach to tackling corruption and promoting good governance in The Gambia, allowing her to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical implementation.
Addressing Corruption and National Healing
Mariama Khan's career includes significant and high-level roles within The Gambian government, providing her with an intimate understanding of the country's administrative machinery. She served as a former Secretary General and Head of Civil Service, a position that placed her at the apex of the country's administrative structure. This key role involved overseeing the entire civil service and advising the executive branch on critical matters of policy implementation and public administration, giving her unparalleled insight into the mechanisms of governance and the areas most vulnerable to corruption. She served as Permanent Secretary at the Office of the President, another key administrative role within The Gambian government, where she played a key part in presidential initiatives and national policy direction.
Prior to her presidential bid and extensive public service in The Gambia, Khan gained professional experience in the United States, where she worked in higher education administration and finance. Her work in this sector involved managing complex financial operations and administrative processes within academic institutions, honing her skills in fiscal management and organizational efficiency. This experience complements her background in government and international development, offering a well-rounded perspective on institutional management. Her diverse professional journey also includes working at Pomona College as a Visiting African Scholar in International Relations. This role provided her with valuable experience in academic research and engagement on international affairs, further broadening her understanding of global governance challenges and solutions.
Khan originates from Brikama, a prominent town in The Gambia. Her roots in Brikama connect her directly to a significant portion of the Gambian population and landscape, grounding her political aspirations in a deep understanding of local communities and their needs.
Background and Experience
Mariama Khan’s educational journey began with a bachelor’s degree in International Development Studies, providing a foundational understanding of global development challenges and strategies. She further pursued her education, earning a master’s degree in Management of Development, which deepened her expertise in leading and implementing development projects. Her academic pursuits also include a Graduate Certificate in Security Studies from the University of Massachusetts, US, indicating specialized expertise in security-related fields, an area critical for national stability and development. These academic achievements, combined with her extensive practical experience, position Mariama Khan as a well-prepared and knowledgeable candidate for the presidency of The Gambia.
