A TikTok user identified as Tima Jatta has ignited widespread controversy after posting a video in which she openly displayed what appears to be a Gambian diplomatic passport.
In the now-deleted video, Tima films herself at an airport while proudly holding up the high-level travel document, despite having no publicly known connection to The Gambia’s foreign service or diplomatic corps.
The clip quickly triggered accusations from TikTok users who questioned how such a sensitive document could end up in the hands of a private citizen. One commenter wrote, “How does she have our diplomatic passport? Gambia, we are finished. Our diplomatic passports don’t hold any value anymore!”
Although Tima removed the video shortly after backlash erupted, it had already spread widely.
The uproar comes less than two weeks after the Gambian government vehemently denied Senegalese media reports alleging that more than 20,000 diplomatic passports were issued under President Adama Barrow’s administration.
In a press release, officials insisted the issuance process is “strictly regulated” and that the passports are reserved for diplomats, senior government officials, and others representing the country abroad.
However, the government’s refusal to publish a list of current diplomatic passport holders has only intensified public suspicion.
As for how Tima obtained the passport in the first place – that question remains unanswered.