The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice condemns in the strongest terms the tribal comments made by Presidential Advisor Saihou Mballow at a public gathering in Bakoteh on Sunday, August 17. Mr. Mballow was stoking tribal sentiments of hate and supremacy. Such utterances are not only reckless and irresponsible, but they also strike at the very heart of national unity, social cohesion, and democratic stability in The Gambia.
At a time when our nation is still healing from decades of division, impunity, and authoritarian rule, no public official, least of all one serving the highest level of the Presidency, should sow the seeds of tribalism. Tribal rhetoric has been the fuel of violence and destruction across Africa, and The Gambia cannot afford to allow such dangerous sentiments to fester within the corridors of power.
We remind Mr. Mballow that his position is public trust. His primary duty is to serve all Gambians, regardless of tribe, religion, gender, or political affiliation, as outlined in the Constitution. To exploit tribal identity for political gain is a betrayal of that trust and an affront to the sacrifices of those who fought for independence and democracy in this country.
The tribal comments made by Mr. Mballow constitute hate speech and incitement to violence in total contravention of Section 58 of the Criminal Offences Act 2025. These comments also violate Section 220 of the 1997 Constitution, which outlines the duties of a citizen, and Section 222, which outlines the responsibilities of a public officer, both of which impose a duty to maintain peace, national unity, and respect for human rights. Laws are created to be enforced for the sake of peace and stability. Failure to enforce the law generates impunity, which threatens rights, peace, and stability.
EFSCRJ therefore calls on the President. Adama Barrow to:
1. Publicly distance himself from these divisive comments.
2. Immediately dismiss Saihou Mballow as Presidential Advisor.
3. Reaffirm his Government’s commitment to building a Gambia that is inclusive, just, and united.
EFSCRJ also calls on:
1. The Inspector General of Police, Seedy Muctarr Touray, is to arrest and prosecute Saihou Mballow for hate speech and incitement to violence.
2. The Independence Electoral Commission, all political parties, CSOs, and the Inter-Party Committee to hold Saihou Mballow accountable for his incendiary remarks.
Finally, we urge all citizens, political leaders, and their supporters to reject the politics of division. Our strength as a nation lies in our diversity, and it is only through solidarity and mutual respect that The Gambia can achieve lasting peace, justice, and development.
