Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang announced that individuals found inciting or promoting tribalism during this year’s political campaign and in other public places will face arrest and prosecution in The Gambia. He stated that anyone promoting tribalism, ethnic discrimination, violence, or actions that threaten public peace and security will be investigated and dealt with according to Gambian laws. The minister's declaration shows the government's commitment to maintaining national unity and order.
Minister's Pledge and Rationale
Minister Abdoulie Sanyang emphasized that elections are vital democratic exercises requiring an atmosphere of tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful political competition. He specified that these processes must be free from hate speech, tribalism, ethnic incitement, and divisive rhetoric. The government is resolute in its determination to prevent any individual or group from promoting ethnic or tribal hatred. Minister Sanyang stated, "no individual or group is allowed to undermine the peace and stability" of the country through such actions. The administration aims to uphold national cohesion and prevent any disruption to public order.
Enforcement and Monitoring Mechanisms
The Ministry of Interior has established a full set of preventive, monitoring, and enforcement measures to address and prevent incitement to ethnic and tribal hatred during the election campaign period and beyond. Police will intensify monitoring of political activities, campaign events, and discussions on both traditional media and online platforms. Minister Abdoulie Sanyang stated, "To address and prevent incitement to ethnic and tribal hatred during the election campaign period and beyond, my Ministry has put in place a full set of preventive, monitoring and enforcement measures." He added, "We are working closely with the IEC and other key stakeholders to ensure strict adherence to electoral laws, regulations and campaign codes of conduct, and any individual found promoting tribalism, ethnic discrimination, violence or action that threaten public peace and security will be investigated and dealt with in accordance with the laws of The Gambia." A multi-sectoral taskforce comprising national security institutions and other stakeholders will be established. This taskforce will coordinate election security efforts, assess emerging risks, and ensure a rapid response to any threat to peace and stability within The Gambia.
Context of the Statement
Minister Abdoulie Sanyang delivered his statement in response to a question posed by Bakau lawmaker Assan Touray. Mr. Touray had inquired about the Ministry's strategy to address ethnic politics as the elections approach. In his reply, Minister Sanyang affirmed, "To address and prevent incitement to ethnic and tribal hatred during the election campaign period and beyond, my Ministry has put in place a full set of preventive, monitoring and enforcement measures. We are working closely with the IEC and other key stakeholders to ensure strict adherence to electoral laws, regulations and campaign codes of conduct, and any individual found promoting tribalism, ethnic discrimination, violence or action that threaten public peace and security will be investigated and dealt with in accordance with the laws of The Gambia." He reiterated that "no individual or group is allowed to undermine the peace and stability" of the country.
Public Awareness and Collaboration
The Ministry of Interior is collaborating closely with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and other key stakeholders to ensure strict adherence to electoral laws, regulations, and campaign codes of conduct. Security agencies will continue engaging political parties, candidates, and campaign teams. This engagement aims to emphasize their collective responsibility to conduct issue-based campaigns and to refrain from making defamatory statements that could incite hatred or division among Gambians. The Ministry is also implementing public awareness and sensitisation programmes. These initiatives are designed to encourage citizens, political parties, candidates, and supporters to reject divisive narratives and embrace the values of national unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.
