On March 31, 2017, an article titled "Gambia’s Tribal Undercurrent" was published in The Standard Newspaper, addressing the issue of tribalism in the country. This publication laid groundwork for understanding divisions within The Gambia, a nation grappling with its complex social fabric. The article, penned by Ebrima Baba Galleh Jallow, delved into the subtle yet widespread influence of tribal affiliations on national life. Separately, Imam Baba Leigh's microphone was inadvertently left activated during a live session on the social media platform TikTok, capturing private remarks. This incident, which unfolded unexpectedly, brought unforeseen public scrutiny to his personal commentary during what was intended to be a public broadcast. The accidental activation meant that his private thoughts were broadcast to a wider audience, sparking considerable discussion and debate across various platforms. The incident involving Imam Baba Leigh, a prominent religious figure and Commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), brought unexpected attention to his private discourse during a public broadcast, noting the fine line between personal expression and public accountability in the digital age.
Echoes of Past Divisions
Nine years after the initial article, the author is returning to the subject of tribalism in The Gambia, showing the enduring relevance of this societal challenge. The revisit notes that the issues raised in 2017 have not dissipated but rather continue to shape the national narrative. Yahya Jammeh, the former president, exploited tribalism ruthlessly during his tenure, employing it as a tool for political control and division. His regime was characterized by a deliberate strategy to sow discord among ethnic groups, consolidating his power through fear and favoritism. In 2017, the author argued that Jammeh created a nexus between political loyalty and tribal identification within the country, effectively weaponizing ethnic identity for political gain. This strategy fostered an environment where allegiance to the state was often conflated with tribal affiliation, further entrenching divisions. Jammeh's rhetoric had become serious enough by June 2016 for the United Nations Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide to condemn his "stigmatisation, dehumanisation and threats against the Mandinka." This international condemnation showed the severity of his actions and the potential for widespread harm. The Mandinkas, one of The Gambia's largest ethnic groups, have experienced similar rhetoric before, indicating a historical pattern of targeting and marginalization. In 2017, the author referred to tribalism as an undercurrent in Gambian society, suggesting that it was a powerful, often unseen, force shaping social and political dynamics beneath the surface. This description emphasized its widespread yet subtle nature, influencing interactions and decisions in ways that were not always immediately apparent.
Tribalism's Persistent Grip
Imam Baba Leigh, a Commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), is among those observing the persistent influence of tribal dynamics in The Gambia. His position within the NHRC provides him with a unique vantage point to assess the impact of these divisions on human rights and national cohesion. Post-election analysis by CepRass indicated that tribal voting was "very much manifested" during the 2021 presidential election, revealing that ethnic loyalties continue to play a significant role in political outcomes. This finding suggests that despite efforts towards national unity, tribal affiliations remain a potent factor in electoral processes. The author of the initial article on tribalism described Gambian tribal discourse as toxic, polarising, and divisive in an interview published by The Standard on August 6, 2021. This characterization noted the detrimental impact of such discourse on national dialogue and social harmony, contributing to an environment of mistrust and animosity. This discourse continues despite extensive efforts to address past divisions, indicating the deep-seated nature of these issues and the challenges inherent in overcoming them.
The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) heard testimony for three years, detailing the impact of twenty-two years of dictatorship under Yahya Jammeh. This extensive process aimed to uncover the truth about past human rights abuses and to lay the groundwork for national healing. The TRRC's work concluded with a strong call for "Never Again," aiming to prevent a recurrence of past abuses and divisions, and to foster a future built on justice and reconciliation. However, concerns about the resurgence of divisive rhetoric remain, casting a shadow over the progress made. At the NHRC's National Interfaith Dialogue to Combat Hate Speech in 2025, the Chairperson issued a stark warning regarding the current state of national dialogue. The Chairperson stated, "Our democracy is under threat from hate speech," noting ongoing challenges to national unity and stability. This warning from the NHRC Chairperson showed the urgent need for concerted action to counter the spread of hate speech and to protect the country's democratic foundations. The NHRC has also consistently warned about the proliferation of hate speech and tribal bigotry within the country, emphasizing the detrimental effects these phenomena have on social cohesion and human rights. Their warnings reflect a broader concern among civil society organizations and government bodies about the potential for such rhetoric to destabilize the nation.
Beyond the Immediate Controversy
Imam Baba Leigh, a Commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), was recorded on a TikTok live session making a remark in Wolof, questioning the Mandinka community and describing them collectively as angry people. This statement, inadvertently broadcast, sparked widespread controversy and drew significant criticism, particularly given his role in an institution dedicated to human rights and national unity. The incident prompted a re-examination of the role of public figures in fostering inclusive dialogue. The author of the initial article on tribalism previously described tribal tensions in The Gambia as a volcano in 2021, indicating a long-standing concern over underlying divisions that could erupt at any moment. This vivid metaphor conveyed the potential for latent ethnic grievances to escalate into open conflict if not properly addressed. The NHRC has also issued warnings regarding the proliferation of hate speech and tribal bigotry within the country, reinforcing the need for vigilance and proactive measures to combat divisive narratives. These warnings are a testament to the commission's commitment to safeguarding national unity and promoting respect among all ethnic groups.
The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission's (TRRC) Final Report (Volume 1, Part A) outlined reconciliation as a long-term process that necessitates profound changes in societal attitudes, showing the complexity of healing national divisions. The report emphasized that true reconciliation goes beyond legal processes, requiring a fundamental shift in how Gambians perceive and interact with one another. The TRRC’s work concluded with a strong call for "Never Again," aiming to prevent a recurrence of past abuses and divisions, and to build a more just and equitable society. This call serves as a guiding principle for future efforts to address historical injustices and promote lasting peace. This stance contrasts with Leigh’s past public statements; in June 2020, Baba Leigh publicly condemned the act of insulting entire tribes, advocating for respect and understanding across ethnic lines. His earlier condemnation notes a potential inconsistency or evolution in his public messaging, leading to further scrutiny of his recent remarks. The author of the article, Ebrima Baba Galleh Jallow, noted the interconnectedness of Gambian society by noting that his own family includes both Jallows (Fula) and Fattys (Mandinka), with children of the same mother representing these diverse ethnic backgrounds. This personal anecdote serves as a powerful reminder of the intricate tapestry of Gambian identity, where different ethnic groups are often intertwined through family ties, challenging simplistic tribal divisions. This personal connection shows the idea that tribalism is not just a political or social issue, but one that deeply affects individuals and families, emphasizing the shared heritage that often transcends perceived boundaries. The ongoing dialogue surrounding Imam Baba Leigh's comments, coupled with the historical context of tribal divisions and the TRRC's recommendations, shows the urgent and complex task facing The Gambia in fostering genuine national unity and overcoming the legacy of tribalism. The path forward demands sustained commitment from all stakeholders, including political leaders, religious figures, civil society, and individual citizens, to consciously dismantle divisive narratives and build bridges of understanding and cooperation.