Momodou Sise, Chairman of the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE), urged calm and unity in The Gambia during a press briefing held at the NCCE offices in Kotu. His remarks came as the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) reportedly received 1,694 objections for determination by the revising court. Mr. Sise emphasized the importance of national cohesion, stating, "We must never allow a few extremist elements to tear this country apart." He further appealed to citizens, noting, "Elections will come and go. Governments will rise and fall. But The Gambia, our peaceful, beautiful, resilient Gambia must remain." Concluding his address, Mr. Sise affirmed, "The pen is in our hands, the microphone is at our lips, and the choice is ours. Let us choose unity. Let us choose The Gambia."
Concerns Over Divisive Rhetoric
The NCCE chairman expressed concern over the increasing use of inflammatory language, hate speech, ethnic rhetoric, insults, and identity-based polarization within public discourse. Momodou Sise challenged political parties and their leaders to publicly condemn and distance themselves from divisive and inflammatory conduct, especially when carried out in their name or defence. He also urged political actors to focus their campaigns on policies, programmes, and national development, rather than resorting to personal attacks and character assassination. Mr. Sise reiterated his call for national unity, stating, "We must never allow a few extremist elements to tear this country apart." He added, "Elections will come and go. Governments will rise and fall. But The Gambia, our peaceful, beautiful, resilient Gambia must remain." Concluding his remarks, Mr. Sise emphasized, "The pen is in our hands, the microphone is at our lips, and the choice is ours. Let us choose unity. Let us choose The Gambia."
Call for Responsible Discourse
Momodou Sise appealed to social media users and influencers to verify information before sharing it, urging them to avoid amplifying content that promotes hatred, ethnic division, or political hostility. He also encouraged all Gambians to prioritize national unity above their political affiliations. Sise stated, "We must never allow a few extremist elements to tear this country apart."
Citizens were further urged to ensure that the 2026/2027 electoral cycle is remembered as a period when Gambians chose peace, truth, and dialogue over division and conflict. Momodou Sise reiterated his call for calm, emphasizing the transient nature of political outcomes compared to the nation's enduring identity. "Elections will come and go. Governments will rise and fall. But The Gambia, our peaceful, beautiful, resilient Gambia must remain," he affirmed.
Concluding his remarks, the NCCE Chairman showed the collective responsibility of citizens in shaping the country's future. Sise declared, "The pen is in our hands, the microphone is at our lips, and the choice is ours. Let us choose unity. Let us choose The Gambia."
Broader Context and Appeal
Momodou Sise, Chairman of the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE), clarified the nature of electoral objections, stating that an objection simply questions eligibility and will be lawfully determined by the courts. The chairman's comments aimed to provide clarity regarding the ongoing electoral processes in The Gambia.
Mr. Sise called on citizens and political stakeholders to remain calm, exercise restraint, and allow due process to take its course. He emphasized the importance of adhering to established legal frameworks for resolving electoral disputes. The appeal shows the NCCE's role in promoting civic responsibility and maintaining peace during politically sensitive periods.
