In Kerr Auldi, Upper Saloum District, a dispute has arisen over Friday congregational prayers (Juma) in the village, raising concerns among residents about potential disruptions to peace. According to reports, the conflict centres around allegations that the Minister of Local Government, Lands, and Religious Affairs, Honourable Hamat Bah, a native of the village, is insisting that the community abandon their recently renovated central mosque in favour of a privately built mosque he constructed.
The decade-old central mosque in Kerr Auldi was old and deemed in need of modernisation. Community members had reached out to Minister Bah to either build or contribute to the renovation of their mosque. However, after receiving no assistance, the community mobilised its own resources, and with God’s blessings, a philanthropist helped construct a new mosque to replace the old structure. The newly modernised mosque was inaugurated in September 2025.
According to the community despite the development, Minister Bah proceeded to build his own separate mosque directly in front of his compound gate, which is now completed and scheduled for inauguration on Friday, November 15, 2025.
Sources indicate that the Minister has questioned the need for two mosques in the village and allegedly demands that the community abandon their newly constructed mosque for the main Friday prayers and instead reserve it for the normal five daily prayers, insisting that his privately built mosque be designated for the Juma prayers.
Furthermore, they stated that the demand has sparked strong opposition within the community. “The majority of the youth and the elders do not agree with that decision,” a source stated. Critics within the village express concern that the Minister’s request is undermining the existing peace and creating divisions among the residents.
The source claims that Minister Bah chose to build his mosque after declining to assist with the community’s project, and is now attempting to force the community to abandon the mosque they built with their efforts. Tensions have increased, leading to fears of violence during the upcoming Friday prayers. Allegations surfaced that some supporters of the Minister have threatened to use force to prevent the community from attending prayers at the central mosque. In response, community members are prepared to defend their right to pray in their mosque.
Residents are urgently calling on the Supreme Islamic Council and other relevant authorities to intervene and address the issue to prevent any physical confrontations and restore peace in Kerr Auldi.
In response to the allegations, Minister Hamat Bah has emphatically denied claims that he is attempting to force the Kerr Auldi community to abandon their decade-old mosque for Friday prayers in favour of his newly built mosque. When contacted for comment, the Minister stated, “The story is not true.” He emphasised that his intention behind the new construction was to serve the community and that he has no plans to interfere with the existing mosque.
“I will not stop anyone from praying in a mosque of their choice,” he asserted. He clarified that his project includes a modern mosque and a Quran school, both of which are open to “anyone who wishes to pray in the mosque or bring their child for Quranic education free of charge.”
Minister Bah highlighted his familial connection to the original mosque, noting, “My great-grandfather built the community mosque, and I will not be part of the people who will stop others from praying there.”
He expressed a desire for growth rather than conflict within Kerr Auldi, wishing for the community to eventually have 10 mosques, and reiterated, “I will not be an obstacle to anyone praying in their choice of mosque.” He also said that upon learning about the allegations circulating on social media, he reached out to the community, stating that it is categorically clear that he’s not against anyone praying at your chosen mosque.
He promised to travel to the village tomorrow.
By Kexx Sanneh
