The Minister of Interior, Abdoulie Sanyang has warned that the government will take a firm stance against tribalism, hate speech and any form of ethnic incitement as the country prepares for the 2026 elections.
Answering a question on what the government is doing to avoid tribal and ethnic tensions during election campaigns at the National Assembly, Minister Sanyang reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguard the country’s unity and to ensure a peaceful process during elections.
“The Ministry of Interior is fully committed to ensuring national unity, peace and social cohesion before, during and after the forthcoming presidential and local government elections as well as the entire electoral cycle,” he told lawmakers.
The minister noted that elections should take place in an atmosphere of tolerance, mutual respect and responsible political participation, without divisive language and hate-based narratives.
“The government is committed to ensuring that no individual or group is allowed to disrupt the peace and stability of our nation by propagating ethnic or tribal hatred,” he said.
Sanyang disclosed that security agencies, including the Gambia Police Force, will intensify surveillance of political activities, campaign events, and online platforms to identify and address potential threats to public order.
He also urged political parties, candidates, civil society organisations, the media, and citizens to place national interests above partisan considerations and reject messages that could fuel division.
“We call on all political actors, community leaders, the media, civil society organisations and citizens to put the national interest first,” he said.
The minister said the government has launched public awareness campaigns and community outreach programmes to promote tolerance, peaceful co-existence and social cohesion across the country.
He also announced plans to establish a multisectoral task force to coordinate election security efforts and respond quickly to emerging risks during the electoral period.
Sanyang told lawmakers that there are already robust mechanisms for prevention, monitoring and enforcement to ensure peaceful, credible and inclusive elections in 2026.
“The Ministry is working closely with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and other key stakeholders to improve compliance with electoral laws, campaign regulations and codes of conduct,” he said.
The minister said the partnership is aimed at promoting responsible political participation and discouraging actions that could endanger public order and national cohesion.
