The remarks attributed to Imam Baba Leigh have troubled many Gambians at home and abroad, particularly members of the Mandinka community. Whether it was a mistake or not, the pain expressed by those who felt targeted should not be disregarded. Gambians have every right to question the remarks, demand clarification and call for an apology.
However, some of the reactions have also crossed the line. Insulting Imam Leigh, attacking his ethnic background or abusing those who disagree is equally unacceptable. One offensive comment cannot be corrected with another. People are entitled to express anger, but anger does not give anyone the right to insult, threaten or humiliate others.
Criticism can be strong without becoming abusive. We should be able to condemn remarks we consider harmful while still respecting the dignity of the person who made them. If our response to alleged tribal prejudice is more tribal prejudice, we have solved nothing. We have merely added another layer to the problem.
Religious scholars, politicians and traditional leaders have a special responsibility. Their words travel widely and can shape how people view their neighbours. At moments of tension, they should help calm the situation rather than make it worse. The same responsibility applies to journalists, commentators and citizens using social media.
The Gambia belongs to Mandinkas, Wolofs, Akus, Fulas, Jolas, Serahules, Serers, Manjagos and all its other communities. We have lived together for generations. Our families are joined through marriage, friendship, work, business, religion and shared neighbourhoods. No community stands entirely on its own, and no tribe has a greater claim to this country than another.
The Qur’an reminds us that Allah created people as nations and tribes so that they may know one another. Our languages and traditions should be sources of pride, but that pride must never turn into contempt for others.
History shows what can happen when ethnic differences are manipulated. Colonial policies In Rwanda deepened ethnic divisions. Politicians later exploited those divisions, while hate propaganda encouraged neighbours to see one another as enemies. The result was the horror of the 1994 genocide. Rebuilding the country has required justice, reconciliation and a long effort to restore a shared national identity.
Kenya also faced a grave crisis after the disputed 2007 election. Political rivalry, inequality and old disagreements over land were turned into ethnic confrontation. Negotiations led by Kofi Annan helped the country step back from the edge, followed by a political settlement and constitutional reform.
South Africa offers another lesson. It was through negotiations and honest public speaking that helped end apartheid. Former president F. W. de Klerk later apologised for the suffering caused by that system. In Australia, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd apologised to Indigenous Australians for harmful laws and policies. Those apologies did not erase the past, but they acknowledged that people had been wronged.
There is no weakness in apologising. If a leader’s words cause pain, that leader should listen, explain and apologise where necessary. An apology should be sincere and followed by responsible conduct. In the same way, those raising legitimate concerns must reject insults and threats. Accountability and civility can go together.
Gambians should also be careful not to let this controversy distract us from the country’s urgent problems. Families are struggling with high prices. Young people need jobs. Farmers need better support, while our schools, hospitals and public institutions require serious improvement. Corruption and dangerous irregular migration continue to harm families across every ethnic group.
Tribal disputes will not lower food prices, create employment or improve a single school or hospital. They only divert attention from the work that urgently needs to be done.
Askani Gambia therefore rejects both tribal hostility and the insults being used in response to it. People are right to voice their concerns, but they must do so without abuse, threats or collective blame. We can alter abusive remarks without seeking revenge and hold leaders accountable without attacking entire communities.
Our surnames, languages and tribe may differ, but we share one homeland and one future. The Gambia must always come before tribe.
