By: Fatou Krubally
Edward Francis Small Center For Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) has issued a public statement calling for the immediate removal of Gambian ambassador to South Africa, Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay, over what it described as “uncivilised and hateful” remarks.
In a strongly worded release dated May 19, the civic group condemned an audio recording that surfaced on May 17, in which Jahumpa Ceesay launched verbal attacks against members of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and falsely linked the anti-corruption group, Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA), to political operatives. EFSCRJ said the statements were dangerous, inflammatory, and capable of inciting division within the country.
The group expressed outrage that such remarks came from a seasoned politician and former Speaker of the National Assembly, a position it described as one that carried a lifelong obligation to uphold national unity and democratic values.
EFSCRJ further criticised the diplomat’s comments as damaging to the dignity of her office and called into question her legitimacy to serve. It urged President Adama Barrow to immediately revoke her appointment as ambassador, citing gross misconduct.
The statement also called on the National Assembly to summon the Foreign Minister for a review of accountability standards in the foreign services, and on the APRC to dissociate from Jahumpa Ceesay’s remarks. Additionally, it encouraged the Inter-Party Committee and all political parties to condemn the comments.
In its concluding remarks, EFSCRJ stated that Jahumpa Ceesay’s unprovoked attacks were an insult not just to one political group but to all Gambians. The group declared that she no longer deserved to hold any position of leadership or public representation.
