By Haddy Touray
The All Peoples Party–Sobeyaa (APP-Sobeyaa) has condemned alleged tribal remarks attributed to the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Seedy Njie.
The party described the remarks as “reckless, dangerous and fundamentally incompatible” with the principles of national unity and constitutional governance.
In a statement issued on Sunday, APP-Sobeyaa expressed concern over a leaked audio recording in which the Deputy Speaker was allegedly heard justifying public appointments on the basis of tribe and perceived political loyalty.
The party said the office of the Deputy Speaker is “a national office” whose occupant is expected to rise above tribal or partisan considerations and defend the unity and equal citizenship of all Gambians.
“The Gambia is a deeply diverse nation and that diversity has always been our strength,” the statement said, adding that no responsible leader should seek to undermine national cohesion for political convenience.
APP-Sobeyaa further urged President Adama Barrow to reflect on what it called the growing use of “demeaning, tribal and bigoted remarks” by some senior government officials and advisers.
According to the party, perceptions of tribal favouritism and partisan patronage in public appointments could erode national trust and weaken democratic governance.
The party called on the Deputy Speaker Seedy Njie to publicly clarify the alleged remarks and apologize to Gambians for what it described as divisive sentiments contained in the recording.
Meanwhile, APP-Sobeyaa also criticized the recent arrest and detention of members of the GALA movement during activities marking the group’s one-year anniversary.
The party described the police action as troubling and said it raised concerns about democratic governance and civil liberties in the country.
“The right of citizens to assemble peacefully, associate freely and express themselves politically is not a favour granted by the state. It is a constitutional right,” the statement said.
APP-Sobeyaa warned against a return to practices associated with repression and arbitrary arrests under the former regime, saying the lessons of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) should not be forgotten.
The party called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained members of the GALA movement and urged the Inspector General of Police and the Ministry of Interior to exercise restraint and professionalism in dealing with citizens and civil society groups.
“Democracy is tested when those critical of the establishment are also allowed to organize, speak and assemble without fear,” the statement added.
APP-Sobeyaa concluded by calling on Gambians to reject tribal division, selective justice and shrinking civic space, and to recommit themselves to national unity, equal citizenship, tolerance and constitutional democracy.