By: Fatou Krubally
Members of the National Assembly on Wednesday questioned the handling of alleged insulting remarks directed at Islamic scholar Imam Abdoulie Fatty, amid calls for consistent enforcement of laws on hate speech and offensive public statements.
The issue was raised during debate on a Matter of the Day presented by Lower Baddibu NAM Hon. Kemo Gassama, who urged stronger action against hate speech, tribalism and divisive rhetoric in the country.
The debate intensified after Foni Kansala NAM Hon. Almameh Gibba cited what he described as a lack of action against a woman accused of making derogatory remarks about Imam Fatty. He questioned why no measures had been taken, saying similar cases involving public statements had previously led to swift intervention by authorities.
“Why not in this case when this woman spoke against the Imam?” Gibba asked, calling for equal application of the law in all hate speech-related cases.
Gibba warned that selective enforcement could deepen social divisions and stressed that tribalism and religious intolerance should be condemned in all forms. He said such conduct undermines national cohesion and contradicts religious teachings promoting unity.
His concerns were echoed by Kiang West NAM Hon. Lamin Ceesay, who also questioned the lack of action, noting that individuals in other cases had previously been summoned or detained over public statements. He said inconsistent enforcement risks weakening public confidence in institutions.
Other lawmakers joined the debate, condemning hate speech and tribalism as threats to peace and stability. Lower Fulladu West NAM Hon. Gibbi Mballow called on citizens to reject divisive rhetoric, while Sami NAM Hon. Alfusainey Ceesay urged leaders to avoid inflammatory statements and ensure accountability.
Janjanbureh NAM Hon. Omar Jatto Jammeh warned that unchecked hate speech could escalate tensions, while Foni Jarrol NAM Hon. Kebba Toumanding Sanneh blamed weak institutional enforcement for rising divisions and called on leaders to take responsibility for national developments.
The debate concluded with lawmakers jointly urging stronger measures to combat hate speech and promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence in The Gambia.