By Kemo Kanyi
Mr Biran Gai, a political scientist has mounted scathing criticisms over the Gambian government’s position on the ongoing Middle East conflict describing it as “cowardly” in light of the facts surrounding the war.
Mr. Gai, a political science lecturer at the University of The Gambia came up with his criticisms following Gambia government’s statement on the Middle East conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Speaking to The Voice newspaper on Tuesday, Mr. Gai said the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs misrepresented the situation unfolding in the Middle East.
“It is a cowardly position for the Government of The Gambia to adopt,” he said.
On Feb. 28, 2026, the Government of The Gambia called on the parties involved to exercise maximum restraint, pursue dialogue and adhere to international law. The statement emphasized the need to protect civilian lives and critical infrastructure, warning that continued instability could threaten regional and global peace as well as economic stability.
However, Mr. Gai argued that the situation amounted to an act of aggression and that the government should have taken a firmer stance.
He said the authorities should first condemn what he described as the deliberate targeting of innocent civilians, particularly Muslims, allegedly by Israel and the United States.
“I think that should be the condemnation first, which I haven’t seen much emphasis on by the Gambian government. As a chair and member of the OIC, the government’s position should be very clear,” he said.
The lecturer added that while it was important to call for restraint and adherence to international law, the government should also strongly condemn countries that disregard fundamental human rights and contribute to instability in the region.
He further described the attack as unprovoked and occurring during negotiations, which he said demonstrated disregard for diplomacy and international law by Israel and the United States.
