By Fatou Krubally
–The Gambia Police Force is engaging political parties, candidates and community leaders to discourage tribal rhetoric ahead of the 2026–2027 electoral cycle, Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang has said.
Speaking at the National Assembly on Wednesday, Mr. Sanyang said the government was taking preventive measures to address tribalism and other forms of discrimination through community policing, public sensitisation and engagement with political actors.
He was responding to a question from Kemo Gassama, National Assembly Member for Lower Baddibu, who sought clarification on when the ministry would implement measures against tribalism and segregation previously presented to the Assembly on 10 June 2026.
The minister said the measures were designed to identify emerging tensions early, engage affected communities and take lawful remedial action to maintain peace and stability.
He said police officers were conducting community outreach programmes, engaging the media and carrying out public education campaigns to promote national unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Lawmakers, however, expressed concern about individuals allegedly using political platforms to make statements targeting particular ethnic groups. They asked what action the ministry would take against those responsible.
Mr. Sanyang said the police were working with political parties, leaders, candidates and communities to discourage divisive language and prevent tensions from escalating.
He explained that community policing extended beyond arrests to include dialogue, sensitisation and other preventive measures aimed at resolving tensions before they threatened public order.
The minister added that security officials had met to strengthen joint patrols, operational coordination and information-sharing during the electoral period.
He maintained that addressing tribalism and discrimination remained an ongoing national security priority that extended beyond elections, stressing the importance of collective efforts to preserve national unity and peaceful coexistence.
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