By Binta Jaiteh
Imam Baba Leigh, a commissioner with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has apologized over his recent controversial tribal remarks which has sparked widespread criticisms from the public.
Imam Leigh during a live online discussion described Mandinkas as “angry people,” prompting criticisms and condemnation from civil society organizations and members of the public who accused him of promoting ethnic stereotyping
In a public statement issued on Monday, Leigh said his remarks were intended as a personal observation about the tone of discussions in some Mandinka messaging groups and not a characterization of the ethnic group as a whole.
“What I perceived to be a high level of anger and frustration in the messaging, discussions and public discourse of some individuals within certain Mandinka messaging and discussion groups. My comments were therefore intended to reflect an observation about the tone of some of these discussions, and were not intended to characterize the Mandinka people as a whole,” he said.
Leigh emphasized that he was speaking in his personal capacity and was not representing his mosque, any religious community, political party or the National Human Rights Commission.
“I also wish to make it absolutely clear that I was not representing the National Human Rights Commission, nor was I speaking on behalf of the Commission or in my official capacity as a commissioner,” he reiterated.
Leigh reaffirmed his rejection of tribalism and discrimination in all forms, saying peace, national unity, equality and respect for diversity remained fundamental to The Gambia’s development regardless of ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.
He expressed regret over the impact of his remarks and apologized to those who felt offended, particularly members of the Mandinka community.
“I regret that my comments have caused hurt, anger or offence, particularly among members of the Mandinka community. The discussion has, unfortunately, been taken out of context in ways that were not intended and which do not reflect the purpose or outcome I had in mind,” he said.
Leigh concluded by renewing his commitment to the principles of peace, human rights and respect for every community that makes up The Gambia.
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