ActionAid International The Gambia (AAITG) has challenged political leaders to take responsibility and publicly condemn hate speech and tribal incitement emanating from their camps. The call comes as the country prepares for the December 2026 Presidential Election, amid rising concerns over divisive rhetoric and derogatory statements circulating in the public space.
ActionAid International The Gambia made the call on Saturday, 3rd October 2026, emphasizing that elections are an important part of democracy, as they allow citizens to make choices, hold leaders accountable, and shape the direction of their country.
However, ActionAid stressed that “political competition should never come at the expense of our dignity, unity, and the relationships that hold our communities together.”
As The Gambia enters another electoral cycle, with the Presidential Election set to take place on 5th December 2026, the organization urged “all Gambians to reject hate speech, tribal sentiments, incitements, misinformation, and messages that seek to divide us.”
ActionAid stated that politicians, political parties, women, young people, religious and traditional leaders, the media, civil society, and every citizen as voters have a role to play in keeping the nation’s political discourse mature, respectful, accountable, and responsible.
“Words matter. A sloppy statement, inflammatory speech, or divisive social media post can quickly create tension and deepen division. The same platform can, however, encourage understanding, tolerance, and constructive dialogue at all times,” said ActionAid.
It noted that The Gambia is known as the Smiling Coast of Africa because of the warmth, hospitality, and peaceful nature of its people despite all odds, and that this “is a heritage we should all be proud of and committed to preserve.”
“Political differences are a natural part of democracy. We may support different candidates, parties, or ideas, but we remain one people, sharing the same country and hopes for its future. Our differences should allow us to engage, debate, and learn from one another, not turn us against each other,” ActionAid added.
According to the organization, political leaders from both the incumbent and the opposition have a particular responsibility to set the tone.
“They should lead by example, promote respectful political engagement, and discourage language or conduct that could inflame tensions among the citizenry. We call on political leaders to take responsibility and condemn any act of hate speech or tribal incitement that emanates from their camp,” said ActionAid.
It further emphasized that young people, especially those active on social media, also have an important role. ActionAid urged them to use these platforms to share credible information and encourage constructive conversations based on policies and development programs rather than insults, threats, hate speech, or unverified claims.
“Before sharing a message, let’s ask ourselves whether this will bring Gambians together or push us further apart?” it asked.
As a member of the civil society community, ActionAid International The Gambia renewed its commitment to support civic engagement, community dialogues, youth participation, women’s empowerment, and initiatives that strengthen social cohesion for sustainable development.
“These efforts are essential to creating spaces where people can engage with differences respectfully and work together for the common good. But the responsibility does not rest with institutions alone,” it said.
Religious and traditional leaders, the media, influencers, political actors, young people, and citizens, according to AAITG, all have a role in shaping the kind of electoral environment we want to see.
Most importantly, it called on the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to ensure fair play for all political parties in accordance with the electoral laws of The Gambia.
ActionAid said, “The spirit of ‘One Gambia, One People’ must remain alive throughout the electoral cycle. Whatever our political choices, we remain Gambians first before anything else.”
The CSO encouraged citizens to disagree on policies and programs without becoming enemies, to debate without dehumanizing one another, and to campaign without losing sight of what binds us together.
“Elections should strengthen our nascent democracy, not weaken our relationships. Our differences should enrich our national conversation based on policies and programs, not divide our nation,” it added.
“Let’s protect what unites us and reject any attempt by any political party to divide us so that the peace and stability of this young democracy is sustained. Elections and political leaders come and go, but The Gambia remains,” it concluded.
