The National Assembly Member for Lower Badibu, Hon. Kemo Gassama, told Gambian lawmakers that “Tribalism has absolutely no place in our country.”
He also called on citizens to denounce all forms of tribal hatred, ethnic profiling, and divisive rhetoric.
Hon. Gassama, while delivering his statement on Matters of the Day at the Assembly on Wednesday, 10th June 2026, challenged the government to take responsibility and ensure that significant measures are taken to curb hate speech and tribal incitement.
Describing tribalism and hate speech as matters of great national concern, he cited them as threats to “our unity, our peace, and the very foundation upon which our beloved nation stands.”
He lamented: “I refer to the growing danger of hate speech and tribal bigotry that has increasingly found its way into our public discourse.”
Hate speech, he argued, must never be tolerated in any civilized society, as it is dangerous, divisive, and destructive.
He said: “It creates mistrust among citizens, fuels hostility, and undermines the spirit of national cohesion that we have worked so hard to build as a people.”
He disclosed that it is particularly unfortunate that, in many instances, “hate speech is being fueled and amplified by politicians and individuals occupying positions of influence and authority.”
Those who seek leadership, Hon. Gassama stressed, should be agents of peace and unity, not architects of division and discord.
He said that as leaders entrusted with the welfare of the people, “we have a moral and constitutional obligation to condemn hate speech in the strongest possible terms.”
“Every well-meaning Gambian, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, or social status, must reject and denounce this dangerous practice,” he added.
He also noted that “hate speech often gives rise to tribal profiling, bigotry, and discrimination.”
He explained that it encourages citizens to judge one another not by character, competence, or contribution to society, but by ethnic background.
Such tendencies, he said, are contrary to the values upon which the Republic is founded.
The Gambia, he emphasized, is a nation blessed with diversity.
“Our different ethnic groups have lived side by side for generations, intermarried, traded together, worshipped together, and contributed collectively to the development of our country,” he said.
He stated that this rich diversity should be celebrated as a source of strength rather than exploited as a source of division.
He emphasized again: “Tribalism has absolutely no place in our country.”
History, he indicated, has taught The Gambia that when tribal divisions are allowed to flourish unchecked, they can lead to social instability, conflict, and even civil unrest.
“No responsible nation should allow such dangerous tendencies to take root,” he challenged.
The responsibility, he said, lies heavily on the government to “ensure that significant measures are taken to curb hate speech and tribal incitement.”
Existing laws, as indicated by Hon. Gassama, must be enforced fairly and without fear or favor.
He averred that institutions responsible for maintaining peace, security, and national cohesion must be empowered to act swiftly against those who seek to divide the people.
He indicated that in recent times, “I have personally heard and observed numerous instances of tribal rhetoric and bigotry being peddled in public spaces, on social media platforms, and, regrettably, by some individuals in positions of authority. Such conduct is unacceptable and must not be normalized under any circumstance.”
He disassociated himself from all forms of tribal hatred, ethnic profiling, and divisive rhetoric.
“I stand firmly against those who seek to sow seeds of hatred among Gambians. I condemn such actions unequivocally and call upon all responsible citizens to do likewise,” he said.
He stressed that the issue should not be viewed through a partisan lens, as hate speech does not belong to one political party or another—its consequences affect the entire nation.
“Therefore, all political parties must take responsibility for the conduct of their members and supporters and ensure that they promote peaceful coexistence and mutual respect,” he said.
He called upon his fellow National Assembly Members to put aside political differences whenever the unity and stability of the nation are at stake.
He said that while they may belong to different political parties, “we all serve one nation and one people—the people of The Gambia.”
“I further urge all politicians, community leaders, religious leaders, youth groups, and civil society organizations to intensify efforts aimed at sensitizing our citizens on the dangers of hate speech, tribalism, and intolerance,” he said.
He challenged the nation to collectively promote the values of peace, tolerance, respect, and national unity.
He further called upon the government and the ruling party to lead by example.
“Leadership carries responsibility. Those entrusted with governing the country must demonstrate through both words and actions their commitment to national unity, peaceful coexistence, and equal treatment of all Gambians,” he said.
He reminded lawmakers that long after political contests have ended, Gambians shall remain one people sharing one country.
“The preservation of peace and national unity must therefore take precedence over political interests and partisan considerations,” he said.
He called upon all Gambians to reject hate speech, reject tribalism, reject division, and embrace the values that unite them as one nation.
“Let us work together to safeguard the peace and stability of our beloved country for present and future generations,” he concluded.
