NHRC Opens Investigation Into Statements Attributed to Commissioner Imam Baba Leigh

By Fatou Sillah

The National Human Rights Commission has opened an investigation into controversial statements attributed to Commissioner Imam Baba Leigh following public complaints and calls for his removal from office.

In a statement, NHRC Chairperson Emmanuel Daniel Joof said the commission had received and acknowledged several formal complaints concerning Leigh’s remarks and had referred the matter to its Directorate of Legal and Investigation.

The directorate is examining the statements, the circumstances in which they were made, and their broader context, Joof said. Investigators are also expected to engage Leigh and other relevant individuals before submitting findings, a legal opinion, and recommendations to the commission.

“The NHRC has not ignored the matter,” Joof said, explaining that the commission had refrained from making a substantive public judgment because the investigation remained underway.

He said reaching conclusions before the investigative process was completed could amount to prejudging complaints that had been formally brought before the commission.

The controversy has prompted public debate over Leigh’s position on the NHRC, with some members of the public calling for his removal. The commission said it recognized the seriousness of concerns surrounding tribalism, hate speech, discrimination and intolerance, particularly statements that could threaten peaceful coexistence.

According to Joof, Leigh was on annual leave when the disputed remarks were made and was neither representing nor speaking on behalf of the NHRC at the time.

Following the backlash, Leigh issued a public statement seeking to explain the context of his remarks and emphasizing that he had spoken in his personal capacity. He later apologized in a local language to the Mandinka community and others who felt offended by his comments, the NHRC said.

Joof said the commission had taken note of both the explanation and apology but cautioned that determining whether they were sufficient, or whether further action should be taken, would depend on the outcome of the investigation.

The NHRC chairperson also addressed calls for Leigh’s dismissal, saying the chairperson does not have unilateral authority to remove a commissioner.

The appointment, tenure, and removal of commissioners are governed by the NHRC Act and other applicable laws, Joof said, meaning any effort to remove a commissioner must follow legally prescribed procedures.

“Any removal must therefore follow the process prescribed by law and cannot properly be determined simply on the basis of public sentiment, pressure or demands, however strongly expressed,” he said.

Joof rejected suggestions that the commission’s decision to await the investigation amounted to protecting Leigh from accountability. He said an independent investigation and adherence to due process were necessary to establish the facts and ensure that any decision was supported by evidence and law.

The commission reiterated what it described as its “zero tolerance” policy toward hate speech, tribalism, religious intolerance and discrimination, regardless of the identity of the person responsible or the community affected.

Joof pointed to the NHRC’s previous work on hate speech, including research, engagement with political parties and advocacy campaigns aimed at discouraging divisive rhetoric and promoting tolerance and social cohesion.

“Human rights and equality cannot be applied selectively,” he said.

The commission appealed for the public to allow its investigative process to run its course, promising to consider the directorate’s findings and recommendations and take any action within its mandate that is justified by the evidence and law.

Joof said the absence of an immediate public determination should not be interpreted as inaction, arguing that investigating complaints, establishing facts and observing due process were themselves essential elements of accountability.

The NHRC also thanked members of the public for scrutinizing public institutions but urged them to allow the commission to reach what Joof described as a fair and impartial determination despite the emotions surrounding the controversy.

“The NHRC remains committed to protecting the rights and dignity of all persons in The Gambia and to promoting a society founded on equality, non-discrimination, tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence,” Joof said.