Dr. Ceesay Accuses Politicians of Exploiting Divisions for Political Gain

By Fatou Sillah

Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, the Gambia’s Minister of Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services, has dismissed concerns about weakening social cohesion in the country, accusing politicians of exploiting divisions to advance their political interests.

In an interview with West Coast, Dr. Ceesay argued that the country’s social fabric remained intact despite what he described as attempts by political figures to inflame tensions for electoral advantage.

“Social cohesion is not shaky; I think it’s politicians who try to score political points and play dangerous politics,” he said.

Dr. Ceesay also responded to criticism from Ousainou Darboe, leader of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), who had described him as a “flip-flop politician” over his changing political allegiance.

Rather than dispute that his position had changed, Dr. Ceesay suggested that Mr. Darboe had undergone a similar political transformation.

“I think both myself and him have flipped. We have not flopped yet,” he said.

The minister pointed to Mr. Darboe’s previous praise of President Adama Barrow, whom he once described as the “Moses of our time,” contrasting that endorsement with the opposition leader’s current criticism of the president.

Dr. Ceesay acknowledged that he, too, had reversed his position. Once a vocal critic of Mr. Barrow, who questioned his suitability for office, he has since become one of the president’s defenders.

“Now I’m saying Barrow is the best leader in the world, so we have both flipped,” he said.

Dr. Ceesay maintained that his support for the president was firmly established, describing Mr. Barrow as a trustworthy and transformational leader. He ruled out returning to his previous criticism of the administration.

The minister also challenged Mr. Darboe’s characterization of smaller political organizations as “fringe parties,” accusing the UDP leader of dismissing groups whose support he had previously sought.

Recalling the period leading up to the 2021 presidential election, Dr. Ceesay said Mr. Darboe had personally appealed for his endorsement of the UDP and had warned him at a political rally that history would judge him if he declined to support the party.

He questioned the consistency of seeking an alliance with a smaller political party during an election campaign while subsequently dismissing such organizations as politically insignificant.

Dr. Ceesay further defended the right of political parties to enter alliances and coalitions of their choosing, arguing that political realignments were a legitimate exercise of democratic freedom.

“Everybody has a right to choose where you want to go,” he said.