Barrow Calls for End to Tribalism, Cites His Multicultural Family as Reflection of Gambian Unity

By Makutu Manneh

President Adama Barrow has renewed his appeal for national unity, urging Gambians to reject tribalism and recognize the deep ethnic and familial ties that bind the country’s diverse communities.

Speaking during a Meet-the-People Tour meeting in Jabang, President Barrow said his own family background reflects the Gambia’s ethnic diversity, arguing that the country’s various communities are interconnected and should not be divided along tribal lines.

“I am Mandinka, my mother is Fula, my grandmother is Sarahule, I lived with Wolof and my in-laws are Jolas. Who can I support? I am a true Gambian; I am ‘Mbahal.’ I belong everywhere,” he said.

The president maintained that his personal and family connections across several ethnic groups make it impossible for him to favor one community over another.

He emphasized that the responsibility for fostering national unity or deepening divisions rests with Gambians themselves, urging citizens to embrace their shared identity rather than allow ethnic differences to undermine social cohesion.

His remarks come amid growing concerns over ethnic rhetoric ahead of the December 5 presidential election, with tribal politics emerging as an increasingly contentious issue in the country’s political discourse.

During the ongoing Meet-the-People Tour, several speakers appearing on President Barrow’s platform have faced accusations of making inflammatory remarks targeting particular ethnic communities. The comments have drawn criticism from opposition figures, civil society activists, and members of the public, raising questions about the role of ethnic identity in the country’s political campaigns.

Both President Barrow and opposition leaders have publicly condemned tribalism in recent weeks, calling for greater tolerance and national solidarity as the country approaches the polls.

Turning to the upcoming election, President Barrow framed the contest as a choice between continuity under his administration and a change in political leadership.

He said Gambians would have two options at the ballot box: continue with his government’s development agenda or elect a new leader and begin afresh.

The president expressed confidence that voters would favor continuity, suggesting that his administration’s record would persuade Gambians to grant him another term in office.

His latest appeal for unity comes as political tensions intensify ahead of the December election, placing renewed attention on the responsibility of political leaders and their supporters to avoid rhetoric that could deepen ethnic divisions.