Dr. Ceesay Says Government Does Not Promote Hate Speech or Divisive Rhetoric

By Fatou Sillah

The Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, has said the government does not promote hate speech or divisive rhetoric, stressing that its policy is to foster an inclusive society in which Gambians are treated equally regardless of tribe, religion, gender or region.

Speaking on West Coast Radio’s Coffee Time, Dr. Ceesay said the government has been paying attention to public reactions to controversial statements made on political platforms, acknowledging that some remarks have drawn criticism and concern.

He said the government’s position is that politicians and other public figures should refrain from rhetoric that could inflame tensions or deepen divisions in the country. However, he noted that the government cannot control everything politicians or their supporters say at political gatherings.

“As a government, we don’t promote hate speech, we don’t promote division, and we don’t promote divisive language,” Dr. Ceesay said. “It is not a policy; it is not the strategy of the NPP and its alliance partners.”

Dr. Ceesay also addressed concerns about controversial statements made by religious and political figures associated with the governing alliance. He argued that political leaders or organizations should not automatically be held responsible for every statement made by their supporters or affiliates.

Where such remarks potentially violate the law, he said, it is the responsibility of the police to determine whether an offence has been committed and take appropriate action.

He said the government expects law enforcement authorities to act when statements cross the line from political expression into conduct prohibited by law.

“We have a beautiful country, and let us not destroy our country,” Dr. Ceesay said.

He also urged Gambians to recognize that people can make mistakes and should be given room to acknowledge inappropriate remarks, apologize, and learn from them.

Dr. Ceesay stressed the importance of safeguarding social cohesion and avoiding rhetoric that could undermine the longstanding peaceful coexistence among Gambians.