Hon. Yahya Sanyang, National Assembly Member For Latrikunda
By Buba Gagigo
Hon. Yahya Sanyang, the National Assembly Member for Latrikunda Sabiji, has formally called on President Adama Barrow to dissolve the recently established National Muslim Elders Advisory Council, citing concerns over potential religious fragmentation and institutional redundancy.
In a public statement, Hon. Sanyang expressed alarm over the formation of the council under the Office of the President, warning that it may unintentionally undermine the role of the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council (SIC), the long-standing and widely recognized authority on Islamic affairs in the country.
“The recent establishment of the National Muslim Elders Advisory Council under the Office of the President has sparked significant concern among Gambians, particularly within the Muslim community. While President Adama Barrow’s intention to engage with Muslim leaders may be well-meaning, this move risks creating unnecessary divisions and undermining the long-standing authority of the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council (SIC),” Sanyang noted.
He emphasized that the SIC is the constitutionally acknowledged body responsible for overseeing Islamic matters, including theological guidance, the issuance of fatwas, and promoting interfaith dialogue. According to Sanyang, forming a new advisory entity with overlapping responsibilities could lead to confusion and weaken trust in religious governance.
“More troubling is the perception that this new council is politically motivated. Placing a religious advisory body under the Office of the President raises suspicions of state interference in Islamic affairs, a dangerous precedent that could erode public trust in both religious and governmental institutions. The Gambia has always prided itself on religious tolerance and unity; this move could inadvertently sow discord,” he said.Sanyang also highlighted the inefficiency of maintaining two bodies with similar mandates, describing it as an unnecessary duplication of efforts and a waste of public resources.
“Instead of strengthening existing structures, this duplication wastes valuable resources and creates bureaucratic redundancy. If the government seeks to address religious matters, it should work directly with the SIC, which already has the trust and recognition of the Muslim Ummah. As a nation that values peace and religious cohesion, The Gambia cannot afford unnecessary divisions within its Muslim community,” he said.Concluding his remarks, Hon. Sanyang urged President Barrow to act promptly to dissolve the National Muslim Elders Advisory Council and reaffirm the SIC’s role as the principal religious authority.
“Strengthening the SIC’s role, rather than bypassing it, will ensure that religious guidance remains independent, credible, and free from political influence. The Gambia’s stability depends on unity, not fragmentation. President Barrow must reconsider this decision and uphold the integrity of our religious institutions before this advisory council breeds further division. The Supreme Islamic Council is the legitimate body to guide the Muslim community; let us respect its authority and preserve our nation’s harmony,” he said.