By Fatou Sillah
The Minister of Interior, Abdoulie Sanyang, has issued a strong warning against tribalism and hate speech in the lead-up to the 2026 elections, stressing that the government will not tolerate actions that threaten national unity and peace.
Responding to a question at the National Assembly on measures to curb ethnic and tribal incitement during election campaigns, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining stability throughout the electoral cycle.
“The Ministry of Interior remains fully committed to safeguarding national unity, peace, and social cohesion before, during, and after the forthcoming presidential and local government elections and, in general, the whole electoral calendar,” he said.
Minister Sanyang emphasized that elections must be conducted in an atmosphere of tolerance and mutual respect, free from hate speech, tribalism, and divisive rhetoric.
“The government remains steadfast in its determination to ensure that no individual or group is allowed to undermine the peace and stability of our dear nation by promoting ethnic or tribal hatred,” he said.
He disclosed that security agencies, including the Gambia Police Force, will intensify monitoring of political activities, campaign events, and online platforms to prevent the escalation of ethnic tensions and potential violence.
The minister also called on political actors, civil society, the media, and the general public to prioritize national unity and reject divisive narratives.
“We call upon all political actors, community leaders, the media, civil society organizations, and citizens to place the national interest above all else,” he said.
In addition, he noted that the ministry is rolling out public awareness campaigns and community engagement initiatives aimed at promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
“These efforts are aimed at encouraging citizens, political parties, candidates, and supporters to reject divisive narratives and embrace the values of national unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence,” he said.
Minister Sanyang further announced plans to establish a multisectoral task force to coordinate election security and respond promptly to emerging threats during the electoral period.
He assured lawmakers that comprehensive measures are already in place to ensure that the 2026 elections are peaceful, credible, and inclusive.
“The Ministry has put in place a comprehensive set of preventive monitoring and enforcement measures. Firstly, the Ministry is working closely with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and other key stakeholders to promote peaceful elections and ensure state adherence to electoral laws, regulations, and campaign codes of conduct,” he said. “This collaboration seeks to foster responsible political engagement and discourage action that may threaten public order and national cohesion.”
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