Movement For Social Justice -Msj4

31/08/2026

PUBLIC STATEMENT ON CONCERNS REGARDING RECENT STATEMENTS ATTRIBUTED TO COMMISSIONER IMAM BABA LEIGH

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken note of the concerns and comments expressed by members of the public, including on this page, regarding recent statements attributed to Commissioner Imam Baba Leigh, as well as calls for his removal from office.

The Commission fully appreciates the seriousness of the concerns that have been raised and understands why the statements have generated considerable public discussion and concern. The NHRC takes matters relating to tribalism, hate speech, discrimination, intolerance and statements capable of undermining peaceful coexistence very seriously.

I wish to assure members of the public that the NHRC has not ignored the matter. A number of individual complaints have been formally submitted to the Commission. These complaints have been duly received and acknowledged, and the Commission has commenced its own investigation into the matter through its Directorate of Legal and Investigation (DLI).

The DLI is examining the statements, the circumstances and context in which they were made and all other relevant issues. As part of this process, the Directorate will also engage Commissioner Leigh and other relevant persons as necessary. At the conclusion of the investigation, the DLI will submit its findings, legal opinion and recommendations to the Commission for consideration.

It is important to explain that the reason the NHRC has so far refrained from making a substantive public pronouncement on the merits of the matter is precisely because the investigation is ongoing. The Commission believes that it would be inappropriate to prejudge the matter, particularly when complaints have been formally lodged and the Commission's own investigative process is underway.

Commissioner Leigh was on annual leave when the statements were made and was not representing the NHRC or speaking on behalf of the Commission in any official capacity. Following the public reaction, he issued a public statement explaining and providing context to his utterances and made it clear that he was speaking in his personal capacity and not on behalf of the NHRC. He subsequently issued an apology in the local language to the Mandinka community and to those who felt offended by his comments.

The Commission takes note of these subsequent developments. However, whether the explanation or apology is considered adequate, and whether any further action is warranted, are matters that should properly be considered in light of the facts and findings arising from the investigation.

I also wish to clarify that the removal of an NHRC Commissioner is not a matter that can simply be decided by the Chairperson. The appointment, tenure and removal of Commissioners are governed by the NHRC Act and the applicable legal framework. Any removal must therefore follow the process prescribed by law and cannot properly be determined simply on the basis of public sentiment, pressure or demands, however strongly expressed.

This should not be understood as the Commission seeking to shield any individual from accountability. On the contrary, the best protection against impunity is a fair, independent and lawful process that establishes the facts and allows the appropriate institution to make a determination based on evidence and the law.

The NHRC has consistently maintained that it has zero tolerance for hate speech, tribalism, religious intolerance and discrimination, regardless of who makes the statement or which community is affected. The Commission has conducted and published a study on hate speech, engaged political parties and other stakeholders on the dangers of divisive rhetoric, and has undertaken national advocacy and dialogue aimed at promoting tolerance, peaceful coexistence and social cohesion.

Our commitment to these principles must be consistent. We must be prepared to condemn hate speech, tribalism, religious intolerance and discrimination wherever they occur and regardless of who is responsible. Human rights and equality cannot be applied selectively.

We therefore respectfully appeal to members of the public to allow the NHRC to discharge its mandate and follow the due process required by law. The Commission will consider the findings and recommendations of the Directorate of Legal and Investigation when they are presented and will take whatever action falls within its mandate and is justified by the facts and the law.

The fact that the Commission has not yet made a public determination should not be interpreted as inaction. Investigating a complaint, establishing the facts and following due process are themselves essential parts of the pursuit of accountability and justice.

We thank members of the public for their vigilance and for holding institutions accountable. We only ask that the NHRC be afforded the same opportunity that we would expect any other institution to have: the opportunity to establish the facts, apply the law fairly and arrive at a considered and impartial determination, notwithstanding the sentiments and emotions that may surround the matter.

The NHRC remains committed to protecting the rights and dignity of all persons in The Gambia and to promoting a society founded on equality, non-discrimination, tolerance, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.

Emmanuel Daniel Joof
Chairperson
National Human Rights Commission of The Gambia

25/08/2026

PUBLIC STATEMENT FROM THE MOVEMENT FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE

The Movement for Social Justice calls on the Government of The Gambia to urgently legislate a law criminalizing tribal discrimination, tribal hatred, and hate speech targeting any tribe or ethnic community.

For years, The Gambia has witnessed tribalist and racist remarks from various political and public figures, including imams, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, members of the National Human Rights Commission, and individuals within the executive branch. Such statements are dangerous to our national cohesion and threaten the peace and stability of our country.

We strongly condemn the recent tribalist and racist comments attributed to two spiritual leaders and imams. Religious and community leaders have a responsibility to promote peace, tolerance, unity, and respect among all Gambians, regardless of their ethnic background.

We reiterate our call for the resignation of the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Seedy Njie, and the resignation of National Human Rights Commission Commissioner Imam Baba Leigh over their conduct and statements, which we believe are inconsistent with the responsibilities and standards expected of public officials entrusted with protecting national unity and human rights.

We also call on the United Democratic Party (UDP) to publicly and unequivocally condemn the statements attributed to Imam Sanyang and make clear that tribalism, racism, and hate speech have no place in our political discourse, regardless of political affiliation.

The Gambia belongs to all Gambians. No tribe is superior to another, and no political interest should ever be placed above our national unity.

We therefore urge the Government, the National Assembly, political parties, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and all citizens to reject tribalism, racism, and hate speech and work together to protect the peace and social cohesion of our nation.

Movement for Social Justice

12/08/2026

Today, 12 August, is International Youth Day. The EF Small Centre joins Gambian youth in recalling Frantz Fanon’s clarion call: “Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfil it, or betray it.”

We call on the youth of The Gambia to discover and fulfil their historic mission to their people and country, just as Edward Francis Small, Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, P.S. Njie, I.M. Garba-Jahumpa, Pa Sanjally Bojang, and our other founding fathers and mothers did before them.

The future is not something to wait for. The youth are the leaders of today and tomorrow. Be the change!

09/08/2026

09/08/2026

The security head 🗣️

09/08/2026

PUBLIC STATEMENT FROM THE MOVEMENT FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE

Respect for the Gambian People and Accountability in Public Office

The Movement for Social Justice is issuing this statement following allegations concerning an incident involving Ebrima Dibba, in which the First Lady allegedly confronted him over information she had heard from other people then she was alleged trying to prevent his vehicle from accessing the ferry alongside with vehicles.

Whether the First Lady personally ordered such an action or not, any attempt by anyone connected to the President or senior government officials including the President or his family to use public authority or privilege to intimidate, harass, or discriminate against an ordinary citizen is unacceptable.

This is precisely the type of behavior Gambians experienced under the former Yahya Jammeh administration for 22 years. We must not allow such a culture of arrogance, entitlement, intimidation, or abuse of public authority to return under any government.

The President and his family must understand that public office is a position of service, not superiority. The President and his family are supported by the Gambian people and by public resources. Therefore, they have a responsibility to treat every Gambian with dignity, respect, and equality.

The Gambian people will no longer tolerate oppression, intimidation, or any form of political or social supremacy. No individual, regardless of their position, family connection, wealth, or political influence, should consider themselves above the law or above the people.

The Movement for Social Justice calls for this matter to be addressed transparently and responsibly. Allegations of abuse of privilege or public authority must be taken seriously, investigated where necessary, and prevented from becoming a pattern.

The Gambia belongs to its people. Government exists to serve the people not to dominate them.

We will continue to stand firmly against oppression, abuse of power, impunity, and any form of supremacy over the Gambian people.

15/07/2026

15/07/26
PUBLIC STATEMENT

The Movement for Social Justice (MSJ-4) has taken note of the public exchanges regarding the allegations involving GALA's Public Relations Officer, Mr. Omar Camara, and Dr. Ceesay concerning funds reportedly allocated for a water project intended to benefit students.

As an organization committed to transparency, accountability, and the protection of the public interest, we believe these allegations deserve a fair, impartial, and thorough investigation. While every individual is entitled to the presumption of innocence, allegations involving the handling of public or donor funds should never be ignored, particularly when they have the potential to undermine public confidence.

We therefore respectfully call on the leadership of GALA to institute an independent investigation into the matter to establish the facts. If the circumstances warrant it, we further urge GALA to consider temporarily suspending Mr. Omar Camara from his role as Public Relations Officer while the investigation is ongoing. Such a measure should not be interpreted as a finding of guilt but rather as a demonstration of GALA's commitment to accountability, integrity, and good governance.

Organizations that advocate for transparency and hold others accountable must also be prepared to subject themselves to the same standards. Taking prompt and appropriate action will help preserve GALA's credibility and reassure the public that no individual is above scrutiny.

The Movement for Social Justice calls on all parties to cooperate fully with any investigation and to avoid inflammatory rhetoric while due process takes its course. We remain committed to promoting justice, accountability, and responsible leadership in the interest of all citizens.

Movement for Social Justice (MSJ-4)
Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice
I love Basse Gambia
Askanwi
Global DAILY News

13/07/2026

PUBLIC STATEMENT

The Movement for Social Justice (MSJ-4) calls on the Government of The Gambia to act in the best interests of taxpayers by avoiding any situation that results in the payment of two Auditor General salaries over a prolonged period of five years. Public funds are scarce and should be managed with the highest level of responsibility, transparency, and accountability.

At a time when ordinary Gambians are struggling to access quality healthcare, education, and other essential public services, it is difficult to justify the unnecessary expenditure of millions of dalasis on duplicate salary obligations. Across the country, many elderly citizens and persons living with disabilities continue to face hardship in meeting their basic needs, while numerous communities still lack reliable access to clean drinking water, adequate sanitation, electricity, and other essential infrastructure.

The government has a duty to ensure that every dalasi collected from taxpayers is spent wisely and in a manner that maximizes public benefit. Public resources should be directed toward improving the lives of citizens rather than creating avoidable financial burdens on the national treasury.

MSJ-4 therefore urges the relevant authorities to pursue lawful and practical solutions that protect the public purse while respecting the rule of law and the rights of all parties involved. Good governance requires decisions that are legally sound, fiscally responsible, and always guided by the best interests of the Gambian people.

09/07/2026

The Movement for Social Justice (MSJ-4) expresses its disappointment with the recent Supreme Court ruling concerning the removal of the Auditor General.

The Movement argues that if the Court found the Auditor General’s removal to be unconstitutional, the appropriate remedy should have been his reinstatement to office rather than ordering the government to continue paying his salary and allowances until his retirement in 2031 while he remains out of office, in addition to awarding him D4 million in damages.

Such a ruling places an unnecessary financial burden on taxpayers, who may effectively be required to fund the salaries and benefits of two Auditor Generals at the same time. If the removal was unconstitutional, the former Auditor General could have been reinstated, continued receiving his regular salary for performing his duties, and been awarded reasonable legal costs or other appropriate compensation.

The Movement believes that public funds must be protected and that judicial remedies should, wherever legally possible, correct constitutional violations without creating an avoidable and prolonged financial burden on taxpayers.

The Movement for Social Justice therefore respectfully disagrees with the remedy granted by the Court and maintains that reinstatement would have better served both constitutional justice and the public interest.

26/06/2026

The Movement for Social Justice (MSJ-4)expresses deep concern over the serious allegations that Ousainou Bojang was subjected to torture while in state custody after being accused of the murder of two police officers. Mr. Bojang was later found not guilty by the court.

His acquittal raises important questions about the treatment he allegedly endured during his detention. If the allegations of torture are substantiated, they would constitute a grave violation of the Constitution of The Gambia, the rule of law, and the country’s obligations under international human rights law.

No person should ever be subjected to torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, regardless of the nature of the accusations against them. The presumption of innocence and the right to due process are fundamental principles of justice. Torture is unlawful and has no place in a democratic society.

The Movement for Social Justice therefore calls for:

* An immediate, independent, transparent, and impartial investigation into the allegations that Ousainou Bojang was tortured while in custody.
* The immediate suspension of Commissioner of Operations Lamin Sowe from active duty while the investigation is ongoing, to preserve public confidence in the process.
* If the investigation finds sufficient evidence that Commissioner Lamin Sowe authorized, committed, or participated in acts of torture, we call for his dismissal from the Gambia Police Force and his prosecution in accordance with Gambian law.
* Accountability for any other officers found to have been involved in the alleged abuse.
* Comprehensive reforms within the security services to ensure that torture is never tolerated and that all detainees’ rights are protected.

Justice is not only about prosecuting those accused of crimes—it is also about ensuring that law enforcement officers respect the law they are sworn to uphold. No public official should be above the law, and every allegation of torture deserves a thorough and impartial investigation.

The Movement for Social Justice remains steadfast in its commitment to defending human rights, promoting accountability, and advocating for a Gambia where justice is guided by evidence, due process, and respect for human dignity.

Movement for Social Justice (MSJ-4)
“Justice, Equality, and Accountability for All.”