18/08/2025
rising tide of
The 's - on and has ended with a resounding call to action, as leaders from across society warned that rising intolerance and polarisation could unravel the country's fragile peace if left unchecked.
Held on 29 July at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, the high-level convergence brought together government officials, religious leaders, traditional chiefs, civil society and international partners. Convened under the project Strengthening the National Infrastructure for Peace to Promote Social Cohesion in The Gambia; funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund and implemented by UNESCO, UNDP and the International Trade Centre, the gathering could not have been more timely.
For generations, The Gambia has been celebrated as a haven of harmony where Muslims, Christians and practitioners of traditional religions lived side by side, bound not only by faith but also by kinship, neighbourhood and friendship. But that social fabric, once the country's strongest asset, is fraying under the strain of divisive politics, unchecked social media rhetoric, and the growing misuse of religion and ethnicity as weapons of discord.
“This convergence is not only timely but necessary,” declared Emmanuel Daniel Joof, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, which co-hosted the conference with UNESCO. He painted a stark picture: “We are witnessing worrying trends; polarisation, intolerance, and the disturbing rise in hate speech, often cloaked in religious and tribal rhetoric.” He cautioned that the democratic gains secured since the country's transitional justice process began in 2017 were now under threat from this escalating trend, amplified by political opportunists and digital platforms operating without restraint.
The alarm was echoed by both the President of the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council, Sheikh Alhajie Essa Darboe, and the head of the Christian Council, Bishop James Bannie Manga, who reminded participants that both Islam and Christianity firmly reject divisive speech and incitement to violence. Their message was clear: religious leaders, wielding profound influence over millions, must not only refrain from fuelling intolerance but actively counter it.
The dangers of hate speech were underscored by Yvonne Masarakufa, Senior Human Rights Advisor at the UN Resident Coordinator's Office. She dispelled the widespread misconception that hate speech falls under freedom of expression. “Hate speech undermines human rights, exacerbates division, and erodes the very fabric of democratic societies,” she warned. “It is not free speech.” She pointed to the UN's Strategy and Plan of Action on Hate Speech, which recognises it as a threat to peace, development and human dignity, calling for stronger legislation, early warning systems, and most importantly, sustained dialogue like this.
From the rural heartlands, Alpha Khan, Chief of Jokadu District, reminded Gambians that hate speech is not just a legal matter but a moral one. “Silence is not an option,” he said. “We must speak up to ensure the Smiling Coast we knew is restored; the Smiling Coast where we lived in peace despite our diversity.”
The role of leaders, religious, traditional and political, was repeatedly stressed. Their words carry weight, their guidance shapes attitudes, and their silence can legitimise hate. As Mr Joof passionately argued: “Your voice can fuel hate, but it can also be a shield for the oppressed and a balm for the wounded. You are the champions we need for religious tolerance and unity. Preach peace in your sermons, denounce hate in your gatherings, and remind followers that our faiths are rooted in compassion and justice.”
The urgency of the message was backed by sobering data. The 2024 Conflict and Development Analysis for The Gambia found deep societal divisions increasingly manifesting through hate speech, sometimes spilling into violence. An NHRC assessment the same year revealed that not only politicians but also religious leaders and social media influencers were among the chief perpetrators of hate rhetoric. Victims cited political affiliation, ethnicity and religion as the primary grounds for attack.
The conference thus served as both a warning and a rallying cry. At stake is more than just civil discourse; it is the nation's cohesion and future stability. The Gambia's hard-won democratic gains and its reputation as the “Smiling Coast of Africa” could be irreparably damaged if hate speech continues unchecked.
The gathering ended on a hopeful note, with participants affirming that by uniting against hate speech, Gambians can preserve the pluralistic, tolerant society that has long defined the country. But the consensus was equally clear: words matter, silence is dangerous, and the time to act is now.
