06/04/2026
My response to Seedy Njie
I have taken note of the statement issued by Deputy Speaker Seedy Njie regarding the leaked audio recording in which he made deeply troubling remarks about the Mandinka community. While he attempted to portray himself as a victim of misinterpretation, his own statement and apology reveal a different reality.
First and foremost, it is important to note that Mr. Njie was unable to deny the authenticity of any part of the audio recording. His admission and subsequent apology are clear acknowledgements that the statements attributed to him were indeed made. Therefore, his claim that public concerns and accusations of tribalism are without basis is simply not true. Gambians have heard the recording for themselves and are capable of drawing their own conclusions.
What stands out most in Mr. Njie's statement is his apparent concern about the potential political consequences of his remarks, particularly how they may be perceived by President Adama Barrow and what impact they could have on his position and personal interests. Rather than demonstrating genuine remorse for the offence caused to thousands of Gambians, his statement appears primarily focused on damage control and self-preservation.
Despite acknowledging the warm reception accorded to him and his delegation during their visit to Sare Gainako, Mr. Njie shamelessly chose to victimise me—one of the very individuals who contributed to that hospitality. This conduct is not only disappointing but also speaks to a pattern that many people have privately raised with me over the years.
My experience is not unique. Following the threats made against me by Adama Njie, numerous people from Nianija reached out to express their apologies and solidarity. Many also shared concerns regarding what they described as Seedy Njie's divisive approach to politics and his tendency to victimise individuals who hold views different from his own. According to them, several people have suffered similar treatment over the years.
Mr. Njie also stated that he intervened with the Director General of GRTS to ensure that I was not dismissed from my position. However, he failed to explain to Gambians on what legitimate grounds I could have been dismissed in the first place. Such a statement raises more questions than answers and suggests the existence of undue influence that should concern every citizen who values fairness and professionalism.
Furthermore, Mr. Njie's assertion that he left Sare Gainako happy is difficult to reconcile with the facts. He departed the village without informing anyone, including myself, simply because the Kanifing Municipal Council Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda was invited to the event. This behaviour hardly reflects the conduct of someone who was genuinely pleased with the occasion.
Mr. Njie describes himself as a unifier and a peacemaker rather than a tribalist. I will leave that judgement to the Gambian people. The audio recording is in the public domain, and every citizen has the opportunity to listen to his own words and assess whether they reflect unity, tolerance, and national cohesion.
I have confidence in the wisdom and intelligence of the Gambian people. No public official should assume that citizens cannot distinguish between sincere leadership and political convenience.
I therefore call upon President Adama Barrow and the relevant authorities to take appropriate disciplinary action regarding this matter before divisive rhetoric causes further damage to our national unity and social cohesion.
As for me, I remain firmly committed to the ideals of peace, national unity, justice, and equal respect for all Gambians regardless of ethnicity, region, religion, or political affiliation.
Omar P. Jallow
Journalist and Citizen
