The National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) has issued a strong warning against hate speech, ethnic polarisation, and political intolerance as The Gambia prepares for its December 5 presidential election. The council urged citizens to safeguard national unity and ensure peaceful participation as political activity intensifies.
Speaking at a two-day civic education and community dialogue held at Ocean Bay Hotel, NCCE Chairman Momodou A. Sise cautioned that the rapid spread of unverified information on digital platforms poses risks to social cohesion. He stressed that elections should be contests of ideas and policies, not battlegrounds for insults, character assassination, or divisive rhetoric.
“Words have meaning,” Mr. Sise said, warning that inflammatory language could deepen divisions and damage the country’s social fabric. He called on community leaders to extend the dialogue beyond the training venue by engaging residents and encouraging dispute resolution before conflicts escalate.
The event, themed “Electoral Readiness, Rights Awareness and Peaceful Participation,” brought together community leaders, women, youth, and security personnel to strengthen civic engagement and promote peace. Mr. Sise also urged journalists to verify information before publication and avoid amplifying voices that seek to spread division or panic.
Commissioner Ansumana Kinteh, head of the Gambia Police Force’s Human Rights and Professional Standards Unit, reminded security officers of their duty to remain impartial. He warned that partisan conduct could heighten tensions and erode public trust in the police. “Your affiliation must remain within yourself,” he told officers, stressing that respect for human rights must guide all security responses.
UNDP Resident Representative Mandisa Mashologu emphasised that peaceful elections depend on strong institutions, informed citizens, and communities equipped to prevent violence. She identified misinformation, intolerance, and violence against women in public life as major threats to inclusive democratic participation. Ms. Mashologu underscored the importance of ensuring that women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other under-represented groups can participate freely and safely.
The training, supported by the Government of Japan under the Japan Supplementary Budget Project, forms part of efforts to strengthen the rule of law and promote community-led security initiatives. According to the NCCE, the engagement is designed to boost civic awareness and encourage responsible participation ahead of the December polls.
