The EFSCRJ Election Watch has condemned remarks made by Minister of Local Governments and Lands Hamat Bah at President Adama Barrow’s rally in Farafenni.
In a statement issued on 28th September 2026, EFSCRJ Election Watch said it is “deeply concerned by remarks made by Minister of Local Governments and Lands Hamat Bah at President Adama Barrow’s rally in Farafenni on 26th September 2026. Bah warned against a ‘foreigner’ leading The Gambia and invoked Lebanon. In the context of the election, his remarks appear directed at Coalition 2026 candidate Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda and his Lebanese heritage.”
The group said Bah has also claimed that a UDP victory would lead to civil servants being dismissed and replaced by Gambians returning from the diaspora.
EFSCRJ Election Watch said it “condemns the use of ethnicity, ancestry, and fear as political weapons. These remarks risk stirring hostility against fellow Gambians, including citizens of Lebanese heritage and Gambians in the diaspora. Claims that entire ethnic communities could be expelled are especially dangerous. Political leaders must debate policies and records without casting doubt on anyone’s belonging in The Gambia.”
It expressed particular concern that “the Farafenni remarks were made in President Barrow’s presence without stopping Mr. Bah. The president has a responsibility to reject divisive rhetoric from those campaigning alongside him.”
The group also flagged “derogatory and disrespectful attacks on opposition figures, including Mayor Bensouda and UDP leader Ousainu Darboe, by other speakers, among them NPP deputy president and Minister of Agriculture Demba Sabally.
“EFSCRJ Election Watch called for Hamat Bah to withdraw his remarks, correct his unsupported claims, and make an unequivocal commitment to refrain from ethnic and xenophobic rhetoric and urged President Barrow should publicly reject such rhetoric and direct those campaigning on his behalf to respect the dignity and rights of every Gambian.”
“The IEC and the Inter-Party Committee should examine these remarks under the applicable electoral rules and agreed codes of conduct and take appropriate action within their mandates.”
It urged political parties and their leaders to hold speakers accountable for incitement, disinformation, intimidation, and dehumanising language.
“Civil society and other public voices should challenge these practices consistently, regardless of the party responsible.”
The group concluded: “The approaching election must be contested through ideas, policies, and evidence. No politician should gain an advantage by threatening communities or making Gambians fear one.