The Gambian President Adama Barrow has called on his National People’s Party (NPP) supporters to stand firm and fight anyone who insulted them. 

The president’s remarks were captured in a viral audio circulating on WhatsApp. The recording was made during the launch of NPP’s newly constructed political bureau in Badibu Kerewan, North Bank Region on Wednesday May 22, 2024. 

On May 9th, State House announced that President Barrow will embark on outside office activities to tour industrial areas and inaugurate rural health centres starting May 10 and returning on May 23. Such activities have already taken place as planned. 

Photo credit: State House of The Gambia Facebook page

What’s exactly did he say

In the audio shared with Malagen media monitoring, Barrow said: “I want to tell the NPP supporters that you don’t have to be afraid because you form the government as President Barrow alone can’t do it all. Whoever insulted you and broke the law, you all should get up and stand firm and fight, and I will be behind you to provide support. There cannot be two presidents in a country. And from today until 2026, President Barrow is the President of The Gambia.”

Why is the statement dangerous 

Given President Barrow’s status and influence, his comments have the potential to incite violent confrontations between supporters of his ruling party and the opposition. The suggestion that supporters can ‘fight back’ when ‘insulted or when laws are broken’ is concerning as it justifies vigilante actions and encourages supporters to take into their own hands matters that could be addressed through legal channels. 

Not the first time the president made such calls 

In May 2023 ahead of the Mayoral election, President Barrow held a rally to canvas for votes for his NPP chosen candidate Bakary Badjie who was contesting for Kanifing Municipality mayoral seat versus the incumbent Talib Ahmed Bensouda. 

At the rally, the president made the following claim which was identical to his recent statement: “And I will tell our boys that they are the ruling party and there is no reason to be scared. Why would an opposition supporter not be afraid of you and you as the supporter of the ruling party is afraid of that person? How will you be afraid? Everyone is behind you. If you look at the high table, all these people are important, holding key positions.,” said the President as he asked his supporters to fight any opposition supporters who challenged them. This comment was flagged by Malagen. 

 Conclusions

President Adama Barrow should be measured in his remarks and conduct himself in ways that are exemplary and can unify the people of the country. He should avoid any statement that can encourage people to act illegally and or irresponsibly.  

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This dangerous speech alert was published with the support from the UN Peacebuilding Fund through UNESCO Dakar office under the project: countering hate speech and promoting responsible digital citizenship in The Gambia. The project is being implemented by the Open Media Centre (OMC), the publisher of Malagen.