Malagen’s Media Monitoring has flagged a supporter of the United Democratic Party (UDP) for making hate-inciting remarks against Talib Bensouda, Mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC). The individual’s identity could not be verified, but the statements were made in a 33-minute video uploaded on the YouTube channel “UDP TV & Media TV,” which has thousands of followers.

Malagen reviewed and translated the video, documenting several instances of religiously charged and misleading claims (without evidence) that could inflame division and undermine peaceful coexistence among Gambians.

What Was Said and Why It Matters

Comment 1:
“Talib prefers Christianity over Islam and will not protect the Islamic faith if elected president.”

Context:
This claim foments hate  and is dangerous , while failing to provide evidence. The presidency is not a position for Muslims or Christians alone; it is a constitutional office for all Gambians. Framing leadership through a religious lens fosters exclusion and mistrust in a country that has enjoyed longstanding peaceful religious coexistence.

Comment 2:
“When Talib became Mayor, he nominated only a Christian, Nenneh Gomez, as a councillor and no Muslim.”

Context:
This statement is false and misleading. Mayor Bensouda nominated both Nenneh Freda Gomez and MC Cham Jr, reflecting the Council’s commitment to diversity in terms of religion, gender, and minorities. Presenting governance decisions as religious favouritism risks deepening division between Muslims and Christians, especially as the country approaches the 2026 presidential elections.

Comment 3:
“If Talib becomes president, Gambians will regret it because he will turn the country into a Lebanese territory.”

Context:
This remark is xenophobic and false. Talib Bensouda is a Gambian citizen, not a Lebanese . Such rhetoric undermines national unity and may encourage prejudice an discrimination against Gambians of Lebanese descent or those perceived as “outsiders.”

Analysis

According to a survey by the National Human Rights Commission of The Gambia, political figures and their supporters are responsible for approximately 86% of hate speech incidents. This trend is deeply concerning, especially as The Gambia heads toward what is expected to be a highly competitive 2026 presidential election.

Religious hate speech not only polarizes voters but also threatens the country’s longstanding social harmony and stability. As political tensions rise, the normalization of such rhetoric online can lead to real-world harm and erode public trust in institutions.

Recommendations

Political Parties: The UDP and all political parties should educate,caution and sanction their supporters for spreading hate speech and misinformation. Party leaders must lead by example in promoting tolerance and responsible discourse.

Independent Electoral Commission (IEC): The IEC should develop and enforce clear hate speech guidelines for political actors ahead of the 2026 elections.

The Inter-Party Committee should adopt codes of conduct on political discourse with severe penalties for hate speech. 

Citizens: Gambians should refrain from sharing or endorsing divisive content and instead engage in respectful and issue-based political discussions.

Conclusion:

The Gambia has long been celebrated for its peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians who pray differently but live side by side in mutual respect. This harmony is a national treasure that must be protected at all costs.

As the country approaches another pivotal election, safeguarding the peace and unity that define the nation is crucial. Hate speech,especially when rooted in religion poses a direct threat to democracy, stability, and peaceful coexistence.

Political figureheads and their supporters must not allow partisan interests to sow seeds of division. The responsibility to counter hate speech and preserve The Gambia’s social fabric lies not only with institutions but with every citizen.

Malagen Media Monitoring will continue to track and expose language that endangers public trust and social cohesion  because safeguarding our democracy begins with safeguarding our words.

Report to Us:

If you come across hate speech, misinformation, or disinformation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at editor.malagen@gmail.com or call 3834715