Malagen has flagged a dehumanising remark made by Momodou Sabally, Special Adviser to President Adama Barrow, against opposition presidential candidate Essa Mbye Faal.

On 20 January 2026, Mr. Sabally, during an exclusive interview on Teledal TV’s YouTube channel, referred to Mr. Faal as a “vulture” while responding to a question about Mr. Faal’s political party.

At approximately one hour and nine minutes into the interview, Mr. Sabally used the term and further stated in Mandinka: “Can a vulture compare itself to a human being?” The remark reduces a political opponent to an animal, a form of language recognised as dehumanising and inconsistent with democratic discourse.

Why this matters

This statement is troubling because it uses dehumanising and stereotypical language that portrays political opponents as less than human. Such rhetoric falls under dangerous speech, which international standards warn can drive political polarization and increase the risk of hostility or violence specially in tense political environments.

Notably, this is not an isolated incident. In 2025, Malagen similarly flagged President Adama Barrow for referring to his political opponents as “vultures.” The recurrence of such language, now echoed by a senior presidential adviser, raises concerns about the normalisation of dehumanising rhetoric within the political space.

Context

The comment comes at a time when The Gambia is about 11 months away from the December 2026 presidential election, expected to be among the most hotly contested in the country’s recent political history. Political rhetoric has increasingly become charged, with insults and personal attacks shaping public discourse.

While the remark was made by a presidential adviser rather than the president himself, Mr Sabally’s proximity to the presidency lends his words added weight. Statements from senior government officials can influence public behaviour, shape political norms, and embolden supporters to mirror similar language.

Conclusion

Referring to a political opponent as a “vulture” goes beyond political banter. It reflects a pattern of dehumanising speech that risks escalating tensions ahead of a closely contested election.

Public figures, particularly those holding influential advisory roles within government, bear a responsibility to exercise restraint and uphold respectful, issue-based political engagement.