Ebrima L. Dampha, UNITE’s Diaspora Liaison and Spokesperson, has formally lodged a complaint with The Gambia’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) against Commissioner Imam Baba Leigh, accusing him of ethnic stereotyping and discriminatory remarks targeting the Mandinka community.
In a detailed letter to the NHRC Chairperson and members, Dampha cited remarks Leigh allegedly made during a TikTok discussion. Leigh is reported to have characterized Mandinkas as “angry people” who “get angry.” When challenged, Leigh reportedly did not deny the statement but sought to justify it by referencing claims from certain individuals he identified as Mandinkas that Fulas are not Gambians and should be deported.
Dampha emphasized that the comments are especially concerning because Leigh serves as a Commissioner of an institution charged with promoting human rights, combating discrimination, and upholding equality. “There is an important distinction between criticizing the conduct of identifiable individuals and ascribing negative characteristics to an entire ethnic group,” the complaint states. Dampha noted that the discussion was not centered on ethnicity, raising questions about why the Mandinka community was introduced.
The complaint invokes Chapter IV of the 1997 Constitution, particularly Sections 17 and 33 on equality before the law and the prohibition of discrimination on grounds including race, language, religion, and social origin. It also references the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2017, which requires Commissioners to be persons of high moral character, proven integrity, and a demonstrated record of respect for human rights.
Dampha has requested a full, impartial investigation, including review of the original recording, witness interviews, and examination of any subsequent statements by Leigh. He has offered to provide the audio in his possession and facilitate witness testimony. He further asked that Leigh be excluded from any proceedings on the matter due to conflict of interest under Section 18 of the Act, and that the Commission consider appropriate measures if the allegations are substantiated, including possible processes under Section 9 relating to removal for misconduct.
On Sunday, Dampha received a formal response from Basiru Bah, Director of Legal and Investigations at the NHRC. Bah confirmed receipt of the email and issues raised, stating: “The National Human Rights Commission is looking into the matter, and we will get back to you soon.” The reply was addressed to Dampha and copied to the Commissioners.
Dampha stressed that the complaint is not motivated by personal hostility but by the need to protect public confidence in the NHRC’s impartiality across all ethnic communities. The Commission’s investigation is ongoing.
