Prominent Islamic scholar and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member Imam Baba Leigh has issued a public apology after intense criticism of his comments describing members of the Mandinka ethnic group as “always angry.”
In a clarification statement released on Sunday, the prominent religious leader said his remarks, made during a TikTok discussion, were taken out of context and were never meant as a generalization about the Mandinka people. He stressed that he was speaking strictly in a personal capacity and not on behalf of the NHRC or any other institution.
“I regret that my comments have caused hurt, anger or offence, particularly among members of the Mandinka community,” Leigh said. “The discussion has, unfortunately, been taken out of context in ways that were not intended and which do not reflect the purpose or outcome I had in mind.”
The comments triggered widespread social media criticism and accusations of tribalism. Leigh firmly rejected those claims. “I categorically reject tribalism and discrimination in all its forms. I am not a tribalist, and I do not believe in tribalism,” he stated. “Throughout my public life, I have consistently advocated for peace, unity, equality, respect for diversity and the protection of the rights and dignity of all Gambians, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, political affiliation or background.”
He clarified that his observation referred only to the tone of certain online discussions. “The observation I was expressing was based on what I have personally observed regarding what I perceived to be a high level of anger and frustration in the messaging, discussions and public discourse of some individuals within certain Mandinka messaging and discussion groups,” Leigh explained. “My comments were therefore intended to reflect an observation about the tone of some of these discussions, and were not intended to characterize the Mandinka people as a whole.”
Leigh emphasized that he was not representing his mosque, any political party, or the NHRC. “I also wish to make it absolutely clear that I was speaking strictly in my personal capacity… I was not representing the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), nor was I speaking on behalf of the Commission or in my official capacity as a Commissioner.”
He ended with a call for calm: “I therefore appeal for calm and understanding. My personal observations should not be attributed to the NHRC or construed as representing the position of the Commission.” Leigh reaffirmed his commitment to peace, national unity, human rights and respect for every community in The Gambia.
