Hon. Sainey Jawara, the National Assembly member for Lower Saloum, has issued a public apology to the Mandinka and Lebanese communities, and others offended by recent remarks that drew a sharp backlash.
In a statement, Jawara said he deeply regretted his words and accepted full responsibility. He described the remarks as inappropriate and said he recognized that words spoken by someone in public life carry consequences.
“There is no excuse for what I said,” he wrote. “We are all human and capable of making mistakes, but acknowledging our mistakes and learning from them is part of becoming better individuals and better leaders.”
The apology follows criticism of comments attributed to Jawara during political activity linked to President Adama Barrow’s Meet the People Tour. Opposition figures and commentators accused speakers on the tour of using the platform to inflame ethnic tensions. The United Democratic Party said Jawara had singled out the Mandinka community, alleging that insults circulating on social media were largely coming from Mandinkas. Earlier remarks by Lands Minister Hamat N.K. Bah about the Lebanese community had already drawn condemnation, and Jawara’s statement addresses both groups.
Jawara said he had reflected on the matter and regretted allowing his emotions at the time to shape what he said. He insisted he respects all communities that call The Gambia home and remains committed to peace, unity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among Gambians.
“To everyone I have offended, I humbly ask for your forgiveness,” he said. “I cannot take back the words I said, but I can learn from this experience and ensure that I am more responsible and mindful of my words and actions going forward.”
He closed by repeating that he was truly sorry and hoped that, with time, those who were hurt would find it in their hearts to forgive him.
The episode adds to a wider argument over language used on the government’s tour, which the opposition has accused of becoming a stage for ethnic insults rather than a listening exercise.
Jawara’s apology is the clearest public retreat so far by a lawmaker drawn into that dispute.
