Imam Baba Leigh Backtracks, Expresses Regret Over Mandinka Comments Amid Public Backlash

By Hadram Hydara

Islamic scholar and National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member Imam Baba Leigh has issued a clarification statement following severe public backlash over recent remarks describing members of the Mandinka ethnic group as “always angry.”

In a clarification statement on Sunday, the prominent religious leader distanced his comments from his official post at the National Human Rights Commission, maintaining that his observations during a TikTok discussion were taken out of context and were not intended as a broader generalization of the Mandinka people.

“I regret that my comments have caused hurt, anger or offence, particularly among members of the Mandinka community. 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,” Imam Baba Leigh stated.

Addressing accusations of tribalism that sparked intense social media criticism, the commissioner strongly rejected claims that he holds ethnic bias. “I categorically reject tribalism and discrimination in all its forms. I am not a tribalist, and I do not believe in tribalism,” he said.

“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.”

The cleric clarified that his remarks were solely an observation of specific online commentary rather than the entire community.

“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,” he explained.

“My comments were therefore intended to reflect an observation about the tone of some of these discussions, and were not intended to characterise the Mandinka people as a whole.”

Emphasising that he was speaking in a private capacity, Imam Baba Leigh insisted that his statements should not reflect on the institutions he serves.

“I also wish to make it absolutely clear that I was speaking strictly in my personal capacity. Although I am a religious leader and an Imam, I was not representing my Mosque or religious community, and I was not speaking on behalf of any political party or political leader,” he said.

“I also wish to make it absolutely clear that 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.”

Concluding his message with an appeal for calm, the cleric reaffirmed his devotion to national harmony.

“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,” he noted, adding that he remains “committed to the values of peace, national unity, human rights and respect for every community that makes up our great nation, The Gambia.”