Tombong Saidy, UDP Communications
By Tombong Saidy – UDP
In a move that raises serious concerns about the politicization of religion, President Adama Barrow and his KERENG KAFFOO government recently inaugurated the National Muslim Elders Advisory Council (NMEAC), a body that not only duplicates the functions of the Supreme Islamic Council (SIC) and the Banjul Muslim Elders, but also appears to be a calculated strategy to coopt religious leaders for political gain.
The NMEAC, established in September 2023, claims to serve as a religious advisory body to the government. However, its mandate suspiciously overlaps with that of the Supreme Islamic Council, the highest Islamic authority in The Gambia, as well as other longstanding Muslim bodies like the Banjul Muslim Elders and the Majalis.
Why create a parallel structure when these well-respected institutions already exist? The answer is simple: control.
President Barrow’s sudden generosity—donating a vehicle and promising funds to the NMEAC—raises red flags. This is not about fostering national unity; it is about buying influence. By handpicking imams and elders loyal to his government, Barrow is attempting to:
- Divide the Muslim Community – Creating a rival body undermines the Supreme Islamic Council and weakens the collective voice of Gambian Muslims.
- Use Religion for Political Survival – Just as Yahya Jammeh exploited religious leaders, Barrow is now following the same playbook, turning imams into political tools ahead of 2026 elections.
- Silence Criticism – The infamous “veil threat” at State House during Eid celebrations was a stark reminder of how this government intimidates religious leaders who refuse to toe the line.
Gambians must not forget how Jammeh weaponized religion to cling to power. Now, Barrow is taking a similar path by:
- Bribing religious leaders with vehicles and financial incentives.
- Undermining existing Islamic structures to create a puppet council.
- Exploiting faith to legitimize his political agenda.
Muslim leaders must resist being used as political pawns. The Supreme Islamic Council, Majalis, and Banjul Muslim Elders should publicly reject this divide-and-rule tactic. The UDP and Gambians demand:
- Transparency on why public funds are being diverted to a redundant body.
- Respect for existing Islamic institutions instead of creating parallel structures.
- An end to the politicization of religion for selfish gains.
President Barrow and his KERENG KAFFOO must leave politics out of religion. The Gambia’s Muslim community is not for sale.
Enough is enough!
TOMBONG SAIDY
UDP ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY FOR MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION