We have received with concern the announcement by the Gambia Police Force that a senior officer, ASP Binta Njie is undergoing ‘administrative action’ following her comments on social media. In the wake of the Masembeh by-elections, one Baboucarr Bahoum, a known pro-Barrow supporter posted a statement on social media on Saturday February 22 saying, ‘The most ungrateful people in this country is the people of Kiang…:
As a native of Kiang, Binta expressed concern on her personal Facebook page at Bahoum’s comments, noting that, “In every democratic society, political disagreements are natural. However, when these disagreements turn into insults against entire communities, the consequences extend far beyond political debates, they threaten national unity and security.” She concluded by stating that, “Moving forward, we must encourage responsible speech, promote inclusive political engagement, and hold those who incite division accountable. The best interest of The Gambia or any nation, lies not in sowing discord but in fostering unity, respect, and collective progress.”
EF Small Centre, as an organization dedicated to promoting republicanism and democracy, totally concurs with the sentiments of Officer Njie. We find her statement mature, apt, measured and necessary. We are of the view that such a statement should have in fact come from the Police itself earlier in response to the incendiary, irresponsible and derogatory comments by Bahoum.
In light of the above, we are therefore hugely concerned by the statement issued by the Office of the IGP on February 25, stating that, “While ASP Binta Njie has not been arrested or subjected to interrogation, the Police will handle the matter administratively in accordance with established disciplinary procedures.” Furthermore, at the Government’s Mansa Kunda press conference this morning, the IGP Seedy Muctarr Touray noted that the Police Act, the GPF Code of Conduct as well as the General Orders “do not permit serving members of the force to talk or interfere with the internal politics of the nation.”
We wish to state that Binta Njie’s comments do not constitute interference of any kind. We have reviewed the instruments mentioned by the IGP and do not find any provision or code that Binta’s comments have violated. While the Police are at liberty to undertake disciplinary measures, we wish to remind the IGP that such measures must be guided by the law and human rights standards and prevent any instance of victimization or unfair treatment.
We urge the IGP to update the public on the outcome of the ‘administrative action’.