Hate Speech: A Threat to Peaceful Coexistence and Religious Tolerance

The Commission held a meeting in May 2024 with Rashad Hussain, United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, Imam Mohamed Magid, Executive Religious Director of All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) Center in Sterling, Virginia, USA and Dr. Mohamed Elsanousi, Executive Director of the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers. The delegation was accompanied by the US Ambassador to The Gambia, Ambassador Cromer, and some members of her staff.

NHRC staff and delegation of the US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom

The discussions centered on religious tolerance, human rights issues and the Marrakesh Declaration which was adopted at the International Conference on the Rights of Minorities in predominantly Muslim societies, held in Marrakesh, Morocco, in January 2016. The Declaration emphasizes the importance of protecting the rights of religious minorities, particularly within Islamic societies, and affirms principles of freedom of religion and equality under the law.

Historically, The Gambia has been a beacon of ethnic and religious tolerance in West Africa, with adherents of various faiths coexisting peacefully. The tradition of mutual respect and harmony is deeply embedded in Gambian society. However, in recent years, the increasing prevalence of hate speech, especially on social media, and the emergence of religious, political and tribal bigotries threaten the peace and harmonious co-existence.

Speaking at the meeting, the Chairperson of the NHRC, Mr. Emmanuel D. Joof, emphasized the peaceful coexistence in The Gambia, especially between Christians and Muslims.

“Religious intolerance has never been an issue in the country.  We co-relate on different areas. The proliferation of social media has become a breeding ground for hate speech, allowing individuals to spread misinformation and incite hatred with little accountability. This is a serious threat to peace in The Gambia. Therefore, we must fight against hate speech and all forms of bigotry”, stated Mr. Joof.

Imam Muhammed Magid mentioned that Islam is a religion of peace and has always protected the rights of minorities who live in countries where the majority are Muslims. He also stated that female circumcision is not a religious obligation.

Dr. Muhammed Elsanousi stressed the significance of the Marrakesh Declaration which seeks to address issues related to religious intolerance and minority rights, important steps towards fostering pluralism, stability, and harmony in diverse societies.