Amid mounting criticism, Mballow has issued a public apology, expressing remorse and clarifying that his words were never intended to sow division.
Speaking in an audio message earlier this week, Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) leader Mamma Kandeh accused Mballow and journalist Mariama Jallow of Taranga FM of attempting to manipulate the Fula community for political gain. Kandeh described their actions as reckless and warned that exploiting tribal identity could destabilise the country.
He criticised what he called efforts to “use Fulas ahead of elections”, adding that immigration issues affecting residents should be addressed through institutional channels rather than tribal rhetoric. “I am a Fula myself, but I refuse to be used for tribal politics,” Kandeh declared, urging citizens not to allow themselves to be divided.
The UDP echoed these concerns in a strongly worded statement released on Sunday. Signed by UDP Administrative Secretary for Media and Communication, Tombong Saidy, the party condemned Mballow’s comments during a gathering in Bakoteh on August 17, labelling them as “tribalist and inflammatory”.
According to the UDP, Mballow’s remarks violated the Constitution, his oath of office, and the principles of national unity. The statement accused the National People’s Party (NPP) of pursuing a pattern of tribal politics, calling it “the most tribalist political party in The Gambia today”.
The party urged the Inspector General of Police and the Minister for Interior to investigate and prosecute Mballow under the Criminal Offences Act, warning that failure to act would amount to complicity. It also called on the National Human Rights Commission, ECOWAS, the United Nations, and foreign embassies to take note of what it described as “dangerous rhetoric from senior officials of the NPP government”.
Faced with growing public outrage, Saihou Mballow issued a personal apology, admitting that some of his remarks during the sensitisation forum organised by journalist Mariama Jallow had been “perceived as tribal rhetoric”.
In his statement, Mballow explained that the forum was intended to educate members of the Fula community; many of Guinean origin on documentation, naturalisation and civic obligations. He said his words had been misinterpreted but acknowledged that they fell short of the standards expected of a presidential adviser.
“To anyone who felt hurt or offended by my remarks, I offer my deepest and most sincere apologies,” Mballow said. “I accept full responsibility and assure Gambians that I abhor tribalism and will never condone it in any form.”
He pledged to be more careful in future public engagements, ensuring that his contributions promote unity and inclusivity.
As the controversy continues to stir political debate, both Kandeh and the UDP have urged Gambians to remain vigilant against attempts to divide the nation along tribal lines. Mballow, meanwhile, has called for forgiveness, stressing that his error should not overshadow his commitment to peace and national unity