by Malick H.B Jallow Esq.
Recently, the attention of the public has been captivated by remarks of a tribal dimension
attributed to Imam Baba Leigh. Specifically Imam Leigh made comments deemed
derogatory towards the mandinka tribe.
It is noteworthy that Imam Leigh has since offered an unreserved apology to all. It is also
noteworthy that the National Human Rights Commission of the Gambia has issued a
statement announcing its investigation into the matter. This step is equally commendable in
light of Imam Leigh’s role as a front-line leader and commissioner of the said institution.
The message is clear: A leader of a human rights commission cannot be seen to be
violating fundamental rights and freedoms through the utterance of discriminatory tribal
rhetoric.
However, given Imam Leigh’s senior role within the institution, it is neither wise nor
reasonable to conduct that investigation from within and certainly not by individuals who for
all intents and purposes are subordinates of Imam Leigh within the institution.
Therefore if the NHRC investigation is to have any credibility, it must be conducted by an
external independent body with the mandate to conduct a full and frank inquiry and make
appropriate recommendations. A paramount target of the said investigation is to establish
whether Imam Leigh’s utterances have brought the name of the NHRC vis-à-vis his role as
Commissioner, into disrepute.
A National Human Rights Commission, by virtue of its calling, is legitimately expected to
demonstrate, and be seen to demonstrate, the highest standards of fairness and credibility
in all its operations!
