The Attorney General and Justice Minister, Abubacarr Tambadou, has said that Gambians should be more responsible in their criticism of the government while using social media.

Tambadou said the unjustified attacks on government officials should stop adding that the country was losing out in attracting competent Gambians who were shying away from public service due to the toxic nature of the public discourse.

“It is an honour and privilege to serve one’s country and democracy gives you no right to insult or abuse those who do or their parents. It is unacceptable even by the standards of our own cultural norms and values.

“We welcome criticism because it makes us provide better service to you and it is unavoidable in public office, but criticism can and should be constructive and healthy. If we do not stop the unjustified personal and disparaging attacks on those holding public office, we risk depriving our country of its fullest potential.

“I say this because I have had instances when I have approached some competent, decent and honest individuals for work, and after consulting with their families, they turned down the offers simply because they felt that working in public office in The Gambia these days exposes them and their family members to disrespect and unnecessary ridicule on social media. So this has to stop! I am sure that I too will receive insults and abuses for even saying this today.”

Tambadou, who was speaking during the opening of the 2019 legal year on Sunday, said the government was committed to rebuilding democracy in the country and that it would safeguard the freedoms “we all enjoy today.”

He added: “There is no intention whatsoever to re-establish dictatorship in this country and that those who may have concerns about emerging signs are simply confusing innocent mistakes with sinister intentions.”