Gambia’s Information Minister, Dr Ismaila Ceesay, has come under fire from the Senegalese diaspora after suggesting that some countries regret voting out their “hardworking leaders.”

In an interview with West Coast Radio, Dr Ceesay warned Gambians to be careful of what he called “impulsive liars” who make impossible promises.

“We have seen countries in our subregion do it and regret it now. I don’t need to name names,” he said.

Many Senegalese interpreted his remarks as a veiled reference to their country, which voted out former President Macky Sall.

Supporters of the Sonko-Diomaye administration slammed Ceesay’s comments as “disrespectful” and “misleading.”

Among the most vocal critics is US-based Senegalese, Ousman Tunkara, who accused Dr Ceesay of trying to manipulate public opinion.

“Our Minister of Foreign Affairs should issue a strong statement against this disrespect towards our leaders,” he said.

“Senegal is more stable and progressing now than before. Our people are happier.”

The interview has stirred heated debate online, with critics accusing Ceesay of meddling in another country’s politics, while his supporters defend him for speaking generally about governance in the region.

Dr Ceesay has yet to respond to the backlash.

By Adama Makasuba