Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) has called for the immediate dismissal of The Gambia’s ambassador to South Africa, Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay, following the circulation of a WhatsApp audio in which she is alleged to have made inflammatory remarks about United Democratic Party.

In the audio, which surfaced on 17 May, Ambassador Jahumpa Ceesay reportedly directed insults at members of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and spread misinformation about Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA), a civil society movement focused on anti-corruption efforts.

EFSCRJ condemned the comments as “uncultured, unprovoked, and dangerous,” warning that such rhetoric could inflame political tensions and threaten national unity.

“Fatoumatta Jahumpa Ceesay’s remarks are unbecoming of a diplomat and former Speaker of the National Assembly. Her statements reflect a serious lapse in judgment and leadership,” EFSCRJ said in a statement issued on Monday.

The organisation is urging President Adama Barrow to immediately relieve Ms. Jahumpa Ceesay of her diplomatic duties, citing gross misconduct and damage to the integrity of the foreign service.

EFSCRJ also called on the National Assembly to summon Foreign Minister Dr. Mamadou Tangara for a review of ethical standards in the foreign service, amid what it described as recurring diplomatic scandals.

The group further called on the APRC party to discipline Ms. Jahumpa Ceesay and on the Inter-Party Committee to condemn the remarks and uphold standards of civility in political discourse.

“Her comments are not only an attack on UDP members but a betrayal of the democratic values we expect from our public officials. No leader should be allowed to sow discord among Gambians,” EFSCRJ added.

By Adama Makasuba